It's a bloody big field ornament to feed though!
I have 5 Shires and 2 donkeys. None of them are ridden. Three of the broodmares are retired. One of the donks can be saddled and lead (an occurrence of about once in every 10 years). Yes, they are "bloody big field ornaments to feed," and I wouldn't have it any other way. Shires, by sheer virtue of their size, are for specialist owners, pure and simple. The need for ample stables (we use a massive pole barn in winter); substantial paddocks; higher and stronger fencing; enormous amounts of hay, forage, and bedding; larger quantities of wormers and medicines; vast manure removal and disposal efforts, make rehoming a nightmare, especially if I want it done to my standards. Hence, my mares, at ages 14, 15 and 19 years, won't be foaling ever again. I won't be adding the the roster of unwanted horses. At the girls' ages, getting them in foal, in the first place, is a challenge. And for what? The possibility of them, or their offspring, winding up on a platter somewhere in Europe because their size and the economic downturn preclude them finding a forever home. Times are bad enough for "regular" horses. For the giants of the species it's horrendous. So, for as long as I am able, my "useless" horses will live a privileged life, safe, contented, wanting for nothing, loved. If I die before them, they will be put down on the farm, hopefully, never knowing fear, starvation, deprivation. That's the least I can do for them. But useless? Not in my lexicon. And most probably, not in the lexicon of those rescue centres with their hearts in the right places.
and I fret and worry over her wellbeing far more than is healthy.
And that's why you can't be too sentimental in the end IMO.
Think this is going OT a tad, but anyway: I agree that most horse owners dearly love their horses, I'm definitely one of them. She is the centre of my being
However, she is definitely in a different category to children in my mind. Primarily because at some point, assuming nothing catastrophic happens, I will be responsible for having her put down. That's not something you do to your children!
Thing is, WHW aren't the only rescue centre. Some organisations seem better than others at working out priorities.
There certainly are deserving equines out there and people who know how to get the most out of the money given, but people need to give wisely.
Think this is going OT a tad, but anyway: I agree that most horse owners dearly love their horses, I'm definitely one of them. She is the centre of my being
However, she is definitely in a different category to children in my mind. Primarily because at some point, assuming nothing catastrophic happens, I will be responsible for having her put down. That's not something you do to your children!
I don't know, we'll have to wait for her to come back so we can ask exactly what she meant. IMO, the problem horses are the ones with chronic problems that can't be rehomed and therefore take up space and masses of money that could be used for other horses able to be rehabbed properly.
I disagree - some posts on here have said just the opposite. In addition I don't think that bequeathing is a suitable option - how would you know you had given enough cash to pay for its care? What if it became unwell and racked up massive vets bills?
Anyway, it's a fascinating topic which is very close to my heart, I have personal experience of good and bad rescues and could talk about it all night. A good debate, OP!