How can we help?

[suzy]

Because of Fairweather’s good question on the Musical Jumper thread - “How can we help this from happening again? Looking back–what could have been done? What can we do in the future?” and Cacktuskate’s suggestion, I’m starting a new thread and am completely ready for whatever thrashing you want to give me. But here it is.

We’ve certainly put a lot of time and energy into discussing what happened with a poster’s horse. Everyone was justifiably concerned, upset, and deeply saddened. I also noted a strong undercurrent of people who want to make sure that something like this doesn’t happen again. So what do we do? What can we do?

Gwen suggested that maybe someone in the vicinity could have gone to this person’s house to see the situation firsthand and possibly offer advice. I’m going way out on a limb here, but her suggestion made me wonder about forming a nationwide network of BB posters who would make themselves available for this purpose. Well, that’s my one thought - anxious to hear your ideas.

[Heather]

Doc Ellen–welcome to the BB, your post was interesting and informative. However, and let me be blunt, I personally am uncomfortable with the HSUS as it is an organization that has time and again proven to have an agenda for eliminating equine competition, and has on several occaisions made false attacks against my sport, eventing. I hope your intelligent and educational post and your appearance here is an example of a new enlightenment at that organization.

I am uncomfortable because I do think there is too much room for busybodies here. I hope that will not be the case. Since I like examples, let me give one.

I bought at OTTB eearlier this year. When I looked at him he was skinny and out of condition, but by the time I vetted, purchased and picked him up, six weeks had passed during which time the owner apparently stopped feeding him all together. He was truly emaciated. He was recieving the best diet, all the hay he could eat, grass, etc., but for MONTHS he was a walking skeleton. Any of you folks driving by my field would apparently have stopped and called the cops on me. Under the vets direction, I began to ridehim lightly ( to keep his appetite stimulated, and try to get some muscle on him). He gained weight slowly, put on muscle, and things were going well. Then, in July, he had an allergic reaction to something and went bald (not exaggerating). SO now he was bald and skinny. He was at the vet on three occaisions to be monitored and try different treatments. I had planned to go for a week to a big name trainer’s with him, but prepared to cancel. The vet said not to. So I went to Denny’s, and the horse did great. I had two horses there, and as I came back from riding the other (Lion was in a stall) I found a woman (mother of another sutdent) peering suspiciously into his stall. I gave her a friendly “Hi”, and she said, very nastilly, “All the other horses are fat and shiny, why isn’t yours? What are you doing to him?” Well, I was taken aback, but stammered out that he had allergies, and that he was actually about 200 to 300 pounds heavier than when I bought him. She then replied that had he been in anyone’s barn but the trainer’s she would have called the cops and the SPCA, because I clearly didn’t know what I was doing, but she had faith that the trainer would take care of the horse for me.

Luckily, she tried to “tell on me” to the trainer, and he backed up my story. But, there is a lot of flying off the handle, a lot of accusations, and very little interest in discovering the “back story”.

If someone wants help, I think having a network of people able to give it is a GREAT idea and you can sign me up (northern va), I think having people ready to pounce when “red flags go up” is ridiculous and dangerous.

[jl1]

And would be happy to be a central Texas volunteer for the BB “Blueblazers”!

As I noted on another BB, this poster triggered my kaka del a Toro meter awhile back. However, I did not elaborate on the subject here because I didn’t want to get involved-there were lots of people rushing in with advice and offers of help. From this moment on-I will cyber scream loudly whenever I suspect that “there’s something rotten in Denmark.” as regrads a horse’s health or safety.

[Natty_Dread]

Well count me in!!! And this is not just lip service. I am in Chicago til mid December and South Florida after that. I am willing to road trip it if necessary. This whole thing just made me heartsick. My knickers are still all bunched up.

[Lisamarie8]

i saw it as support. I CERTAINLY would not show up somewhere unless I was asked to…Like i wouldn’t want someone to show up at my place uninvited (Hell I don’t even answer my PHONE)

I think it’s a group of people making themselves available if they’re needed. Seems pretty nice and un-nosey to me

–Build a man a fire, and he’ll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life.

[Anne_FS]

OK, I just went to the other thread and read Touche’s post. Obviously poor Seger should’ve gotten help much sooner. I want to clarify that the farmers I know would never have allowed that to happen. Never. That being said, I stand by my statement of knowing farmers who, GOOD care not sufficing, would euthanize an animal rather than spend lots of money on treatment for a problem. And I understand that is their way. We’re just not all the same.

The willingness of those on this BB to help is so touching and I am so glad to see it. I’ve come here for help with questions many times and horse people are the best!

Muley said it better than I, however, but I guess Muely and I have know those kinds of people (too bad for us)–the ones just aching to stick their noses in other people’s business and then tell the world ‘the real story’ which usually turns out to be not so. I admit I haven’t seen much of that on this board and think that 999 out of 1000 of the posters here would be people I’d willingly invite into my home and to see my horse. But

When our horse colicked a year ago (knock on wood)observant boarders found her and when unable to reach me, walked her & got the vet out (knowing I had given permission that I would pay any vet bill if I couldn’t be reached and they felt a vet was needed). By the time I got there they were still walking her & when the vet came back again to check and said I don’t know but you might want to take her to the hospital, well, I was in shock and these wonderful horse people quickly arranged a truck from one, a trailer from another (neither of which I had myself)and a third husband-and-wife team to drive it. I still get teary when I think of how they saved her life.

That sort of help is great and would be one of the greatest benefits of the internet. I’m afraid some of the other kind of folks will try to creep in, too, and they need to be squashed.

[artienallie]

Anne, that’s just crazy! I would have been furious too.

I think what’s being offered here is a network of people willing to go out to someone’s farm IF ASKED to help or assess a situation, whatever it may be. I know I live in a pretty ‘horsey’ area, but there are others around me who know more than I do, and also have other contacts with other horsey people that may be able to help in any situation I may be in.

I’m willing to help out too - got a truck, trailer, and even an extra stall if necessary.

One final note, if I list “Great Falls, VA” on my profile, that doesn’t mean every COTH BBer is going to be able to find my barn to go wandering through at any hour, and I doubt they would!

[Clive_s_Mom]

I don’t think ANYONE who proposed that we have a network of BB friends available to help those who ASKED for help ever envisioned other BBer’s “scoping out” barns and telling someone how to care for their animals.
I think the jist of the thing was just to “be there” if someone needs help or has questions. Via email, or phone, or personal visit (IF invited only).

We do a fair amount of this already. I just think that when we ask, “what can we do?” - is just remind other BBer’s that there is network of support.

• C

[suzy]

>>>but perhaps at times a little friendship can be as effective as a ‘rescue’.

I’d go one step further by saying that at times a little friendship can be a rescue!

[Kirsten]

<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I think having people ready to pounce when “red flags go up” is ridiculous and dangerous.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree. Spooky, and reminiscent of a lynch mob.

And this is coming from someone with a fat, happy, shiny mare who lives the life of Riley…

[suzy]

Because of Fairweather’s good question on the Musical Jumper thread - “How can we help this from happening again? Looking back–what could have been done? What can we do in the future?” and Cacktuskate’s suggestion, I’m starting a new thread and am completely ready for whatever thrashing you want to give me. But here it is.

We’ve certainly put a lot of time and energy into discussing what happened with a poster’s horse. Everyone was justifiably concerned, upset, and deeply saddened. I also noted a strong undercurrent of people who want to make sure that something like this doesn’t happen again. So what do we do? What can we do?

Gwen suggested that maybe someone in the vicinity could have gone to this person’s house to see the situation firsthand and possibly offer advice. I’m going way out on a limb here, but her suggestion made me wonder about forming a nationwide network of BB posters who would make themselves available for this purpose. Well, that’s my one thought - anxious to hear your ideas.

[Miniwelsh]

I was amazed at the outpouring of helpful BB members when my pony’s trainer was out of connection. I would be more than willing to sign up for the BB network - my e-mail address is listed and I would be more than willing to give my area and number if needed.

Gerat idea Suzy!

Behind every good woman lies a trail of men

[Houdini]

Watch out everyone I think Gwen is just looking for some free horses to ride
I think we on Long Island are pretty lucky because there are tons of vets and trainers all at a relativly close distance, but this idea would be especially great for people who lived in areas where vets and trainers are few and far between.

[Eglinton]

oops!

[suzy]

>>>Of course, I would be even more excited if I got to come visit you.

Oh Robby, you’re welcome to visit any time as long as you promise to share some of your great fashion tips with me.

[MGR]

Count me in. I do not have a trailer or a truck to pull one. But I have a car and get to places to check out the situation.

I agree that a network is a good idea but I also see liability issues that may pop up. Somewhere with the mission statement their should be a disclaimer and that this falls under the good Samaritan laws – we are helping not professionals. We only go when asked and there should be a way to confirm who is asking for help not just someone sending smoke.

It is a great and can work. I just want everyone to be careful because we all know there are many nut cases out there.

As to contacting the ASPCA and other such organizations, many states do not have a minimum standard of care defined. It is obvious to you and me what that means but if it is not defined legally then there is no real violation. What can we do? Get involved in changing the laws and giving these agencies the bite that they need to want to go after these people. They also need resources to house the bigger animals they rescue. Most places can handle the dog or cat but not the bigger animals. This is something that needs to be addressed but we can write to the legislature and tell them this is a concern.

Every one of us can help stop this from happening again. We may not be able to save them all but we can try.

Maria

[Miniwelsh]

Thanks for getting us back on topic Clive’s Mom. Again, I can honestly say that the folks on this BB were very helpful to me when I was having some pony trouble. I asked for help and received it at lighting speed.

Behind every good woman lies a trail of men

[gwen]

http://frognet.net/~lccorral/

This is where my retired guy is now…Look under the section “Before and After” and you’ll see why I sent him there!! These people are willing to drive across the whole country for a horse in need! They are the most generous and wonderful people!!! I couldn’t have found a better place for him…It aint fancy, but those horse come first!!!

Barb

[This message was edited by gwen on Oct. 24, 2001 at 04:17 PM.]

[Maria]

Let me say a few things before I get into what I am thinking.

First of all as a Mom, I hope against hope that my daughter grows up to be half the person as some of the juniors on this bb.

Not to single anyone out and leave out others, but, Winglet, if I were your Mom, you would do me proud!

I have read all the posts of the incident that has brought this to the forefront. I think what has made this such an emotional topic, other than the obvious, is the sense of betrayal that so many feel. With this bb community, there is such a vast knowledge base and a willingness to share that knowledge. That knowledge was offered and much much more. And a deaf ear was turned. Betrayal, hurt, anger and maybe a little fear are involved. So, like the United States, maybe it is time to regroup. Take a deep breath and develope a plan so that we can combat a situation like this from happening again.

I like the principle of what suzy and others have voiced.

I think an Equine Help Network is a wonderful idea. The idea of this group in my opionion would be and should be EDUCATION. I think it should be kept faily basic. Such as nutrition, health care, shelter, general well being.

Groups that can be involved with this venture would be your local Horse Council, local H/J organizations, dressage GMO’s, individual stables, maybe local animal control agencies.

I too am a little leary of the Humane Society and things of that nature.

The barn I board at has had different clinics and such that reaches out to the backyard type horse person. This may be a good place to start. My feelings are to keep it basic, BUT, be enthusiastic, make it fun, make it an adventure. Promote the enthusiasm that we all share for our equine friends. Let that enthusiasm spread like wildfire.

In my state of NC, the NC Horse Council has been involved in getting new legislation implemented. One of the big things that was done about 2/3 years ago was implementing mandantory coggins testing. Sounds simple and rudimentary, but it was much needed. It took a lot of hard work on their behalf, but they did it.

I think the horse councils would be interested in helping with this venture. It’s worth a shot.

The unfortunate thing with this venture is that you are not going to be able to reach everyone. There will be some horses that suffer needlessly, however, good will be done. Many can and will be reached.

It’s time to re-build. Put your energies into finding a solution. I am more than willing to be a part of this venture. It would be an honor.

[MHM]

Count me in.

My first thought is about the welfare of that person’s remaining pony.