she would see “outfits that had purchased horses at auctions, provided sustenance food only ... skinny horses with running saddle sores, standing in the sun with no shelter.” She says today this is no longer the case; Maryland’s stable licensing and inspection program has been able to improve the lot for rental horses in the state by monitoring and educating owners.
Unfortunately, in this floundering economy, it’s unlikely more states will start monitoring rental stables any time soon. In fact, Michigan recently shut down its 35-year-old licensing and inspection program because of funding shortages.
For the time being, in most places you might rent a horse, think of yourself as your rented horse’s advocate. Ride not only with eyes and ears open to the beauty and sounds of nature but also to any sign of equine neglect or abuse.
IDENTIFYING NEGLECT AND ABUSE When on the lookout for neglect or abuse, remember you are trying
to identify violations of the law, not personal standards of care. Essie Rogers, Director of Education and Welfare with the Kentucky Horse Council, believes it is important to make this distinction: “Te more unjustified accusations that are made, the less likely law enforcement might be to take complaints seriously.” She estimates that in Kentucky about 50% of complaints prove to be valid.
Figuring out how each state defines neglect and abuse can be difficult because every state’s animal welfare code is a little different. Without access and time to study the code of the state where you’re vacationing, you’ll have to be guided by a general awareness of what is probably illegal and your intuition.
A
t least three types of neglect or abuse are reportable in most states:
• Failure to provide food and water. However, reminds Essie Rogers, “Most rental facilities will feed their horses periodically and water at a tub on a schedule, usually in the morning, mid- day, after every ride, and then allow free choice water at night. Animals may be
standing without access to food and water at the time the patron is there - but as long as they appear healthy, alert, and in acceptable body condition they are most likely receiving adequate quantities of food and water.”
• Failure to adequately maintain a horse’s weight. Rogers clarifies that a “too skinny” horse is not one that is showing just ribs, but also “a prominence
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Not all state animal welfare codes require
rental stables to be monitored through regular inspection. Vacationing horseback riders can aid in monitoring, knowing when and how to report suspected neglect or abuse.
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