A Horse Like Model
Friday, July 4, 2008
Is Euthanasia a Solution to the Wild Horse Budget Problem
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has reassessed its position on wild horses and burros. It estimates that the population of the wild horses and burros double every four years, largely because they are virtually free of natural predators. Their ongoing challenge is to prevent overpopulation and adjust the number of wild horses and burros to be consistent with the capacity of public rangelands that supports them. As a result of higher fuel and feed costs, the number of animals adopted has been declining (noting a decrease from 5,701 in Fiscal Year (FY)2005 to 4,772 in FY 2007. possible each year into private care through public adoptions, but adoptions have been declining in recent years because of higher fuel and feed costs. Adoptions declined from 5,701 in Fiscal Year 2005 to 4,772 in Fiscal Year 2007.
An additional concern raised by the Agency is the costs of maintaining these animals in holding these animals in holding facilities. It projects that out of a $37 million budget for FY 2008, over $26 million will be allocated for holding costs. To maintain the short- and long-term holding facilities at their current level of operation, BLM estimates that it would need an increase in congressional appropriation to the Wild Horses and Burros Program to $44 million this fiscal year, $58 million in 2009, and upwards of $77 million in 2012.
BLM has approximated that an appropriate management level of wild horses and burros to maintain is around 27,000. The solution is to euthanize wild horses and burros that cannot be adopted. Is euthanizing wild horses the way to handle problems with budgeting and saving money? The Bureau of Land Mangement claims that they want your input. If you have any passion, or even an ounce of empathy for what these animals mean to the history of our country, I urge you to take them up on their invitiation for your input. To leave your comments or opinion, Click here to access the Agency's feedback form or call them at 1-800-710-7597.
An additional concern raised by the Agency is the costs of maintaining these animals in holding these animals in holding facilities. It projects that out of a $37 million budget for FY 2008, over $26 million will be allocated for holding costs. To maintain the short- and long-term holding facilities at their current level of operation, BLM estimates that it would need an increase in congressional appropriation to the Wild Horses and Burros Program to $44 million this fiscal year, $58 million in 2009, and upwards of $77 million in 2012.
BLM has approximated that an appropriate management level of wild horses and burros to maintain is around 27,000. The solution is to euthanize wild horses and burros that cannot be adopted. Is euthanizing wild horses the way to handle problems with budgeting and saving money? The Bureau of Land Mangement claims that they want your input. If you have any passion, or even an ounce of empathy for what these animals mean to the history of our country, I urge you to take them up on their invitiation for your input. To leave your comments or opinion, Click here to access the Agency's feedback form or call them at 1-800-710-7597.
Labels: Legislation
¶ 3:25 PM 4 Comments
Monday, May 12, 2008
Another Important Response to the Slaughter of Horses
In January, 2007, American Airlines stopped overseas shipments of horse meat from Texas. A recent opinion issued Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has expanded the ban on the sale or possession of horse meat for human consumption to include the shipment of horse meat destined for overseas markets.
Slaughterhouses for horses have been closed in the US. Now thousands of horses are shipped from the US to Mexico and Canada. For those who crave the delicacy of horse meat will no longer be able to use the ports and international airports in Texas to satisfy their appetite.
Another step in the right direction for protection of horses in the United States.
Slaughterhouses for horses have been closed in the US. Now thousands of horses are shipped from the US to Mexico and Canada. For those who crave the delicacy of horse meat will no longer be able to use the ports and international airports in Texas to satisfy their appetite.
Another step in the right direction for protection of horses in the United States.
Labels: Legislation
¶ 7:51 AM 0 Comments
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thank you Illinois House of Representatives!
Last October (2007) a double-decker trailer was hauling 60 Belgian draft horses in a space designed for carrying pigs and cattle. As a result of the driver running a red light and colliding with another vehicle, 15 horses were killed. The horses were being transported for auction in Minneapolis allegedly for slaughter in Canada.
Today, the Illinois House of Representatives passed H.B. 4162, which amends the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act, prohibiting the transporting of horses in double decker trailers. The Bill passed 80-29. All eyes are on the actions of the Illinois Senate.
I want to give a personal “thanks” to the House's Driver's Education and Safety Committee for their timely response. Illinois is taking a leadership role in the protection of horses from abuse and inhumane treatment. I urge all of you who are concern with the welfare of horses to show that you care. Regardless of where you live.
Email: Representatives JoAnn Osmond (R-61st) osmondjoann@aol.com and Bob Molaro (D-21st) robertm@ilga.gov co-sponsors of the Bill to show your appreciation.
Click here for The Chicago Tibune Photo Gallary of the October, 2006 Accident
Today, the Illinois House of Representatives passed H.B. 4162, which amends the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act, prohibiting the transporting of horses in double decker trailers. The Bill passed 80-29. All eyes are on the actions of the Illinois Senate.
I want to give a personal “thanks” to the House's Driver's Education and Safety Committee for their timely response. Illinois is taking a leadership role in the protection of horses from abuse and inhumane treatment. I urge all of you who are concern with the welfare of horses to show that you care. Regardless of where you live.
Email: Representatives JoAnn Osmond (R-61st) osmondjoann@aol.com and Bob Molaro (D-21st) robertm@ilga.gov co-sponsors of the Bill to show your appreciation.
Click here for The Chicago Tibune Photo Gallary of the October, 2006 Accident
Labels: Legislation
¶ 3:02 PM 0 Comments
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act: Taking a Stand
One of the most emotionally charged animal rights issues in recent memory centers on the legislation regarding the slaughter of horses. In question is The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This Act will prohibit the transporting of horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. In September, 2006, the Bill passed in the House of Representatives with votes of 263 to 146. It has yet to be acted upon in the Senate.
The remaining foreign-owned slaughter houses for horses have been shut down. The French-owned Bel-Tex Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas; the Dallas Crown in Kaufman, Texas and Cavel International in DeKalb, Illinois (both which were Belgium-owned) are no longer in operation. These facilities collectively slaughtered over 100,000 horses in 2006 for meat export to countries such as Belgium, France, Italy and Japan.
The shutting down of the slaughter houses have not ended the slaughter of horses. They are being transported across the border to Canada and Mexico to be butchered.
The pros and cons argued on both sides of the problem are many.
Some of the factors raised by those advocating the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act include:
The Humane Societyof theUnited States
One of the most emotionally charged animal rights issues in recent memory centers on the legislation regarding the slaughter of horses. In question is The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This Act will prohibit the transporting of horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. In September, 2006, the Bill passed in the House of Representatives with votes of 263 to 146. It has yet to be acted upon in the Senate.
The remaining foreign-owned slaughter houses for horses have been shut down. The French-owned Bel-Tex Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas; the Dallas Crown in Kaufman, Texas and Cavel International in DeKalb, Illinois (both which were Belgium-owned) are no longer in operation. These facilities collectively slaughtered over 100,000 horses in 2006 for meat export to countries such as Belgium, France, Italy and Japan.
The shutting down of the slaughter houses have not ended the slaughter of horses. They are being transported across the border to Canada and Mexico to be butchered.
The pros and cons argued on both sides of the problem are many.
Some of the factors raised by those advocating the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act include:
- The role that horses have played in the building of this Country. Horses have made their contribution as a primary source of transportation in early days in addition to working the farm fields for planting and harvesting crops.
- Many healthy horses are sold to middlemen at auction with intention of sending them to facilities for slaughter. Many times an owner will sell a horse at auction, thinking that it will be bought for adoption or sold to a stable where it will be cared for. The owner is unaware of the potential fate of their horse.
- With the closure of slaughter hourses we are now faced with the problem of a 300% increase in the number of horses that are being transported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.
- Passage of the Act will result in a substantial increase the number of unwanted horses. They project that this will tax the financial resources and space available in rescue organizations for the care of these horses. The result is increase abandonment of horses by owners who will be left to starve to death.
- Horses will have to endure grueling conditions as they travel hundreds of miles for slaughter in Canada and Mexico. Transport trucks are often hot, over crowded, and the horses travel without access to food or water.
- Horses slaughtered across the border face more gruesome deaths. Once a horse crosses the border into Mexico or Canada, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) no longer has control over the fate of the horse.
- Horses slaughtered in facilities located within US Borders fell under the supervision of the USDA which regulated the conditions and procedures under which horses were transported and slaughter.
- According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), horses killed in American slaughterhouses died quickly with the steel pins that pierced their brains. The AVMA considers this a humane method for killing horses.
In parts of Mexico, horses are disable, in contrast, by being stabbed with knives to sever their spinal cords. This process may involve several attempts before the horse is disabled causing much pain and suffering for the horse. - The slowdown in the economy have caused economic hardship for many owners who cannot afford the increase prices in hay and grain feed.
Some of the organizations in favor of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act include:
- Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights
- The National Show Horse Registry
- Wild Horse and Burro Freedom Alliance
Those who oppose the legislation include:
- The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
- the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)
- the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Both sides raise valid points, but can be interpeted in very subjective ways. Call me emotional, illogical, and not objective, but I am with the first group. I oppose the slaughter of horses and transport of horses across the border for slaughter. I think about Horses Like Model who have a lot to give us in terms of companionship, love, loyality and who only want to be adopted from rescue and be given a loving home. I am very passionate about the Belgian Draft Horse, The Gentle Giant.
If you have not made up your mind which side you support, it is time to examine both sides of the issue and take a stand. One day the US Senate might get serious and move from their state of stagnation on the Legislation. For your love of horses, you will have to get off the fence.
Labels: Rescue
¶ 11:25 AM 0 Comments
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Another Focus
I am not sure of the solutions, but I want to do what ever I can to improve the lives of these horses. I think this refocus will meet with Model’s approval.
When I started this Blog, I wanted to shed light on the challenges and joys of owning and training a rescue horse. My daughter’s horse, Model, is a rescue horse. When you look at Model’s photo, when she first arrived, you can see how underweight and frightened she was.
Model has made a great deal of progress since her adoption last year. She is now at her proper weight and is achieving many milestones in her training. My strategy in writing this Blog was to increase awareness of the hundreds of horses, like Model, who are waiting for love, support, adoption. So I started posting on topics such as training and grooming and our overall experiences with Model.
My focus in writing this Blog has started to change. The more I read about the problems facing horse rescue groups and cases of abandoned and abused horses, the more I began to think about the meaning of the Blog’s title, A Horse Like Model. I know that Model is loved and her everyday needs are being met. But I am saddened by the flight of other horses, like Model, who are still in rescue shelters and in need for adoption. I am frustrated about the neglected and abused horses that are falling victim to the economic climate we are facing. I have decided to spend more time focusing on the needs of rescue organizations and ways to advocate on behalf of horses in need of adoption and financial support.
Model has made a great deal of progress since her adoption last year. She is now at her proper weight and is achieving many milestones in her training. My strategy in writing this Blog was to increase awareness of the hundreds of horses, like Model, who are waiting for love, support, adoption. So I started posting on topics such as training and grooming and our overall experiences with Model.
My focus in writing this Blog has started to change. The more I read about the problems facing horse rescue groups and cases of abandoned and abused horses, the more I began to think about the meaning of the Blog’s title, A Horse Like Model. I know that Model is loved and her everyday needs are being met. But I am saddened by the flight of other horses, like Model, who are still in rescue shelters and in need for adoption. I am frustrated about the neglected and abused horses that are falling victim to the economic climate we are facing. I have decided to spend more time focusing on the needs of rescue organizations and ways to advocate on behalf of horses in need of adoption and financial support.
I am not sure of the solutions, but I want to do what ever I can to improve the lives of these horses. I think this refocus will meet with Model’s approval.
Labels: Rescue
¶ 10:22 AM 0 Comments
Monday, March 10, 2008
More on Clicker Training
Clicker training is a systematic process. You define the targeted behavior and set the criteria for rewards. While it is a simple approach, in concept, it is important that you are reading your horse overall demeanor correctly as the click-behavior-reward cycle is implemented. You may have to make minor adjustments periodically to find the best combination of timing, rewards, and sequence of steps that works best for your horse.
Mistakes will be made as the start of the process. Just remember that mistakes are part of the learning curve, not an indication that system does not work. Use what you have learned as feedback to determine corrective action needed to improve the methods you are using and opportunity to learn more about your horse.
Implementing clicker training should be part of the total context of how your horse will be trained in the long term. It is a good starting point for overall groundwork training in which you are trying to establish your authority with your horse.
As training progression, the cues you use to get responses will vary. The clicker should give way to the use of physical signals, verbal commands, and finally to the application of pressure to get response.
Groundwork training sets the stage for advanced training. . Some of the major components of groundwork training include: yielding, leading, longing, round penning, lateral movement and trailer loading. Each area of activity is taking your horse to a higher level of preparation for riding or performing in horse shows.
Regardless of the level to which you plan on training your horse, you should develop an overall plan on how the training will be scheduled, where it will occur, and what equipment will be needed at the various stages. Use clicker training to observe how your horse is reacting to the skills you is trying to teach. What is his body language before, during and after the click-behavior-reward process? How is his breathing, his muscle tone? How is he holding his ears, his tail? Being in tune with your horse is ensuring that he is relaxed and in pain or not under stress while training.
Remember you and your horse are a team. Training should be a rewarding experience for both of you and used as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you.
Resources
¶ 2:03 PM 0 Comments
In the previous post, we described the basis of clicker training. By teaching your horse to associate specified behavior with rewards initiated by the sound of a clicker, is conditioned to repeat the behavior for the positive consequence of receiving a reward. The behavior-reward pattern should then move from fixed intervals (rewarding the horse immediately) to a variable-reward pattern (in which the horse is rewarded periodically instead of every time he exhibits the expected behavior).
Clicker training is a systematic process. You define the targeted behavior and set the criteria for rewards. While it is a simple approach, in concept, it is important that you are reading your horse overall demeanor correctly as the click-behavior-reward cycle is implemented. You may have to make minor adjustments periodically to find the best combination of timing, rewards, and sequence of steps that works best for your horse.
Mistakes will be made as the start of the process. Just remember that mistakes are part of the learning curve, not an indication that system does not work. Use what you have learned as feedback to determine corrective action needed to improve the methods you are using and opportunity to learn more about your horse.
Implementing clicker training should be part of the total context of how your horse will be trained in the long term. It is a good starting point for overall groundwork training in which you are trying to establish your authority with your horse.
As training progression, the cues you use to get responses will vary. The clicker should give way to the use of physical signals, verbal commands, and finally to the application of pressure to get response.
Groundwork training sets the stage for advanced training. . Some of the major components of groundwork training include: yielding, leading, longing, round penning, lateral movement and trailer loading. Each area of activity is taking your horse to a higher level of preparation for riding or performing in horse shows.
Regardless of the level to which you plan on training your horse, you should develop an overall plan on how the training will be scheduled, where it will occur, and what equipment will be needed at the various stages. Use clicker training to observe how your horse is reacting to the skills you is trying to teach. What is his body language before, during and after the click-behavior-reward process? How is his breathing, his muscle tone? How is he holding his ears, his tail? Being in tune with your horse is ensuring that he is relaxed and in pain or not under stress while training.
Remember you and your horse are a team. Training should be a rewarding experience for both of you and used as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you.
Resources
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Clicker Training
Clicker training is an extension of natural horsemanship. The process relies on natural instincts of horses in training them to learn targeted behavior. Clicker training can be traced to the research of Edward Thorndike (1874 - 1949) and B.F. Skinner (1904 – 1990). Both men were concerned with the relationship between stimuli, rewards and the consequences of behavior.
Thorndike’s theory, the Law of Effect, proposed that responses to stimuli which resulted in pleasure or satisfaction by the individual are more likely to be repeated again by the individual within the context of that situation. Conversely, responses to stimuli producing discomfort (or a negative experience) are less likely to be repeated. Skinner’s concept of Stimulus-Response (S-R) centers on the relationship between behavior and consequence. An assumption is made that reinforcement of behavior through rewards (positive reinforcement) will result in that behavior being repeated.
A clicker device is used to train a horse to associate sound made by the clicker to a reward given for performing targeted behavior. Target behavior is any action you want the horse to perform. It could be anything from allowing its hoof to be raised for grooming to approaching you on your command.
To start the process, click then give the horse a treat. You can give a carrot, apple, sugar cube or other food. Use your knowledge of the horse’s food preferences in selecting a treat. You want it to be something the horse enjoys. It will not take long for the horse to associate the sound of a click with a treat (the Stimulus-Response process).
The next step in the training process is introduction the clicker to the horse and encouraging him to touch it. Horses are naturally curious and you want the horse to begin to recognize both the actual clicker and the sound it makes. Prompt him to touch the clicker with his nose. Immediately click the clicker and give a treat. Consistency is important. The horse touches the clicker; you click then give him a treat. Begin to incorporate time delay in providing the treat. You may decide to give a treat after every three clicks. In this situation, you are building anticipation of a treat with in association with the sound of the clicker.
As training continues, begin to integrate verbal commands. Commands such as “come”, “back”, “walk”, “whoa” can be different aspects of the training process. Use only one command at a time so the horse does not get confused. Introduce a new command only after the previous command has been learned and demonstrated by the horse.
Keep training sessions short, averaging no more than 10 minutes at a time. This will prove to be an optimal time frame to keep your horse engaged without becoming bored with the process.
REFERENCES
Thorndike’s theory, the Law of Effect, proposed that responses to stimuli which resulted in pleasure or satisfaction by the individual are more likely to be repeated again by the individual within the context of that situation. Conversely, responses to stimuli producing discomfort (or a negative experience) are less likely to be repeated. Skinner’s concept of Stimulus-Response (S-R) centers on the relationship between behavior and consequence. An assumption is made that reinforcement of behavior through rewards (positive reinforcement) will result in that behavior being repeated.
A clicker device is used to train a horse to associate sound made by the clicker to a reward given for performing targeted behavior. Target behavior is any action you want the horse to perform. It could be anything from allowing its hoof to be raised for grooming to approaching you on your command.
To start the process, click then give the horse a treat. You can give a carrot, apple, sugar cube or other food. Use your knowledge of the horse’s food preferences in selecting a treat. You want it to be something the horse enjoys. It will not take long for the horse to associate the sound of a click with a treat (the Stimulus-Response process).
The next step in the training process is introduction the clicker to the horse and encouraging him to touch it. Horses are naturally curious and you want the horse to begin to recognize both the actual clicker and the sound it makes. Prompt him to touch the clicker with his nose. Immediately click the clicker and give a treat. Consistency is important. The horse touches the clicker; you click then give him a treat. Begin to incorporate time delay in providing the treat. You may decide to give a treat after every three clicks. In this situation, you are building anticipation of a treat with in association with the sound of the clicker.
As training continues, begin to integrate verbal commands. Commands such as “come”, “back”, “walk”, “whoa” can be different aspects of the training process. Use only one command at a time so the horse does not get confused. Introduce a new command only after the previous command has been learned and demonstrated by the horse.
Keep training sessions short, averaging no more than 10 minutes at a time. This will prove to be an optimal time frame to keep your horse engaged without becoming bored with the process.
REFERENCES
Labels: Training
¶ 1:33 PM 0 Comments
