Talk to me about the blood bank.

[poiuytrewq]

* I have in absolutely no way shape or form decided this, It just occurred to me today it 'could' be a future idea.

I've googled, not a lot to read there. Searched on here and read quite a bit. It seems to me that horses have to be over 15.2, barefoot, sound, able to winter with no hard feed or rugs but do get hay, live in large grassy fields in herds and donate blood monthly. To me this sounds ok, however i also notice it seems a bit taboo and people don't like the idea very much. why?
I've also read that they are "sent for slaughter" at 15, but then also that you are offered them back. I suspect that's not true.
I do know someone who sent his horse and was happy with the situation at the time, a few years ago, but am no longer in touch to question them.

Not wanting to cause arguements or judging anyone who's used one either way please- just interested in finding out about it all and how it works.

 

[AmyMay]

@Birker2020 did quite a bit of research I believe.

 

[poiuytrewq]

@Birker2020 did quite a bit of research I believe.

Yes that was a thread I read. Wasn’t wanting to add to it and reopen an old discussion that got a bit tense at times.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

I’ve not looked into it to much myself but I believe that they only take on at certain times when they need more horses

 

[KittenInTheTree]

Call it what it is. The horses don't donate blood, as they are incapable of consent. They are farmed for their blood, just as dairy cattle are farmed for their milk. It's a business providing a necessary resource, not a happy ever after retirement home for the unwanted and/or unrideable.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Call it what it is. The horses don't donate blood, as they are incapable of consent. They are farmed for their blood, just as dairy cattle are farmed for their milk. It's a business providing a necessary resource, not a happy ever after retirement home for the unwanted and/or unrideable.

Yes maybe so, horses don’t give consent to anything we ask of them. I’m asking more about how it’s run/practicalities etc not personal opinion though.

 

[ycbm]

Spoiler: sorry, may upset owners who have had horses at a blood bank

My understanding is that the blood banks require ownership of the horse and they decide whether it lives or dies. You could sign it over and they could find 3 months later that the veins won't stand blood donation and the horse will be shot (injection costs would not be viable for the business).

I also believe they will not allow visits. And of course they are farmed animals for a business, they won't be getting any kisses and cuddles or even be groomed. Non-routine dental care and expensive vet treatment will be unlikely, because it's cheaper just to take another off the waiting list of people who can't face putting their horse to sleep. And although they won't be abused, any unwanted behaviour will be shut down in short order.

Nothing will be routinely medicated as they need the blood clean, so a horse that needs a bit of bute for arthritis will be in pain unnecessarily and one that might just need a bit of Prascend to avoid laminitis will be shot.

I would not send a horse to one, I would rather face up to PTS if that was the only other option. .

 

[Ceifer]

I wouldn’t send a horse there. It’s not a nice place.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I just don't like the idea of just not knowing how they are really kept and loosing that control of what happens to them, it would give me sleepless nights so for that reason it's just not for me.

 

[Zoeypxo]

I just don't like the idea of just not knowing how they are really kept and loosing that control of what happens to them, it would give me sleepless nights so for that reason it's just not for me.

Have to agree the not knowing would be awful. As far as im aware you aren’t allowed to visit so who knows if your horse is even still alive?

 

[Flame_]

I sent a horse.

Disaster purchase, spent a couple of years collecting injuries, paying vets, trainers, physios, psychics, etc to still be left with a horse that was never going to enjoy being a riding horse and was never going to be trustworthy.

I am not an overly sentimental person and I'm realistic about not spending most of the money I earn on a horse that has never in any way, shape or form earnt any of it.

I was also not comfortable selling on a horse that would most likely have spent her life enduring attempts to make her useful whilst destroying the dreams, healthy bodies and bank balances of God knows how many other enthusiastic masochists like me.

She was young, strong and a kindly type to be around as long as you didn't ride her. I was down to between the two options of pts or give her to the blood bank (which I was only aware of thanks to this forum) where she'd have years more life which I could see suiting her just fine. It seemed a no-brainer to me and I've yet to hear anyone give me any reason to question the decision.

 

[ycbm]

I sent a horse.

Disaster purchase, spent a couple of years collecting injuries, paying vets, trainers, physios, psychics, etc to still be left with a horse that was never going to enjoy being a riding horse and was never going to be trustworthy.

I am not an overly sentimental person and I'm realistic about not spending most of the money I earn on a horse that has never in any way, shape or form earnt any of it.

I was also not comfortable selling on a horse that would most likely have spent her life enduring attempts to make her useful whilst destroying the dreams, healthy bodies and bank balances of God knows how many other enthusiastic masochists like me.

She was young, strong and a kindly type to be around as long as you didn't ride her. I was down to between the two options of pts or give her to the blood bank (which I was only aware of thanks to this forum) where she'd have years more life which I could see suiting her just fine. It seemed a no-brainer to me and I've yet to hear anyone give me any reason to question the decision.

Totally understandable Flame.

 

[poiuytrewq]

This is why I asked. In theory, to me it sounds fine but everyone is very against.
YCBM has given reasons.

I don’t think horses need affection really, so that side wouldn’t bother me.

Interesting Flame, thank you. I wasn’t aware they took mares.

 

[SantaVera]

I wouldn’t send a horse there. It’s not a nice place.

In what way is it not a nice place?

 

[Sandstone1]

This is why I asked. In theory, to me it sounds fine but everyone is very against.
YCBM has given reasons.

I don’t think horses need affection really, so that side wouldn’t bother me.

Interesting Flame, thank you. I wasn’t aware they took mares.

They are all different but my boy certainly loves affection and enjoys it. Do not know anything about blood banks but I would not send one there.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I just don't like the idea of just not knowing how they are really kept and loosing that control of what happens to them, it would give me sleepless nights so for that reason it's just not for me.

Agree, but that’s what I’m asking really. If anyone actually knows these answers

 

[poiuytrewq]

They are all different but my boy certainly loves affection and enjoys it. Do not know anything about blood banks but I would not send one there.

I love a horse that genuinely likes a cuddle. It’s been a while since I’ve really known one. A horse at work over the weekend came and lay her head against me and shut her eyes, it was so beautiful. I miss that

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Agree, but that’s what I’m asking really. If anyone actually knows these answers

I suppose the only way you would truly know if you speak to someone who works at one, I would imagine what goes on is very much a very kept secret though.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I suppose the only way you would truly know if you speak to someone who works at one, I would imagine what goes on is very much a very kept secret though.

Possibly yes, I’m not THAT interested to actually go to the bother of ringing at this point. Just wondering loosely

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

The RVC have a few horses as blood donors I don't know if any other of the large equine hospitals have them as well, I have no idea how they source the horses either but may be worth looking into.

 

[Melody Grey]

The RVC have a few horses as blood donors I don't know if any other of the large equine hospitals have them as well, I have no idea how they source the horses either but may be worth looking into.

A larger hospital near me had one who was well cared for and used for teaching students. We need donor horses from somewhere so this seems a better option than the larger farms in my opinion.

 

[criso]

The RVC have a few horses as blood donors I don't know if any other of the large equine hospitals have them as well, I have no idea how they source the horses either but may be worth looking into.

There was an ad on their Facebook page for one a few years ago and there was a huge response.

They only have a few and they can be really fussy about who they take. They prefer large mares but must never have had a foal.

They have a nice life, only give blood a few times a year and are occasionally used for students to learn about examination and handling so need to be easy to handle.

Some are with them for years. I saw someone I know had visited but this may have been a favour if they knew her. A lot of the fields are visible or near footpaths though so can see happy horses in good condition.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

I wasn’t aware such a thing existed but there is no way I’d send a horse there from what I’ve read.

 

[adamntitch]

The RVC have a few horses as blood donors I don't know if any other of the large equine hospitals have them as well, I have no idea how they source the horses either but may be worth looking into.

There's a large animal practice horse hospital I know of it my area that for a while used ponys to experament on eg removing ovarian tissues etc that then got rehomed to a riding school I worked at and they ponys where mental tromatised (sp) some came right but most ended up pts and that's a very well known place around here

 

[AmyMay]

I wasn’t aware such a thing existed but there is no way I’d send a horse there from what I’ve read.

For every person who finds it distasteful, presumably if your horse ever needed blood you would refuse it.

 

[nutjob]

For every person who finds it distasteful, presumably if your horse ever needed blood you would refuse it.

Most is used in microbiology labs. I used plenty when I worked in pharmaceuticals. Very few people turn down medicines because animal products are used in the production or testing, even vegans and vegetarians if they or their kids get very sick. My vet used to call on clients to bring a horse to the practice to give blood if they needed it for an inpatient. Haven't seen this recently though so maybe they do use the blood bank now.

 

[criso]

There's an article here about the RVC. At the time it was written, one horse had come in as a 5 year old and at 25 was still there. Another that became needle shy was rehomed as a companion.

Horses' blood can only be stored for month which is why they use horses when they need it however it's very rare for horses to need transfusions so they don't get called on that often

Behind the Scenes With Blood Donor Horses

Learn how these "heroes" of the equine veterinary industry step up to save other horses' lives.

thehorse.com

 

[SEL]

There's a large animal practice horse hospital I know of it my area that for a while used ponys to experament on eg removing ovarian tissues etc that then got rehomed to a riding school I worked at and they ponys where mental tromatised (sp) some came right but most ended up pts and that's a very well known place around here

I'm surprised anything like that would get through the ethics committee in the UK.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

From the other side a few friends have sent theres to the one in Buckinghamshire, which is not far from us, and locally it has a good reputation. In the summer you can see the horses grazing in their summer fields, winter they are barned if it gets too wet/snow.

I also know through a friend someone who works there and the horses are well cared for, yes they come inand give blood but its a certain amount and not always every month. Once they get to an age they stop and the horse lives with the herd till they are PTS. They take in a small amount each year.

 

[doodle]

M