The Little Guys

A friend of mine turned me on to this video a few weeks back and I honestly can not get these little guys out of my head. This herd of foals are all foals born to be disposed of. Their mothers are part of programs that require a pregnant mare (such as the birth control drug program that uses their urine) or a nurse mare to take care of more valuable foals. These little guys are taken away from their mother within the first few days and are often killed. Their hides can be used for "pony hide" bags and their meat is often considered a delicacy.

Now, as a horse advocate and lover of all things horsey, this disgusts me greatly. These little guys are just thrown away because their value is perceived to be less than that of money (which it all boils down to). Looking at these little guys in the video there really are some beautiful foals too! Their lives are worth so much more than some capital gain.

The video also brought attention to a place and a girl (now a woman) who are trying to rescue and save these little guys! This is Last Chance Corral in Athens, Ohio and every year around foaling season they purchase and adopt out hundreds of foals. They send them home two at a time so that they always have a buddy, since they don't have their mothers with them. This gives them some security and comfort as they adjust. The other option is to make sure that the foal's new home has at least one other horse (an older gelding or mare) to provide that babysitter.  Their screening process seems sturdy and ideal for the wellbeing of the foal.

Honestly, I look at these little guys and wonder what potential there is within that bunch of horses. There can be grand champion dressage horses amid that group or just some little girl's (or bigger girl's) best friend. I think it is great that there are places and people out there trying to make a difference and help save lives that are truly worth saving. No one (person or animal) should be thrown away, especially days after they are born. There is no telling what the future might hold for those little guys. I only hope it is one of love and greatness, even if that greatness is only within their own backyard!

Check out Last Chance Corral at : http://www.lastchancecorral.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=10