A Haven For Retired Champions

"Old Friends" Offers A Quiet Retreat For Thoroughbreds That Are Past Their Prime

(CBS)  Odds are that most racing fans have forgotten about Ruhlmann — even though in 1990, more than 100,000 people saw him win a million dollars at Santa Anita. He's past his prime now, but having the time of his life, retired in Kentucky at age 22.

"We have an understanding, but it took me a long time to get the understanding," Michael Blowen, who runs a retirement home for thoroughbreds called Old Friends, told CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger.

What's the understanding?

"Well, it's that he’s the boss," Blowen said.

Blowen has quite a collection of old friends at Old Friends. Swan's Way raced 81 times when he was younger. He's slowed down a little at 17 years old.

"He's the only one I can beat," Blowen said. "When I wake up in the morning, I see these wonderful great champions in my backyard. I think it's like having Larry Bird or Michael Jordan here."

Blowen used to be a movie reviewer in Boston. But he owned a few horses; raced one and learned a lot about the business — especially the dark side.

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FYI: Find out more about the retired champions, including how to help

Only On The Web: More with Old Friends' Michael Blowen

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He saw horses that were too old or too injured to race or to breed sent off to slaughterhouses.

It even happened to Ferdinand, who won the 1986 Kentucky Derby and ended up being killed 16 years later when he stopped making money for his owners.

"Everybody who was ever around this horse said this was the kindest, nicest, sweetest horse anyone was ever around — and that's what happened to him," Blowen said.

When Blowen heard about Ferdinand, he decided he had to rescue as many other horses as possible.

These may be some of the luckiest horses in the thoroughbred world. Blowen can only take care for only 30 through his organization, and there are only 20 groups like his in the country. That's not a lot — considering that in one year, more than 36,000 thoroughbreds were born.

Old Friends relies mostly on donations to rescue and maintain the horses. Some owners pay the roughly $2,300 per year for their horse's retirement, but just a handful. Too many of them sell the horses to slaughterhouses for up to $1,000.

"If you can't look at this animal and see something spectacular, if you're just looking at this horse as an economic commodity, then they should be racing cars and not horses," Blowen said.

The horses at Old Friends still attract a crowd, even though their moneymaking days are behind them.

Busloads of people come to Old Friends to see them, admire them and learn from Blowen that horses like Sunshine Forever, once worth $20 million and then almost slaughtered, still have great value — even though they're not worth much money.

[smartycat15]

i want to know how to watch the video!!!!!!!!! send it to me please thank you! cathi

[smartycat15]

i want to know how to watch the video!!!!!!!!! send it to me please thank you! cathi

[jwchammers]

In 1995, I "took" in a retired 22yr old gray mare named "Pink Rose". I called her Pinky. She was a 16 hand high, gray thoroughbred beauty! When they raced her, they ran her until her front ankles fractured. When I was offered Pinky, her skin hung on her bones. How could I NOT take her.
For the next two years she was my best friend. She couldn't be ridden nor have foals due to her ankles. Even with Melanoma's on her head, she was GREAT! Due to a divorce, I gave her to another wonderful owner! She still has the same vet!
I didn't know there were any places that took "unwanted" racehorses until this show. I watched in disbelief that those who prospered from such magnificent creatures, left them in the dust! Those who give up these horses JUST because they can't race anymore should be "euthanized" themselves!!!!
The cruelty the past OWNERS show, and the slaughterhouses condone is horrific!!

[Grayhorse Ranch]

Thank you for an excellent, heartwarming story. It's nice to see these old warriors, and the people who saved them from a horrific ending. It was the highlight of my evening, and of the newscast.

[pbryar]

This was a very uplifting story. How wonderful that this man has done this for these beautiful horses. Because of the downside on horseracing I no longer will go to the racetrack and support this sport. There is too much that people dont know. I will look into supporting this wonderful place for these horses. My husband knew when I looked at him that I had found another animal rescue that I wanted to support. What a wonderful soul this man has and it gave me chills. I too think I am meant to make a difference in the lives of animals.

[nole1313]

This is just terrible--although I can't say that I wasn't aware of the UGLY side of Horse Racing--like most people I just don't think about it as much as I should. Its a shame all the way around, but not even being a big winner or famous is enough to save you--I can't believe those heartless, souless people destroyed Fedinand (and others out there), when they quit making money--should we do it to them? I loved Ferdinand and all the others. God Bless Michael Blowen and others like him. I only hope some day to do something similar. Mine will be one with Thrown away horses and unloved children.
Is there away to get ahold of Mr Blowen so as to contribute?

[spay-neuter]

I'm still reeling after watching this story. I can't believe the owners of incredible horses like Ferdinand sent them to slaughter. I wonder how Howard B. and Elizabeth Keck, Ferdinand's owners, could live with themselves, knowing what a horrible end he met.

Micheal Blowen is an angel and I'm so glad you brought his story - and his kindness - to the world for millions to see.

[bethenos]

Thank you so very much for this much needed coverage of the horse racing and horse slaughter industries. There is currently a Bill in the House and the Senate that would prohibit horse slaughter in the U.S. and the transport of American horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses. Please contact your Senators and representatives and tell them to vote yes on this critical legislation. It would also protect our wild horse from being rounded up for slaughter. These slaughter houses are foreign owned and provide horsemeat to european and asian countries for consumption. It is not a humane end for the horses that work for us and make money for us.

[grammote]

Thanks for broadcasting this "A Haven For Retired Champions ?" Many horses never become a champ no matter how hard they may train or run..Too often these horses 3 or 4 yrs. old are sent off to slaughter for 3-400$ ... Actually they should have a whole life time ahead of them(30 to 40 yrs.) just in a different field. Slaughter doesn't begin at the slaughter house. It belongs with the turnover to a person who doesn't care about the horse.The person we call KILLER BUYERS. The horse to them is an unfeeling commodity. Your horse may go Thu an auction. He may be placed in a feed lot..The rides he takes are inhumane and immoral. There are LAWS but they are NEVER enforced.They are oft put into DOUBLE DECKERS made for cattle. Legally they can be run all over the nation in these things but they are NOT to be delivered at the slaughterhouse in them....but as we found out last week ..they were being delivered in Double Deckers to CAVEL in De Kalb,Il. The police there didn't know this was illegal until people on scene told them the LAW!! Nothing was done and is rarely done !!
I am asking that Katy Couric and CBS do a thorough study and program so that ALL in the UNITED STATES can FINALLY KNOW about the evil business of HORSE SLAUGHTER.
HELP US MUST KEEP AMERICA'S HORSES SAFE AT HOME
S311 /HR503 must be passed by OUR CONGRESS MEMBERS

[lucylu894]

Thank you so much for running this story. My husband & I visited Old Friends this past April and to see these wonderful animals up close and personal is amazing. They bring so much joy (not to mention money) to so many people it is a crime that they would be treated with anything but respect when they retire. How could anyone lay their head down at night knowing that a magnificiant animal had been killed who probably earned the money to pay for the fancy house they are living in. Shame on these people and hopefully they will answer for it someday.
Also - nice to see a story on the evening news that isn't about politics or war. Why doesn't 60 Minutes or 48 Hours run a story on this? So glad to see all of the comments posted on this story - as someone who recently visited "Old Friends" I hope that everyone who saw this story takes the time to send "Old Friends" a donation so that Michael Blowen and his staff can continue their good work - every little bit helps!
Fellow Old Friends Lover!

[lucylu894]

Saw the request for an address to send donations for "Old Friends" - Here it is:

Old Friends
1841 Paynes Depot
Georgetown, KY 40324

www.oldfriendsequine.org

By the way when you go to visit Old Friends, Michael doesn't charge for the tour - it is donations only because he loves those horses and telling people about them so much - we need more people like him!

[knewsie]

To all horse lovers, do the right thing and send your donation to support this worthy cause and please tell all of your friends about it.

[smittypetey]

Thanks so much for doing this story. i recently became aware of the horse slaughter industry and the fact that many horses are beig slaughtered in thsi country by foreign companies for foreign countries. these horses meet untimely, horrible, many times painful deaths for no reason. America's horses deserve much better. CBS News thank you for bringing this topic to light.

America call your congresspeople and tell them to stop this now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hasili-2009]

Thank you for your report on Old Friends and the inspiring footage of these marvelous old athletes. Your information on Ferdinand, though, was incomplete and misleading. He was sold to a Japanese stud farm in good faith by his American owners and they were in no way responsible for his death; they were heartbroken. As a result of Ferdinand's tragedy, most American owners now ask for a right of return clause from Japanese farms before selling them their horses for stud duty. Several Old Friends residents including "greatest horse" Sunshine Forever are in fact returnees from Japan.

[cowgirl5254]

I did not get to see the clip on the news, but I did watch the on the web clip and would like to say how well I thought it was done. I would also like to say that there are horses all across the U.S. that are being shipped to slaughter every day in this country and they are not famous. A story needs to be done on the 8 month old filly that was saved from slaughter in DeKalb, Il, when that slaughter house was closed by legislation in the Il. congress. Now by appeal, that slaughter house has been re-opened to kill more horses. Also at that plant a few weeks ago, a pregnant mare on her way to the kill line, gave birth to a foal, they were saved by a rescue in Il. Most people think that only the old and lame go to slaughter, this is not the case, babies, healthy horses, our wild horses, every horse in this country has a chance of being on these kill lines. A symbol of our heritage, the horse, is now dinner for the wealthy in Europe and Asia. Please do a story on the fight to pass the laws to save our American horses, all the horses, from terrible deaths in Canada and Mexico. PLEASE SAVE OUR HORSES!!!!!!

[evlart]

Many thanks to CBS for running this very important story. We love to see the beauty and excitement that equine champions bring to racing but most are not aware that these amazing athletes are destroyed when they are no longer useful to their owners. God Bless OLD FRIENDS and other rescue organizations for their work to save at least some of the racehorses who have given their all and made fortunes for their connections. $2300 a year to care for a retired horse is less than most people spend on junk food.

Trusts should be established for retired racing
champions so that some of the money they have won over their careers will be used to keep them well-cared for throughout their lifetime.

What happened to Ferdinand should never happen to any creature who has worked hard and earned the right to a happy life.

[animalfarm2]

That is just AWESOME.

[drhema-2009]

Media Thoroughbred Group, a Louisville base horse racing syndicate, has joined with Old Friends Farm to become the first racing syndicate to establish a 401K retirement program for all of its horses. After the racing and breeding career of each of their horses is complete, their horses will be retired to Old Friends Farm.
You read more about this new partnership between Old Friends Farm and Media Thoroughbred Group at:
www.mediathoroughbredgroup.com

This should be the future of horse racing.

[imawaregirl]

Thank you so much for bringing awareness to the injustices of these race horses. These beautiful horses are also injured during racing and are destroyed, which I don't think the public is aware of. I dislike seeing these animals (and many others) being exploited for money. This report has also brought some awareness into the awful money making slaughter house business. I write to my congressmen often regarding the S311/HR503 bill, and I hope others will also.
I would also like to bring to the publics attention that not only are horses destroyed after they are "no longer money makers on the track", but Greyhound dogs also face the same horrible life, and ending of life. So many of these dogs are euthenized because they are no longer valuable. It saddens me that there are so many people who cannot see that these beautiful animals, all animals, have a soul and personality, and the ability to bond with us. I encourage everyone, who have now come to realize the horrible ways that these animals are treated, to share their new found knowledge with others who are unaware, and maybe some day we can learn to appreciate the animals for the beautiful, mysterious creatures that they are... and not as a money maker that is easily disposed of.

[imawaregirl]

I couldn't help it, I had to send in another comment after reading some of the other comments. When I hear words like " We love to see the beauty and excitement that equine champions bring to the racing industry", or "This should be the future of horse racing" (Although I am thrilled there are places such as Fellow Old Friends and Media Throughbred group)I get upset. Why should there be a racing industry at all? People are doing nothing but exploiting these animals for money. What do we say to dog breeders and owners (particularly pit bull) that fight their dogs for money? We do not tolerate this treatment and people go to jail and are fined for this. Yet, there are thousands and thousands of horses ( NOT THE BIG NAME WINNERS THAT PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF) that have no choice but to be broke at a very early age, ridden and raced by the time they are 2 yrs old or possibly younger, and who are injured and no longer of value by the time they are 3 yrs old. These injures are things such as tendon injuries, bone inflammation or bone injuries because of the stress put on them at such a young age.. when the bones are not even strong enough for the stress that is required to race.
As far as I am concerned horse racing should be treated he same as dog fights, they are both injured and killed. The only difference between the two is that "society" has accepted horse racing. What a shame!!

[mbmoss1]

As a fellow horse rescuer I think what Michael does is fantastic. It's a sad situation one that affects all breeds of horses. When they are no longer of any use they are cast aside or left to starve. I have taken in horses that are nothing but skin and bones but the fight is still in their eyes.
I wish Ky. had more rescues but to my knowledge there are only 5 of us not counting Michael's.
All horses need a safe place to go to live their lives out...Thank You Michael and all the rescues who are trying to do just that.

[lucylu894]

with the average dailey story being about what cbs's obvious hatre'd of the day is for president
bush,or how "not to say anything" remotly good
about Irac, I nearly fell faint after watching
the story on old friends horse rescue in beautiful
georgetown,Ky.and im not joking,that entire area
down there changed the way I view life now.my wife
and i drove down there the last weekend of march
and man was I in for a treat,mike and a staff of
nearly all volenters give new meaning to compasion
while the rest of us think nothing of pitching
out a half a cup of hour old coffie, they are putting that .50 to .75 cents to good use, by
scrapping together enough change they know that
ol'creator,ruhlmann or popcorn Deelites will be
given not a blanket of roses but maby a blanket
of new straw.enough money in the jar wont get
one of them a big shining new throphy but it
would afford them a big new trough to drink from.
just think of all we waste,or give to so called
foreign aid,by way of the U N (useless nations)
a few dollars would sure go a long way towards
helping some real OLD FRIENDS!

[autumnwynd]

I am so pleased to see the attention brought to the public concerning what happens to many of the Thoroughbred ex-racers after they are no longer competitive or of use to their owners. And as the adopter of a former racehorse, I can only say - thank you Michael Blowen for your from-the-heart commitment to ensure these majestic horses have the retirement they deserve, and thank ou CBS for bringing attention to this! If only Ferdinand and countless others would have had that chance...

[mjblowen]

I can't thank CBS News..particularly Chloe Arensberg and Richard Schlesinger enough for the wonderful story on Old Friends. We have many horses that are supported, very generously, by their owners...specifically Jerry and Ann Moss, Mary and Bob Sullivan, Chuck Sullivan and Jane White. Madeleine Paulson Pickens paid $65,000 to bring Ogygian and Fraise home from Japan. We just received a substantial grant from the Amerman Foundation to use on new fencing. But our big support comes from the fans. We are working with Thoroughbred Media Group to establish a social security plan for their racehorses and Dennis Brida, a New York owner-breeder, has agreed to do the same for his Thoroughbreds. We want to solve the problem at the source not after the sludge has been dumped into the stream. It's impossible to equate horse racing with dog fighting. The purpose of a horse race is for athletes to compete, not kill each other. Race tracks are investing millions of dollars in safer surfaces. My dream is to have Old Friends facilities near all the major racetracks in the country. We have many horses here that weren't great champions. We even have my old racehorse, Invigorate. We use the stars to attract the audience, just like the movies. I hope people remember that these athletes are beautiful, majestic creatures. When I watch Ruhlmann's Santa Anita Handicap or Sunshine Forever's Budweiser International I can't imagine a more thrilling sight. I feel privileged and honored to be their servant. Michael

[ccrider2006]

Thank you CBS for doing this story. The more public awareness for this problem there is, the more support for these athletes can be given. I myself have rescued several racehorses from going to slaughter. They are wonderful animals who still have a purpose with retraining and time to come down from the track. All of America needs to get behind the ban on the slaughter of horses and more people need to open their hearts and pocketbooks to help these animals. I miss you Katie, on the today show but thanks CBS for doing this story. I hope more of America gets touched by this growing problem.

[ukcupcake]

Thank you CBS for this story. There are several horse rescues in Kentucky and throught out the nation. All of them deserve support from the horse industry (not just the racing industry). Those of us who love horses also need to support these organizations.

Thank you talking about horse slaughter. This is a practice that must be stopped. There is no way that this is a humane practice. I encourage everyone to contact their congressman/woman and their senator. Encourage them to co sponsor HB 503/S. 311. This is the only way to stop this.

Even if the slaughter houses close, our horses can still be sold and transported to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. HB 503/S 311 will make that illegal.

If you want more information go to www.timwoolleyracing.com click on Anti horse slaughter strategy or go to http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/wiki/index.php/Horse_slaughter#Current_Strategy

Again thanks for this story. I encourage you to do a follow up story on the horse slaughter business and the current legislation.

[ccrider2006]

Thank you CBS for running this important story. I am proud of Old Friends and the other rescue organizations out there. I myself have rescued several race horses from the slaughterhouse. These horses can be retrained for other things and they are valued members of my family. Your coverage will help America to see the plight of these animals and maybe they will all get behind the ban on horse slaughter. It doesn't take much to adopt an ex race horse. Many trainers sell them for nominal fees. Once they have had time to come down off the track and heal any injuries, they make wonderful horses. We need more support for the rescue organizations out there and more public awareness of the problems horses face in this country. What many people don't realize is that these horses are being slaughtered to provide delicacies for European countries. The meat is shipped overseas. Thank you again for covering this one man's effort to make a difference. May we all do the same.

[faithwon]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing this story!!! Before Barbaro I wasn't aware that the United States slaughtered horses for human consumption overseas. Nor did I know that these companies were foreign owned. As the FOB's guided many of us to the different sites showing us the terror and inhumane treatment I was appalled and sickened by the videos I watched and couldn't believe people could do something like this. If CBS were to do a poll I would bet that over half of the US people don't know this is going on and it seems those in power wish to keep it that way. Once again thank you!!

[codytaz]

That was a amazing video, but after reading some of the comments, I must say that being a racehorse owner myself, not the champions, but claimers, that alot of the owners now have clauses in the contracts stating that once the stallion is done with stallion service they must be returned. The owners are realizing what is going on and trying to make a difference, and to the one comment saying the horse racing is abusive, I would have to say that they never been up close to a horse, these horses are bred to race and they want to race, this is not a form of punishment, this is want they want to do, before someone critizes the horse racing business, they should enter into and find out what it is about. All of my horses we have either bought at auction and bred them and raced the babies, or they are show horses, all of my show horses have lived with me until they died, and the raceshorses, I know where they are and how they are doing.

[jc4horses]

Thank goodness people are being made aware of the plight of retired and old horses. There are so many uses for these sweet, gentle giants. I volunteer at a NARHA premier accredited therapeutic riding center and we have 16 older horses including Joe, a former racehorse. These wonderful horses carry our developmentally or physically challenged riders giving them personal pride, confidence and independence. Equine therapy is now used for at risk youths, marriage counseling and depression. Our horses provide unconditional love to our riders and seeing a smile or hearing a laugh from a child in a wheelchair is the best therapy for this volunteer.

[alybar45]

This was a wonderful story. I hope more will be done to save these magnificent animals who should be treated with dignity. They gave their all on the tracks. They should not be slaughtered, but to live out thier lives to the fullest.

[kaffyg]

Thank you for such a wonderful segment and for bring horse slaughter to the nations view.....Old Friends should be commended for their work in saving these Old Friends from the horrow of slaughter and bring attention to how our wonderful horses are just thrown away when they stop bringing in a paycheck for their owners. GREAT STORY CBS --- please continue to bring anti-horse slaughter to the front of the newspage.

[sandins1]

Katie---Thank you so much for this touching and enlightening story. The mention of only farms such as this referred to the retired TB only-?------as there are 100s of other horse rescues in the US. Wish you would consider a follow-up on the horse slaughter industry, which is now illegal in this country, but in Illinois has a "stay" til next week when reviewed by a judge. We are trying to get the Bill passed in the Federal Legislature for it to be illegal is this country to slaughter horses for their meat for human consumption. We are not there yet and need more media attention for public awareness. Pro-slaughter people will say there are 100's of unwanted horses running around starving---that is not true. Please contact the Old Friends owner for more information. Again--thank you for your news.

[sandins1]

Katie---Thank you so much for this touching and enlightening story. The mention of only farms such as this referred to the retired TB only-?------as there are 100s of other horse rescues in the US. Wish you would consider a follow-up on the horse slaughter industry, which is now illegal in this country, but in Illinois has a "stay" til next week when reviewed by a judge. We are trying to get the Bill passed in the Federal Legislature for it to be illegal is this country to slaughter horses for their meat for human consumption. We are not there yet and need more media attention for public awareness. Pro-slaughter people will say there are 100's of unwanted horses running around starving---that is not true. Please contact the Old Friends owner for more information. Again--thank you for your news.

[mgodina]

Thank you CBS for this wonderful story on Old Friends. The American public needs to be aware of the treatment of our nation's horses and the horror of horse slaughter. So many americans are unaware of this inhumane treatment of our beautiful horses, who were not raised for slaughter, and the urgent need for federal legislation to end this brutality once and for all. Again, thank you!!

[nancyrlewis]

Thank you so much for covering this story. Most Americans have no idea that horses are slaughtered in this country under the most inhumane conditions imaginable. I hope everyone who saw your wonderful story will call their representatives in Congress and tell them to end this horrible practice now.

[nancyrlewis]

Thank you so much for covering this story. Most Americans have no idea that horses are slaughtered in this country under the most inhumane conditions imaginable. I hope everyone who saw your wonderful story will call their representatives in Congress and tell them to end this horrible practice now.

[nancyrlewis]

Thank you so much for covering this story. Most Americans have no idea that horses are slaughtered in this country under the most inhumane conditions imaginable. I hope everyone who saw your wonderful story will call their representatives in Congress and tell them to end this horrible practice now.

[naheitzeg]

Thank you so much for this wonderful story.. yes much must be done to improve the fate of horses in the US.. HR503 and S311 - the federal bills to end horse slaughter - must be passed..Please contact ypur reprsentatives and senators today and urge them to support the AHSPA.
In addition to care for these marvelous equine athletes once they leave the track, more must be done to improve horse-racing 1000s of horses - some famous some not- die on the track each year-
there were 137 beakdowns in the month of May alone
http://www.equuseditorial.com/equus/unknownsoldier.html.. Please contact the NTRA and your state racing boards and encourage adoption of much needed changes for the horses today..

[bloomer142]

Can't thank you all enough for doing this story. It really is about time ALL Americans were made aware of the fate that is waiting for not only race horses, but any horse that is unfortunate to fall into the hands of a "Kill Buyer", who usually buys from an auction, or watches the free horse ads.

There is nothing humane about the fate in store for these animals. It should be stopped - NOW!!!

I have rescued 4 OTTB's (off the track thoroughbreds) from the above fate. Each of them are magnificent individuals who now have another chance for life. They are the lucky ones.

Remember Ferdinand and Exceller (who beat both Affirmed and Seattle Slew - and also died in a slaughter house)!!!!

STOP HORSE SLAUGHTER NOW!!!!!!

[bdierickx1]

I applaud Michael Blowen, it is too bad there are not more people like him. Horses, whether they be thoroughbreds or wild on the range is this country's greatest heritage. I have a quote from a book I read awhile back. "Don't hurt any living creature, don't hurt animals and don't hurt children, and stop the ones that do just because they can."

[seabiscute]

What a good story, thank you, Katie and CBS for running it! The Thoroughbred industry is making great strides (ha ha) in caring for ex-racers and I commend them for that. I hope other breeds will follow their example, rather than discarding their "unsuccessful" specimens without regard for where they end up -- which, all too often, has been a torture-truck on the way to a brutal death so that their meat can be eaten by people in other countries.

I hope everyone who saw the story will ask their legislators to pass the horse-transport-for-slaughter bans, and save our American horses from cruel fates that profit foreigners. Slaughter is NOT a necessary evil -- the horses slaughtered are usually young and in good shape, contrary to the Myth of Unwanted Horses put forth by the pro-slaughter people -- it is just evil.

As an example, a group of Friends of Barbaro had secured new homes and raised enough money to purchase the horses waiting to be killed at one of the plants just before it was closed down -- but they were not allowed to rescue them: the horses all went to their grisly deaths instead. Please help shut this down.

[bdierickx1]

I applaud Michael Blowen, it is too bad there are not more people like him. Horses, whether they be thoroughbreds or wild on the range is this country's greatest heritage. I have a quote from a book I read awhile back. "Don't hurt any living creature, don't hurt animals and don't hurt children, and stop the ones that do just because they can."
Barb Dierickx

[bdierickx1]

I applaud Michael Blowen, it is too bad there are not more people like him. Horses, whether they be thoroughbreds or wild on the range is this country's greatest heritage. I have a quote from a book I read awhile back. "Don't hurt any living creature, don't hurt animals and don't hurt children, and stop the ones that do just because they can."
Barb Dierickx

[doreyd1]

Thank you so very much for this wounderful story. The American people need to be made more aware of the what is really happen in the Horse World. Please people call your Senators and Congressmen tell them to support the S.311 H.B.503 bills in Congress and get them passed for the horses!!!!!!! Again thank you so much for this story. I know the horses thank you

[lmatte]

Please go to www.hsus.org or www.saplonline.org to contact your state Senators and Representatives ask them to support and cosponsor the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act the bill numbers are HR 503 and S 311.

Going to the above websites you will see why it is so necessary to get these bills passed. There are 100,000 +/- young healthy beautiful horses being brutally and barbarically butchered ALIVE to feed the RICH in other countries. The horses are NOT old, lame and at the end of their useful lives. According to the USDA 92 % are in good health!!! Please help!!!

[annabellez]

Thank-you so much for covering this story. PLEASE don't let this issue become buried as legislation is currently needed to stop sale and transport of horses for slaughter. Next week in ILL a very important hearing will take place to determine if horse slaughter will continue in that state. PLEASE follow this issue and keep it in the public forum, it has been buried for a long time!

[annabellez]

Thank-you so much for covering this story. PLEASE don't let this issue become buried as legislation is currently needed to stop sale and transport of horses for slaughter. Next week in ILL a very important hearing will take place to determine if horse slaughter will continue in that state. PLEASE follow this issue and keep it in the public forum, it has been buried for a long time!

[ginniega]

Can't thank you enough for treating us to Michael Blowen and all his 'retired friends'! We need more features like this, with more awareness on vital horse issues, such as anti-slaughter, over-breeding and the need for responsible horse owners!
Thank you so very mush .... and looking forward to more 'treats' such as this!

[annabellez]

Thank-you so much for covering this story. PLEASE don't let this issue become buried as legislation is currently needed to stop sale and transport of horses for slaughter. Next week in ILL a very important hearing will take place to determine if horse slaughter will continue in that state. PLEASE follow this issue and keep it in the public forum, it has been buried for a long time!