30 years or more...

From Jim: We really try to keep our blog upbeat and positive, but sometimes there are issues that just need to be addressed. One of them is "dumping an old friend". People call and ask us to take their horse, which they've had for 20 or so years because they can't ride it anymore. They want to get/buy a younger/better horse and don't want/can't afford to care for their older horse. Let's see, you've used this faithful animal for the best years of it's life and now it's time to dump it. This is NOT retiring a beloved pet. We have those and their owners are wonderful caring people. No, this is selfish behavior which shows no comittment to the horse. Well, it makes me mad and disappointed. We get threats of "If you don't take the horse, we'll just shoot it or ship it to slaughter". Emotional blackmail! We stay focused on the animal's welfare and do everything we can to find an appropiate home for it. We work to find our peace and conserve our energy. Doesn't always work. Sometimes the thoughtless, selfish, mean behavior of others just beaks you off! Please, everyone, love your old critters. They are a joy to know and would never consider dumping you because you could no longer ride. That's all I have to say about that.