RicelandMeadows

5 responses to “Changes along with the Weather”

1. 

   Rick Ward

   March 28, 2020

   Continued good luck on the transition to the Suffolks. Sometimes farmers get a “bad rap” for resisting change or perhaps even being “reactionary”. I would rather believe in the old saying that my Dad used to spread father thickly: “If it’s not broke; quit trying to fix it.” Your transition was obviously well thought through and you understand the stretched heartstrings. Godspeed and Drive That Team.

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   1. 

      ricelandmeadows

      March 28, 2020

      Thank you. Yes, the decision was taking very seriously and made after several considerations. Once we decided to go that direction, all the stars lined up, making me sure we had some “Devine” help!

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2. 

   Jacklyn Krysa

   March 28, 2020

   Please reconsider sending Abby to an auction. Even if she sells to a good home, you will have no idea what will happen to her after her usefulness is done or if she would be injured & unable to work. I follow many of the largest livestock/kill pens in the US. There are way too many starved, broke down, abused work horses daily. It is heartbreaking to see these gentle giants used to nothing then thrown away. Also, Canada exports tens of thousands of US draft horses to Japan to be eaten as a form of sushi. They are flown live in cramped wooden crates with many times no food/water for days. Some die in transit. They are then kept in concrete feed lots tied up, infested with flys & maggots till fattened for the sushi meat. Google Canada draft horses flying to Japan. The auction pens are Bowie, Lonestar, Lancaster, Kansas, Oklahoma kill pens to name some of the bigger ones. Their buyers go all across the country buying at the smaller auctions then transport to these large pens near the Mexico border for transport to the slaughter plants there. It is never a good system for any horse to get caught up in. Disease is rampant. Strangles. If you can sell her local where you can keep tabs on her, that would be the best outcome.

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   1. 

      ricelandmeadows

      March 30, 2020

      I will make every effort to find Abby a great home. She is for sale and would make a great horse to pull your buggy.
      I agree with some of what you say. I won’t debate horse slaughter, but I will offer my opinion. I feel that slaughter plants should be available in each state and monitored by federal inspection. This would help alleviate some of the concerns that you describe. I personally don’t want to eat horse meat, but I don’t see anything wrong with those who do. Many Europeans, as well as people all over the world,eat this meat and have for years. Horses are, after all, livestock.
      Your concern for misused and abused horses is admirable, but just as dogs, cats and other animals, the “owners” are the problem. Let’s look at that problem more seriously. Goddard’s law may help as long as well meaning people don’t twist the law and make it over reaching. Thank you for your comments. I will update you and all readers of my BLOG as to Abby’s next home. Be assured that I will make every effort to find her the best home possible.

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      1. 

         Rick Ward

         March 30, 2020

         Responsible ownership of livestock goes far beyond feeding and housing and grooming the animals. Decisions must be made that speak to the welfare of individual livestock and the overall sustainability of the herd. While slaughter of horses is not something that I favor; it is in some cultures. It could be a viable solution to overcrowding and misuse of the livestock.