Sunday, July 29, 2012

U.S. equestrian Boyd Martin overcomes tragedies – USATODAY.com

U.S. equestrian Boyd Martin overcomes tragedies – USATODAY.com

U.S. equestrian Boyd Martin overcomes tragedies

By Jon Saraceno, USA TODAY
Updated 7h 20m ago


LONDON – U.S. equestrian rider and first-time Olympian Boyd Martin has toppled off his mount many times. Taking a potentially perilous plunge is an occupational hazard within the sport, where trust between man and horse often comes grudgingly, if at all. Eventually, if the partnership is successful, the two form an impenetrable bond.



Markus Schreiber, AP

U.S. equestrian Boyd Martin reacts after he competes with his horse Otis Barbotiere in the eventing dressage competition Saturday at the London Olympics. Martin, who stands 13th out of 37 competitors, has overcome challenges that put in perspective however he does at the Olympics.


(for rest of article click link at the top of page)
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This is an awesome story that shows the awesome potential of OTTB (Off the Track ThoroughBreds).  Here is a horse, that was going to slaughter, rescued from the kill buyer for less than $900.00 and is now estimated to be worth $1,000,000.00, quite a tidy return on that investment!  But more than an investment, this horse has become this Olympic riders partner, and Boyd Martin not only saved him once but twice.


Thousands and thousands of former racing Thoroughbreds go to slaughter annually.  Perfectly good horses who have done nothing wrong except not being fast enough, or have no desire to run.  That should NOT be a death sentence.  Thoroughbreds are one of the breeds that are so overbred simply because their breeders have an outlet to "dispose" of their rejects - slaughter.

Otis Barbotiere is a great example of the potential that lies in the slaughterhouse lines.  Horses with great things to accomplish, far too often cut short because they were not given that second chance.  And many other breeds that are overbred (Quarter Horses, Paints, Standardbreds) also wind up in the slaughter lines because their first jobs didn't work out  We humans get unemployment when we lose our jobs, our equine counterparts far too often lose their lives.

If you are looking for a Dressage horse, or jumper, or even a trail horse, do not over look OTTB, or any horse being sent to slaughter.  You will not only save a life, but you could truly discover a goldmine.

FDEF

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Former Three Angels driver says owner ignored safety hazards - WSMV Channel 4

Former Three Angels driver says owner ignored safety hazards - WSMV Channel 4


NASHVILLE TN (WSMV) -



The driver who was behind the wheel when a trailer loaded with horses overturned on Interstate 440 in June says that the owner of Three Angels Farms put the trailer on the road four days after it wrecked in Texas, against the advice of his mechanic.
(for rest of article click link at top of page)

Children 4 Horses: Diamonds for Remi Safe from Slaughter

Children 4 Horses: Diamonds for Remi Safe from Slaughter

Diamonds for Remi Safe from Slaughter

This is a story about a horse saved from slaughter by her previous owner who is now disabled. Even though she did not have much money, she still wanted save her horse. This story proves, once again, that there is no such thing as a unwanted horse!

Horse rescued from slaughter is home safe near Citra
By Carlos E. Medina Correspondent

Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 5:50 p.m.



(Click link at top of page for the rest of the story)