In these times, the wellbeing of equines, horses and donkeys, is threatened along many fronts, from legal, round-ups, legislation, poor care, and outright abandonment. These abusive outrages are global. Then, there are the kill auctions where they seem to meet the end of the road. I believe from there they are sold to Canada or Mexico to be processed for consumption, something that is not allowed in this country. So on one hand, we as a country love horses and donkeys enough not to want to eat them, but we are okay with abusing and neglecting them, and sending them to kill auctions.
I would like to think most Americans do not know anything about this, they believe the sanitized images they see in magazines or on television of affluent people riding their beautifully turned out horses and assume all horses are living that kind of life. Nothing can be further from the truth. Horses and donkeys starve to death or die of a disease every day, and their plight is worse in other countries.
If I write about horses and donkeys in my blog from time to time, it is not because I am too lazy to write about my borzoi, it is because I know most people have huge hearts and do not know about their plight. I believe if they knew, they may want to donate to a horse or donkey charity, of which there are many all over the country and the world. With that in mind, I would like to post a poem that appeared on Facebook by Sally Marsh on January 16, 2021. It touched my heart and I hope it touches yours, too, or at the least, makes you sensitive to the needs and cares of the equines, the little beasts of burden, with which we share our lives.
The Horse that Heaven Forgot
Sally Marsh
January 16, 2021
Winter came sharply to the field on the hill, where the old horse stood patiently his back turned against the chill.
His raggedy frame now bony, a shadow of his former self.
In his younger days, this gallant horse had been kept in the finest of health,
His owner, Bob, had doted on him and always been by his side, but now it had been a long time since they went for their daily ride.
Bob had grown much slower as he brought out the sweet, fresh hay,
Slower and more quiet each and every day.
One morning things were different. Bob just didn’t arrive.
And the old horse watched the ambulance as it made its way down the drive.
Three days went past and the old horse waited by the gate. But he knew in his heart, his old friend was not just late.
He raised up his gentle head to look up to the sky, watching the heavy rain clouds as they swirled and drifted by.
He hoped Bob was happy and warm and safe up there, he would always miss his companionship, his love, his care.
Sheltered beneath the oak tree he stood sadly, not moving from his spot.
Was he now going to be the horse heaven forgot?
Quiet footsteps approaching soon made him prick up his ears, and soon a gentle voice was dispelling all his fears.
The kind girl whispered softly, “Don’t worry; I am here to take you home.
Grandpa made me promise not to ever leave you alone.”
The old horse breathed deeply as she held his heavy head, he knew now he would be loved again, kept warm, dry and fed.
Side by side they wandered along the bumpy track, fresh food in his belly, a rug upon his back.
In his new home he had shelter and grass so tall and green, his hay net was always full, and his water bucket clean.
When the young girl would call him he headed for her in his finest trot,
Now happy that he was not the horse that heaven forgot.