Because of the unique nature of horse ownership, there are no accurate figures to document how many unwanted horses exist. Unlike as to dogs and cats, many state laws regarding the abuse and/or abandonment of horses treat horses as “livestock” rather than pets, allowing for much greater leeway in their treatment. Also it is safe to say that tens of thousands of horses are sent to slaughter each year, while some unwanted horses are euthanized. With economic downturns, the number of abandoned or neglected horses rises exponentially.
Sky Ranch Sanctuary currently houses and cares for four horses and we are hoping to expand to care for a total of six. (We want to keep the size manageable for myself and Madeline Royal [horse caregiver extraordinaire] to do the day to day care and maintenance.)
At times I think this is such a drop in the bucket that it seems an exercise in futility. We’re so small. But then I look at the horses we have and remind myself that to Sheldon, Spirit, Party Girl and Snitch, our small haven is everything. They are wanted horses given the care and attention all horses deserve. And that is something that matters.