I wish that no animals were ever abused; it makes me boiling mad any time I see an animal in that type of situation. Unfortunately, as several people have stated, it seems to be part of the fabric of human relationship with animals.
A lot of horse owners are simply not responsible, because they don't realize what an enormous commitment (financial and time) is required to properly care for horses. Or the fact that horses can easily live over thirty years...
Many people view horses as more of a business, or they use them for pleasure but as a performance animal as well. Meaning, they will "graduate" through different horses as their own riding skill levels and competition desires increase, getting progressively "better" horses in order to serve their purposes (ie, move to a higher level of show jumping competition, join an Olympic team, etc.). However, horses are just so BIG and expensive, and most people don't have unlimited space or money to afford to keep more horses than they already have. So if they get a "better" horse, they often sell the previous horse to make room/help pay the bills. Most of them don’t go to slaughter, of course, but not everyone wants the hand-me down horses, especially if they are being left behind because of injuries or chronic illness.
Just another aspect of the horse industry… and something that makes horses different from dogs and cats. Most other pets are taken on with the assumption that they are going to be their owner’s responsibility for the rest of their lives. Horses, although they are considered “companion animals” are often given a whole different attitude. I’m not judging whether that’s right or wrong; only stating that that’s the way things are many times.
A lot of horse owners are simply not responsible, because they don't realize what an enormous commitment (financial and time) is required to properly care for horses. Or the fact that horses can easily live over thirty years...
Many people view horses as more of a business, or they use them for pleasure but as a performance animal as well. Meaning, they will "graduate" through different horses as their own riding skill levels and competition desires increase, getting progressively "better" horses in order to serve their purposes (ie, move to a higher level of show jumping competition, join an Olympic team, etc.). However, horses are just so BIG and expensive, and most people don't have unlimited space or money to afford to keep more horses than they already have. So if they get a "better" horse, they often sell the previous horse to make room/help pay the bills. Most of them don’t go to slaughter, of course, but not everyone wants the hand-me down horses, especially if they are being left behind because of injuries or chronic illness.
Just another aspect of the horse industry… and something that makes horses different from dogs and cats. Most other pets are taken on with the assumption that they are going to be their owner’s responsibility for the rest of their lives. Horses, although they are considered “companion animals” are often given a whole different attitude. I’m not judging whether that’s right or wrong; only stating that that’s the way things are many times.
