Horse Collecting: Horse Owners Taking on More Then They Can Handle?

For any horse owner, hearing that a horse has been abondoned is heartbreaking. Since I began riding when I was 9 years old, I have helped with 3 different horse rescues and I would just like to say, the people who aloud us to come in and help them find their horses a new home deserves a huge thank you. It takes a lot to swallow your pride and ask someone for help, and to admit you cant take care of your animals anymore. This problem is becoming increasily more common in Indiana and surrounding states. I found an article on Horse Talk that discusses horses being abandoned in Kentucky and it got me thinking, could people have a problem with "collecting horses"

Collecting horses may sound funny, but it is something that people actually do. Many horse owners end up with too many horses, and they cant care for them anymore. I am willing to admit, horses are addicting. Especially baby horses! I mean how can you turn down this horse?

Cute right?

But what happens when they start looking like this?

The sad truth is that there are thousands of horses abandaned every year in Indiana alone, and people thinking it is ok to just let them go in state parks. There are a few problems with this, the main one being it is extremely illegal to just leave your pets to fend for themselves in state parks. Also, horses have evolved so much since they have been domesticated, their bodies aren't made to live in harsh elements anymore. Many horses could easily starve without their normal feed, or even freeze to death because their coats don't get thick enough to live in the snow without protection.

If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer provide adoquate care for your horses, there is numerous place that can help. The Indiana Horse Rescue is a great place to call, and they will take your horse, no questions asked. Also, the Crosswinds Equine Rescue will take any horse, and find it a safe, loving home. Don't ever embarassed to ask for help. You dont want to watch a well papered, registered AQHA show horse go from a great show prospect, to a sad, starve animal.