Equine Advocates
This autumn, I decided to replace my horses' winter blankets with brand-new ones. We were wondering what to do with the old ones and Betsy Perreten, my stable manager, came up with the perfect solution. She thought we should donate the blankets to an organization called Equine Advocates, a national nonprofit equine protection organization founded in 1996, promoting equine rescue, retirement, and the humane treatment of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, located in Chatham, New York. Susan Wagner, the founder and president of this wonderful organization, is very passionate about and proud of what she does. "The mission of Equine Advocates is to rescue, protect, and prevent the abuse of horses through education, investigation, rescue operations, and the dissemination of information to the public," she told Betsy. "The organization deals primarily with five main issues of importance: equine rescue, horse slaughter, wild horse issues, the PMU [pregnant mares' urine] industry, and the prevention of equine abuse."
Lovely rolling hills and paddocks:
The 128-acre center is called Safe Home Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, and welcomes visitors to see the dozens of rescued animals finding shelter there. It's really heart wrenching to learn the sad history of these animals. The center also has an education facility where you can attend seminars dealing with all aspects of horse care and equine issues. Susan is extremely active with many political causes and conducts symposiums and fund-raisers for her mission. Betsy was very inspired by her visit and looks forward to returning again. She and I both feel very good that the horse blankets she delivered that day are keeping five rescued horses warm for the winter. All photos today were taken by Betsy.
Susan and Betsy holding one of the donated blankets:
Every equine has his or her own story. This is about Willie and Nelson, two rescued American Mustangs:
This is about Jerry and Jeffrey Mac, two other amazing rescue stories:
Some of the horse stables:
A cute pony:
Martha,
What a good use for those horse blankets. Betsy did come up with the perfect solution in donating them to Equine Advocates. Thanks for telling us about their work to better the lives of the horses---and donkeys---they rescue.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 16th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful organization.
I'm sure with you blogging this article they will receive other types of donations. It seems like the horse is admiring the blanket
that Susan & Betsy are holding.
Pauline Mucciaccio
Posted by: PAULINE MUCCIACCIO | January 16th, 2008 at 8:59 am
It makes me happy to learn that five rescued horses will be enjoying the warmth provided by your donated blankets. Equine Advocates is the second place in a week that I have read about in regards to rescued horses and other farm critters and I praise the people who take care of these precious animals. When I found out how much it cost just to buy hay to feed the horses regularly, I decided I wanted to help and that is what I will be doing. You have done a great thing with your blankets, Martha. Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 16th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Good thinking donating them to Equine Advocates, Betsy, it is a truly wonderful place!
Posted by: Jenna Z | January 16th, 2008 at 10:07 am
That cute pony probably is a pony that bites---he has that "I dare you" look of a horse that didn't give in or up. It is nice two horses were named for Willie Nelson as he is a strong passionate supporter of horse welfare.
The pressure on Equine Advocates has just begun.
Posted by: Margie | January 16th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Martha,
I watch you every day in Tampa, Fl - knowing you are an animal lover - I'm hopeful that you'll take interest and provide some support for pet owners all over the US. The FDA is planning a spring meeting for input from 'stakeholder groups' to ensure the safety of pet food. There is no bigger stakeholder group than US pet owners. I am leading a group effort for the representation of pet owners at that meeting and for pet owners to have a voice. Currently pet food manufacturers sit on the advisory boards to AAFCO - the rule makers of the industry. In other words - the fox is guarding the hen house. Please help us! Your compassion for animals and your personal integrity could make a huge difference for pet owners.
We are hoping to pull together a US Pet Owners for Pet Food Safety e-March (electronic march) to the FDA meeting. For more information you can visit http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/emarch.html
Here's hoping you can help.
Susan Thixton
Posted by: Susan Thixton | January 16th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Martha,
Bravo to Betsy for her compassionate way of thinking.
Everyone can do something kind for organizations that take care of animals. Whether it be a specific organization such as Equine Advocates or a Wild Life Rescue or even a local Humane Society.
Each year, the week after New Years, I replace my hand and bath towels; it's a treat for me to get nice new cozy towels (and they're usually on sale that time of year) and a treat for the animals at the local Humane Society were I take my gently used towels for the cats and dogs to sleep on. It'll warm your heart!
Posted by: Mandy | January 16th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Thank you for making people aware of the horses in Canada being slaughtered and/or sent to European meat markets. As a horse owner and a Canadian, these practices have upset me for many years and hopefully can one day soon be stopped.
Posted by: Janet | January 16th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I believe that not many Americans are aware that our horses are cruely transported and inhumanely slaughtered for human consumption abroad. Thank you so much for having Susan from Equine Advocates on your show. Hopefully, the bills before Congress will pass very soon. And thank you for donating your blankets.
Posted by: JoAnn | January 16th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Martha
Wonderful idea for the blankets. There are many rescue organizations across the country that blankets can be donated to.
In addition to educating the general population about the issues of horse slaugter, overbreeding, the throw away mentality of many horse industries, there is a need for rescue organizations.
These organizations provide a humane alternative for horses when they find themselves in a bad situation with no where to go.
Thanks for having Susan on your show. And thanks again to Susan and to others like her.
Posted by: Jennie | January 16th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I am a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in the state of Michigan. I have also been a foster person for several Humane organizations for the past 25 years. I am interested in helping as many animals as I can in my lifetime -- it's why I was put on earth. I came across a story one night that Debora Norville did on "Inside Edition" about horse slaughter. I was HORRIFIED at what I saw. I cried for days and told everyone I could about what was going on. I was so happy to see this story on your show today because it is SO important that this information gets out and people are aware of what is happening to these beautiful, innocent animals! There is NO WAY I, myself, could reach so many people with this kind of story -- thank you so much for bringing it to peoples' attention!
Sincerely,
Keirstie Carducci
Out-Back Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Ottawa Lake, MI
Posted by: Keirstie R. Carducci | January 16th, 2008 at 11:06 am
My heart is always filled with the greatest sorrow mixed with joy when I read about people like Susan Wagner who devote their lives for the love and protection of the ones who "have no voice and no choice." It is the saddest statement of our species that these conditions exist.
Our children and animals deserve the utmost care!
Posted by: Susan S | January 16th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Thank you so much for having Equine Advocates on your show. SO many people don't know about horse slaughter and that our horses are being served up on dinner plates overseas. I hope people will call their congressmen and ask them to pass the American Horse Slaughter Protection Act, Senate bill S311 and house bill HR 503.
Posted by: Barb AZ | January 16th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Thank you so much for having Susan on and telling about horse slaughter. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 503/S.311, needs to be passed immediately.
Also the Burns amendment needs to be resended in order to stop the selling of our wild horses by the passage of H.R. 249.
Posted by: Barbara Warner | January 16th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Hi Martha,
Thank you so very much for doing the story on rescue. More people should be made aware of the inhumane way our horses are being slaughtered. Maybe you story will help save some poor horse.
Once again I thank you.
Carol Nichols
Monessen, Pa
Posted by: Carol Nichols | January 16th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hi Martha, What a heartwarming blog! It is so comforting to know there are places like Safe Home Equine Rescue and Sanctuary in your area. We have a place called Pasado's Safe Haven here in the Seattle area. It was started by Susan Michaels and named for a beautiful donkey who was beaten to death by a couple of teen agers. They take in all kinds of animals. Thank you so much for sharing amd making others aware of sanctuaries like these. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 16th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Dear Martha,
Thank you so much for raising awareness about horse slaughter and the wonderful work of people such as Susan Wagner. It is vital that the American people pressure their Congressmen and women to pass S311 and HR503 to stop the transport of our beautiful horses via cruelly inhumane conditions to meet a horrific end. Horses settled this country. As their human caretakers, we owe them a peaceful, noble end. And thank you for donating the blankets!
Posted by: Jane Fieberts | January 16th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Martha,
Thanks for having the information about Equine Advocates and the rescue of these animals on your show and pointing out the information on your blog. I have already called and written the members of the House and Senate in my state.
I am also glad to hear about the pet food safety e-march.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 16th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Thank you Martha for getting the story of horse slaughter out there to the public. We really need everyone to come out now and help pass the American Horse Slaughter Provention Act, S311 and HR503, to save our American horses from a cruel death at foreign slaughter houses.
Posted by: Lynette, IL | January 16th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Thank you for having Susan of Equine Advocates on your program. Please support your horse/animal rescues and please contact your Representatives and Senators to ask them to cosponsor the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act S311/H.R.503.
Posted by: Tstockam | January 16th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Martha
For Your Caring About This So Very Important Issue About Our Horses. For Reaching Out.
Martha You And Susan From Equine
Adovcates Are Angels On This Earth.
Many Blessings To You.
Dee Mirich
Posted by: Dee Mirich | January 16th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Martha, thank you so much for airing this piece. So many American's have no idea our horses are being slaughtered for overseas human consumption. And while there are currently no slaughter houses operating in the US, they are not yet illegal and we are still allowing the transport of our horses into Canada and Mexico for slaughter.
If your doctor has you on Premarin, WHOA! Do some research on it...you don't want to take it for several reasons.
Please join a state action team and fight to pass the American Horse Slaughter Protection Amendment. The Amendment will end slaughter of horses in American for human consumption and stop the export of them into Mexico and Canada for slaughter.
For more information on how to get involved go to http://www.alexbrownracing.com/wiki/index.php/Horse_slaughter#Current_Strategy. Scroll down to "Current Strategy" and look for "join a state group."
Anyone who tells you that this amendment is a disservice to the horses is wrong and pro-slaughter. We are fighting a tough lobby. The Cattleman's Association, among others, have deep pockets and have profited off the deaths of American Horses for many years. They don't want to see the end of this gravy train.
Please, contact your legislators in DC!!! Please be a voice for the horses who cannot speak for themselves!
Posted by: Lorri Roush Shaver | January 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Dear Martha:
I, too, can't possibly thank you enough for featuring Equine Advocates and the issues of horse rescue and horse slaughter on your show. You are doing these wonderful creatures an incredible service by getting this information out in the public sphere.
Perhaps because of what you did today, the bills to ban the transportation of horses to slaughter in the U.S. will finally, finally become law.
Best Wishes!
Posted by: Mary | January 16th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Martha,
Thank you for having susan wagner on your show today. Hopefully everyone will call their members of congress and senators to have them get hr503 and s311 passed.
Posted by: adrienne | January 16th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Susan was terrific on your show. Horse Slaughter must be stopped. Thanks Equine Advocates for what you do.
Posted by: Wendy | January 16th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Thank you THANK YOU! for this segment on you show! Please help stop horse slaughter and PMU factory's!
Posted by: MissLane | January 16th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Thank you so much for educating the public with respect to the horse slaughter issue, and the efforts to save horses and give them a second chance.
Posted by: Lisa Leach | January 16th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Thank you for airing the story about Horse rescue and slaughter.
Posted by: Beverly Sweitzer | January 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Dear Martha,
Thank you so much for doing a segment on horse slaughter in the United States also known as America's Dirty Secret. We need to keep our horses safe from salughter and any kind of horrific, tragic, barbaric acts taken against them.They helped build this country and still do, they help children that are handicapped and adults they make wonderful pets and companions.I work at a horse rescue and have seen very sad things. PMU Premerin Mares, premerine made from the urine of horses. I would suffer first. Again Thank You so much for the exposure we need the American Horse Slaughter Provention Act, S311 and HR503 passed to save the horses of the United States.
Posted by: Renee Antaya | January 16th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Thanks for highlighting the fight to help and save horses! People should research and find a local rescue in their area to help with donations of money, goods, time, or resources. MANY organizations are out there and need help. Research and find a reputable one in your area.
Posted by: Elizabeth Clark, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) | January 16th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Thanks so much for bring the attention of the abuse of these horses to the public.
The more the word spreads, the more likely we can put an end to this horrible situation.
Posted by: Lee Cado | January 16th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Dear Martha, Susan was great on your show. I have three rescue horses here on my farm in Maine. One of them is a pmu baby that I adopted 5 years ago! We just love her and her stable mates....it was just great that you donated your blankets. Love your show....Beth
Posted by: Beth | January 16th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Thank you for bringing these issue of equine welfare to the forefront. Some studiest suggest that 90% of americans are opposed to horse slaughter for human consumption yet we allow horses to cross US borders to Canada and Mexico for this to happen. I am a proud supporter of Saddlebred Rescue http://www.saddlebredrescue.com and support the efforts of equine welfare everywhere.
Posted by: Sharon | January 16th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Thankyou so very much Martha for having Susan on your show today.
I pray that through your show more Americans will come to the knowledge of the atrocities being inflicted upon them.
Gracious gentle animals whom are our pets deserve our voices to be heard.
HR 503 / S311 and HR249 are all bills that must pass immediately for their protection and well being. We are their voices and we can make a difference for them.
May never again another American horse find themselves in a slaughter plant or in transport for it.
Thankyou for your help and your support.
Posted by: Jenny | January 16th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Thank you Martha and Betsy for having Susan on your show! I have always been a big fan of MSL and this was a new high point. The slaughter of American horses is going on in Mexico and Canada. Horsemeat is a high priced delicacy in France and Belgium. Foal meat is prized in Japan. Please call your senators and ask them to sponsor S.311, and call your representatives to sponsor H.R. 503 and support H.R. 249 to end the inhumane transport of horses to the slaughterhouses.
Posted by: Teresa Chin | January 16th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I really want to thank you Martha and Susan Wagner for getting the message of horse slaughter to the American public. I never heard of this terrible thing until I became involved with the Fans of Barbaro an internet group which originally began with people who followed Barbaro's fight for life and which is now trying to promote Barbaro's legacy which includes ending horse slaughter. People need to know that this horrible practice exists and need to contact their senators and representatives to get the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed (AHSPA).Only then will our horses be protected from slaughter and the transport to slaughter. Thank you again Marth for caring.
Posted by: Joanne Frank | January 16th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Martha
Can't thank you enough for speaking out to stop horse slaughter. We need people to call, fax and email there Senators on bill S 311 and the Representatives on bill H R 503
So many American's have no idea our horses are being slaughtered for overseas human consumption.
The USDA reports say 90% of horses slaughtered are healthy and young. It is not the old and sick horses the Pro slaughter wants us to think it is.
I didn't know about horse slaughter until the KY Darby winner Barbaro broke his leg.
In looking for updates on him,I found out. His owners Mr and Mrs Jackson ask a group call the Fan's of Barbaro to help stop horse slaughter.
Now I call and write congress dayly. But we need more callers.
Alex Brown Racing is where you can join in the fight to stop this! Please be the voice of the horses.
Thank you!
Posted by: Debbie Jones | January 16th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Thank you so much for shining much needed light on the issues facing America's horses. Susan, and rescuers like her, work so hard with so few resources to protect the horses from horrible fates. They are true heroes and angels to the horses. By so generously providing a forum to talk about this issue on your show, you are increasing awareness for the millions who don't know what can happen to perfectly good , young , healthy horses . Thank you again.
Posted by: Terri Czarski | January 16th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Hi Martha,
Thank you so much for being the voice of the horses that are brutally slaughtered each day for overseas human consumption while we wait for Congress to pass H.R. 503/S. 311 that will stop the transport and slaughter of American horses.
Thank you for encouraging your audience and America to be involved in saving these precious young and healthy horses.
Susan Wagner was fantastic, thank you for giving her some time on your show to wake America up to the reality.
Posted by: Sharon Crumb | January 16th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Thank you so much, Martha, for publicizing the horrific fact of horse slaughter for human consumption. I hope you will continue to address this issue until S311/HR503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, is passed.
Posted by: Carole Bailis | January 16th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Martha,
Thank you so much for having Susan Wagner on your show. Letting the American public know what fate to many of our equine family have is so important.
Thank you again.
Carleen Sova
Posted by: Carleen Sova | January 16th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Thanks so much for allowing Susan Wagner airtime to bring the horrific issue of horse slaughter before your viewing public! Anyone who is interested in the passage of S311/HR503 will find friends on AlexBrownRacing.com, which began as a site for people who wanted to follow Barbaro's progress following his Preakness injury, and continues to honor his life and legacy by rescuing more that 1,900 horses to date and campaigning daily for the passage of the AHSPA...truly a "grass roots" organization!
Posted by: Nancy Goss | January 16th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Martha, I am in tears! I am a very active member of the anti-slaughter community and it is so wonderful to see this presented to such a wide audience. As Susan mentioned, more than 70% of Americans are opposed to horse slaughter for human consumption but we need much broader education and many more calls to action. You have given us the opportunity to make this happen and I cannot thank you enough.
Congress reconvenes on January 22. It is our hope that the Senators and Representatives will be flooded with calls, emails and faxes demanding that S311/HR503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act be a priority and passed as quickly as possible; each day that passes sees an increase in the number of horses enduring unimaginable deaths in Mexico and Canada. It must be stopped.
Posted by: Joyce Jacobson | January 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
If everyone with the considerable clout of Martha Stewart would put their weight behind passage of S311 and HR503, we'd have this wretched business ended this year. I have always though that with power comes responsibility, and we all thank you so very much for helping Equine Advocates' message out to the world.
I remember seeing pix of your Fresians in an issue of Vanity Fair, and loved that she grazes them at night, to keep their lustrous black coats from going red in the sun...
Thank you, thank you so very much for being another strong voice for the horse. (BTW: we just worked with a rescue group in Belgium to help remove a starving Fresian brood who is pregnant from her terrible circumstances..)
Posted by: jonna skehan | January 16th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Martha, thank you so very much for helping us get the word out about horse slaughter and PMU foals. Please everyone, urge you congress person to vote for S311 and/or HR503.
Posted by: Margaret Smith | January 16th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Martha,
I can't thank you enough for bringing the issue of horse slaughter to a national audience. To many people just don't know about the brutal end of life that awaits so many of our beloved horses. Many think slaughter is euthanathia....it is not. It is brutal and terrifying as is the transportation to slaughter.
You have done a remarkable thing by bringing this to the forefront. I hope you will stay involved in helping us pass this legislation. We need more voices like yours to pass S311 in the Senate and HR503 in the House of Representatives.
And many thanks to Susan and all of those rescues that work so hard and give their heart and soul to helping the horses.
Posted by: Shelley Abrams | January 16th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
First and formost I have to thank Martha Stewart for allowing Susan to bring the plight of our American Horses to the public awareness. We loose thousands of precious souls to slaughter every week. This practice has to stop.
Next I have to thank Susan for being so informative and stepping up so these voices are heard. You represented not only all those lost souls....but you represented us as rescuers...and you did an excellent job!
And finally to Betsy Perreten...THANK YOU for thinking of the rescued horses. Without your knowledge of Equine Advocates this wouldnt have happened!
Posted by: Lisa Gordon~Frog Pond Farm Drafts | January 16th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Martha Thank You from South Florida!!! What a fantastic segment. I work in the horse industry and am a full time volunteer for Pure thoughts, Inc Horse and Foal Rescue in Palm Beach County Florida, and I am so grateful you gave Equine Advocates a platform to speak up for our National Herd!!! Fantastic Job!!!!!
Posted by: Laura Boothby | January 16th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Thank you, Martha, for bringing the practice of horse slaughter for human consumption to the attention of the general public. Please, everyone...contact your elected officials in Washington and let your voices be heard. They do not believe that 70% of the American public wants S.311 and H.R.503 passed.
Posted by: Peggi Loveless | January 16th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Martha,
Thank you for having Susan from Equine Advocates on your show to talk about horse slaughter and The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.
Horse slaughter is a national issue and one that many people are unaware of. This was an extremely kind, brave and gracious gesture on your part to inform a lot of people about this evil practice.
As Susan mentioned, HR503 was passed in the House in 2006, but by year's end nothing was done in the Senate about it. The bill had to be reintroduced this year.
The Senate bill S311 is identical to the House bill HR503. They must be passed this year so that horse slaughter and the transport of horses to slaughter will finally stop.
In addition, HR249 (passed in the House now languishing in the Senate) must also pass this year so that our wild horses and burros are also protected from this atrocity.
Thanks.
Edie
Posted by: Edie | January 16th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Martha,
Thank you for helping to educate more people about the terrible practice of horse slaughter. It is amazing how this dirty little secret has been so well hidden for so many years. I volunteer at a horse rescue in PA, and from there we rescue hundreds of horses from New Holland Auction, biggest killbuyer auction for horses east of the Mississippi. It is so important for the protection of all horses that the federal legislation to ban the transport of US horses over the borders for the purpose of slaughter to be sent to Europe and Asia as culinary delights be passed soon.
Posted by: cheryl hanna | January 16th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Dear fellow fighters of horse slaughter,
My daughter and I put the story of the Cavel Miracle Horses, Snickers and Willie into a little video. I hope you enjoy it. (Its kinda long, but gee -
its a long story to tell!) You will also see some pics of more of the Miracle Horses that you may not have 'met' yet. I tried to find as many as I could out of the group. They are ALL special and ALL lucky to be alive -
not just my Snickers and Willie and I wanted to pay tribute to all of these special
souls.
I cried, of course, as we put this together, even after all these months.
I want to thank Mr. John Holland for originally penning this remarkable story, which many of you have hopefully had the opportunity to read. It was
a wonderful piece of work! I used many of his original ideas in the video but also had to edit and change the wording around alot to fit it into a reasonable time-frame. The sequence of events, though, could not change.
Again, it is rather long - but such a moving story.
Please feel free to use this in your anti-slaughter work.
We WILL get 'er
done in 2008!
Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEM14aZ7N9k
Love,
Dawn (and Tara)
Posted by: Dawn Mancina | January 16th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Thank you very much for sharing this information and introducing Equine Advocates on your show. I have emailed my representatives to quickly pass S.311/H.R. 503 and will follow up with phone calls tomorrow. Additionally, I have emailed my contact list asking them to do the same.
Posted by: Maureen Jamasbi | January 16th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Martha,
THANK YOU from every horse who has been rescued, every horse who needs to be rescued & the souls of those lost to slaughter. And from the bottom of my heart.
This is a terrible, dirty secret the pro-slaughter people don't want the average American to know about. But you have brought it to the attention of millions of viewers. Bless you for caring.
I have always been a Martha Stewart fan. You just moved up to #1.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 16th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Thank you so much for running this segment highlighting horse rescue and "America's Dirty Little Secret" aka Horse Slaughter. American horses are transported everyday under horrific conditions to slaughter houses in Mexico & Canada so that their meat can be sent to Europe & Asia. They are given no food or water. Oftentimes travel in double decker cattle containers not designed for the higher profile equine. Oftentimes stallions are mixed in with mares geldings and even foals. Yes, Martha even babies, pregnant mares, sick, lame and blind horses meet an awful fate across our borders. You see, horse meat is a delicasy in some countries and consumers pay upwards of $25 per pound for it. The industry will lead you to believe that only the old and infirm are sent to slaughter which simply isn't true. 92% are young, healthy horses.
I have adopted a slaughterbound horse. He is not sick or lame. He is not mean, he is a kind hearted horse who is one of the lucky ones and he has changed my life.
Please call your legislators and ask them to support HR503 and S311. Ask them to co-sponsor if they haven't. We much quit the betrayal of our horses.
Posted by: Cathy Potter | January 16th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Martha-
Thank you so much allowing Equine Advocates to so eloquently highlight the plight of many American horses. (over 100,000 horses slaughtered for human consumption in 2006 alone)
I urge everyone to contact their senators and representatives and ask that they please support S 311 and HR 503, legislation which will end the transportation of American horses to slaughter.
Here are links to contact your senators and representatives:
http://senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml
Posted by: Christian Dunville | January 16th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Dear Martha,
THANK YOU!! Thank you so much for allowing Susan Wagner to do the segment regarding horse rescue facilities and America's 'Dirty Little Secret', horse slaughter, for your live audience and those of us watching at home today.
There are thousands of horse rescues throughout our country helping these amazing creatures find good and loving homes. Homes they so deserve.
Many of us are working very hard contacting our Senators and Congressional Representatives asking for YES votes on HR 503 and S 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This would STOP transport of the horses across Mexican and Canadian borders to slaughter houses in those countries.
America was settled on horseback, we couldn't have done it without them. Hundreds of thousands of people have horses today for pleasure riding, pets and thousands of horses in today's society are still 'working' to make America a better place.
I feel they certainly deserve better than ending up in the bellies of wealthy European and Asian diners, and perhaps by people watching your show today, they will contact their own Senators and Representatives and let their feelings be known, too.
Posted by: Lynne Brown - CA | January 16th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Dear Martha,
Randi
Thank you for caring enough about horses to air this important information - about the good work Susan is doing, and about the horrors so many horses endure that the public never hears about. Our country needs S311/HR503 and HR249 (to protect our few remaining wild horse herds) passed immediately, and PMU drug production must be stopped for everyone's sake. It was very kind of you and Betsy to donate the used blankets - which seems to have started doing a lot more good than anyone imagined! HUGE thanks,
Posted by: Randi Peters | January 16th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Thank you Martha and bless you Susan for all that you do to protect and support our beloved equine friends. I'm a dressage trainer/instructor and I will pass this information to my students and fellow trainers via email and word of mouth. Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Bryant | January 16th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Martha,
You have reached so many today with your segment with Susan Wagner and pending anti-slaughter legislation. Thank you for allowing her time to get this important message out to the millions who watch your show.And thanks to all the folks in the trenches, working to make horse slaughter only an unpleasant memory. We can do this!
Posted by: Lois Gillespie | January 16th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Thank you for airing this segment highlighting the horrors of horse slaughter in the US, Canada and Mexico. Please encourage your viewers to contact their Congressmen and women to urge the passage of HB503 and SB311 to protect the American horse.
Posted by: Linda Walker | January 16th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Martha,
Thank you for being a giant among rest. Your courage and compassion in presenting the segment on horse slaughter is deeply appreciated.
I would love to see a follow-up show on this subject. The legislation barring this barbaric
practice is sitting in Congress and needs a very public push!
Once again, I cannot thank you enough for informing the public about this horrendous practice, and those who are trying to stop it.
Your simple act of charity has educated millions. You are my hero!
Pamela Hutchins
Posted by: Pamela Hutchine | January 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Martha has made me a permanent fan after watching her show on equine advocates today. I am an owner of a thoroughbred that I rescued from a track and continue to find homes for TB's as they become injured to keep them off these slaughter trucks! I applaud her for tackling this topic!
Posted by: heidi walton | January 16th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
thank you so much for doing this interview on equine rescue and slaughter. i have admired you for a long time. now i know for sure that i was right in doing so. keep up the good work for the horses.
Posted by: majela | January 16th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I can't tell you how much this means to the horses. Every day that we don't pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, Senate Bill S 311 and House Bill H R 503, horses suffer long transport to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. These bills will end the transport of our American horses to slaughter, itself terrifying and inhumane. People need to let their congressmen know that we will not put up with this any longer. Polls indicate that approximately 80% of the American people want this to stop. Most people don't even know it exists!
Here is a place to start to find legislators:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/?lvl=L
Again, thank you from the horses.
Posted by: Barbara | January 16th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Martha you ROCK!!! Thank you for having Susan on your show and helping her to tell Americans the truth about the brutal, cruel and barbaric treatment of horses headed for slaughter. It is time Americans learn of this so they can speak out and tell congress it is un-American and it must be stopped now. An easy way to find your legislators names and contact information is to go to http://www.congress.org. Pick up the phone call your U.S. Senators and Representatives and tell them Americans want The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S 311 and HR 503)passed now.
Once again thank you Martha for this wonderful opportunity and also for donating the blankets to an equine rescue. Please thank Betsy for thinking of the rescue as well.
For more information on horse slaughter you can go to http://www.hsus.org or to http://www.saponline.org
Posted by: L Matte | January 16th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Your show today which included the segment on horse rescue & horse slaughter was incredible! I commend you, your staff, and Susan Wagner for shedding more light on the often unknown plight of numerous horses. And it all started with a donation of blankets! Thank you!
Our Congress has not yet acted to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I encourage everyone who was not aware until today to call his/her own Senators and Representative. Ask that they get this bill to the floor and pass it. Our treatment of horses, who have literally helped build our history and future, and who are not raised as a food source, does reflect on us. And the horrific slaughter process the horses undergo is just beneath us, period.
Thank you again for a timely segment. I loved the before/after pictures of Jasmine! Horses can do so much to enrich so many lives. We need to give them the chance.
Posted by: Gloria Nussbaum | January 16th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Thank You Martha! We need more people like you to make more people aware of the horrible fate of unwanted horses in the U.S. Please pass the word to everyone you can and help pass the Slaughter Prevention Act so the rescues can focus on the neglected and abused horses, not slaughter auction rescues. Remember a starving horse in a field has a chance of being rescued, a horse being sent to slaughter does not. Saving one horse from slaughter does not change the world, but it changes that horses world.Another group that sponsored possibly the biggest slaughter auction rescue is Pure Thoughts Horse and foal Rescue, they saved 82 horses from slaughter on Nov.23,2007. Please help support the rescues!!
Posted by: Carol Stefancin | January 16th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Thank you, Martha and Susan, for speaking up when many would not about the horrible practice of horse slaughter. Thank you Betsy, for thinking about a donation of blankets to a horse rescue. The heinous practice of slaughter of American horses for foreign consumption must be stopped. It has gone on for far too long. Please help by contacting your legislators and asking them to support Senate Bill S311 and House Resolution HR503 which are stalled due to delaying tactics in Washington. Meanwhile, American horses continue to pay the price. Please find it in your hearts, Americans, to support horse rescue organizations such as Equine Advocates. Rescuers are truly angels to these horses.
Posted by: Karen Borstad | January 16th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Horse slaughter is going on in Nevada, Montana, and many other states. I belong to several wild horse programs for wild mustangs, burros, ponies and donkeys that are trying to save them from being used as food overseas. I am glad you highlighted this important plight of the Amercian horse on your program today & by the many posts here you can see how much animals mean to us. So many bills get stopped at the captiol maybe more people will take notice now and help our animals across the USA. I know I donate my extra towels, sheets and first aide kits, food, water, rolls of stamps, animal toys, travel carriers, food and water drinking bowls and can openers to animal shelters they can use all we have that we don't need. Pet adoption needs to catch on like wildfire and maybe more animals will be saved from these kinds of fates. People can call their local animal shelters and charities and see what they need most and how to get them to the charities so that it doesn't cost them money to pick these things up. Many shelters can use items such as flash lights during power outtages to more volunteers to walk the horses and spend time with the dogs and cats playing with them. Donated funds are important too but sometimes material items much needed can help if you don't always have funds you can give..
One life at a time, one horse, one dog, one cat, one bird, one pony at a time wouldn't that be a wonderful story to follow up on! It began here on your blog & show with horse blanekts being donated, see how fast caring catches on!
Thank you for sharing.
Pam from Ca
Posted by: Pam From California | January 16th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I have to add my praise to you, Martha, for loving your own horses enough to share that love, in the form of blankets and an invitation to Susan Wagner to speak on your show about the unspeakable "crime" of horse slaughter. (And thank you, Betsy, for being the instigator of this great idea!)
If all of you who are reading this blog would like to call your congressman and two U.S. senators next Tuesday, Jan. 22nd, it's a special "call-in-to-Congress day" on behalf of the two bills we're trying to pass: H.R. 503 and S. 311.
The more constituents call, the bigger impression made on our representatives, despite the fact that the lobbyists for the pro-slaughter forces are doing their best to stall this humane legislation.
Bless all who are doing something big or little to help our beloved equines stay safe from every form of harm.
One more thing: I visited the Tucker's spread, which is near my sister's house, a few years ago, and it is as beautiful as Susan Wagner's heart for horses
Posted by: Olivia | January 16th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Thank you. From the horses, and from all of us.
Posted by: Margie, FOB/New Mexico | January 16th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Thanks for publicizing this great cause. I appreciate your great love for horses. I will also spread the word at my barn.
I’m also a wedding blogger and member of Martha’s Circle. How do I get my blog link on the list on this page?
Thanks,
Rhonda
Posted by: Rhonda | January 16th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Martha, thank you so much for having Susan Wagner on your show and for bringing the horrible horse slaughter issue to the attention of the American people. Hopefully with this increased awareness, we can pressure Congress to pass the federal legislation to protect our horses.
Posted by: Janice Hess | January 16th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Thank you so much Martha for giving a voice to the horses that so need our help. Please continue to advocate for them and animals everywhere and let us all urge our senators and representatives to support S. 311 and HR 503. Make 2008 the year our American horses will finally be safe from a brutal and terrifying death at a foreign owned slaughterhouse.
Posted by: Lisa | January 16th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Dear Kind Lady,
Your horses, and all that have passed through the gates of my 'days of old' blacksmith shop, throw horseshoes in celebration tonight.
Centuries of fine animals, from the old days to births to be had tomorrow, applaud you.
Andrea and the Weims
Posted by: Andrea Spencer | January 16th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I enjoy the direction in which the show is going. It is a breathe of fresh air to hear about productive, caring, involved citizens of our country (rather than the troubled souls most shows and news stories focus on). I also enjoyed the "Smith" Farm story.
Posted by: Lucille | January 16th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
The horses thank you Martha!
Write and call your congresspeople and senators! HR503 SR311 Need to pass to protect our horses.
Support Equine Rescue! Volunteer, donate, adopt, foster, fundraise - there is one in your area that needs your support.
Posted by: christine | January 16th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Thank you Martha for having Susan on your show today. America needs to stop horse slaughter and transportation to slaughter which will be done when Bills S.311 and HR 503 are passed.
Thanks to you many more Americans will be aware of the horrors of feed lots, PMU horses and horse slaughter.
Thank you for urging your viewers to contact Congress and the need to stop horse slaughter.
Unfortunatley, there are so many more sad and horrible stories out there. Please go to http://www.alexbrownracing.com for all the information anyone would ever need to be enlightened about feed lots, slaughter houses, transportation to Mexico and Canada and the brutality of slaughter in these places, especially Mexico. Horses throats are cut while they are still alive and left to bleed to death. I'm sorry to be so graphic, but this is reality and it must be stopped.
A big thank you also to Susan, Betsy and all horse rescuers.
Barbara and Kevin Massey
Posted by: barbara massey | January 16th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Thank you for bringing attention to the rescue operations helping abused and mistreated horses. Susan is doing a great job. I had heard about this in "Natural Horse Magazine" and will ask them to mention it in "To the Rescue" section in a future issue. Thank you again Martha. Betty
Posted by: Betty | January 16th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Dear Martha,
I am eternally grateful to you for bringing to light the horrible cruelty of horse slaughter. Susan Wagner was fantastic and I am in awe of the love and dedication she has for these special horses. So many of us have been tirelessly fighting to pass the legislation that will end the transport of our American horses to die an inhumane and cruel death in foreign owned slaughterhouses. I hope that everyone will call their Senators and Congressmen and demand that this legislation be passed... Senate bill S311 and House bill HB503!! Thank you again Martha. I am a forever fan.
Posted by: Judy | January 16th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Thank you Martha for bringing the horror of horse slaughter to your viewing audience. We must not give up until S311/HR503 is passed. Please continue to give your support to this important issue.
Posted by: Paulette | January 16th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Thank you Martha, Betsey, and Susan for coming together to bring awareness of horse slaughter to the American public. More people need to take a few minutes on January 22nd to call their Senators and Representative to vote for the ban on horse slaughter.
The lawmakers need to pass this law against horse slaughter for human consumption. Our horses belong in the stable and not on the table!
Thank you for telling the public what they can do to help protect all American horses.
Posted by: Ondine Terrebonne | January 16th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Martha: Thank you, thank you, for doing a segment on the horrors of horse slaughter. I never knew that our American horses were being slaughtered for human consumption and shipped to other countries to be eaten as a "delicacy". Our beautiful America was built on the hooves of these magnificent creations. We need to have our people in Washington pass the Federal ban to end horse slaughter once and for all. I live in the state of New Mexico and have cried so many times for the horses that are being transported thru here to the most horrible place of all "Mexico". They stab our beautiful horses all along their spine and the hoist them up by one leg to be bled "alive". We need to save our horses now.....please contact your congressmen and women to keep our American Icons safe from being transported across our borders. And thank you, my Precious Barbaro, for making me aware of the horrors of horse slaughter.
Posted by: Jeanette C. | January 16th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Dear Martha, I want to aplaude your decision to air the story about
PMU horses. I just visited a horse rescue in Arizona called "Equine Voices." They are trying to accomplish the same results as your guest. I am so happy that you were BRAVE enough to let people aware of this horrible fate of these beautiful creatures... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!
Posted by: Michelle Weiich | January 16th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Dear Martha,
I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for highlighting a very sad and ugly American tragedy....the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Americans can help by contacting their congressmen and women and asking them to please get bill S.311 passed as soon as possible. I have 2 horses, now 6 & 7 years old, who were PMU foals when I got them. Now, big black gorgeous horses who were going to be slaughtered had I not adopted them. My boys and I have helped 248 more PMU horses and foals find homes. Please keep up the great work on behalf of our American Icon, the horse! The horses say "THANK YOU!"
Faye
Posted by: Faye | January 16th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Martha, thanks so very much for talking today with Susan and for showing "America's dirty little secret": horse slaughter for human consumption. Oh, that these grand, gentle animals suffer so horribly. It must end. They deserve humane deaths, not a quick buck for their last owner from the meat man. Please, everyone, call your reps in Washington and ask them to pass this bill, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S.311 in the senate, and HR503 in the House). Call 800-828-0498 toll free and ask for your State's congressmen/women today. You can get this bill passed!
Posted by: Kathryn | January 16th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Thank you so much for speaking up for horses and encouraging your audience to call their senators and representatives to abolish horse slaughter in this country. So few people are aware of this issue and are appauled when they learn the fate our horses face.
I have such respect for you to allow these stories to be told. I will forever be a Martha Stewart fan.
Posted by: MJ | January 16th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
You did a great and wonderful thing today Martha. Telling America about horse slaughter and how to stop it is a public service of the highest order.
I will call my Senators and Representatives and ask them to stop this horror. They should have already acted but maybe they will now that Americans know the truth !
Thank you, thank you Martha Stewart. Think of the horse lives you will save.
Posted by: BobbieB. | January 16th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Hi Martha: I just saw the clip in
memory of your mom.
What a wonderful mother you had and your memories of her are so touching I am sitting hear missing her. God bless you and your family and the information you give us on your show and through the websites are so great I love everything you do. I wish you many years of good health like mom. connie pace
Posted by: connie pace | January 16th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Hi Martha,
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your show today. Bravo to all you do and everyone you touch.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | January 16th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Dear Martha,
My sincere thanks and utmost respect to you for sharing with your viewers the unknown horrific plights of thousands of our horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, burros . . . Thank you for allowing Susan to present this critical information on your show.
Special thanks also to Susan and Betsy for their fine efforts in helping our many equine friends.
America has spoken for our horses! Federal legislation must be passed now to protect our horses. Please contact your Senators and Congressmen on January 22!
Again, Martha, my sincere thanks!
Posted by: Lou Ann R., Pennsylvania, FOB forever | January 16th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Martha,
Is it possible to have a link on your web-site (that you can announce on your show) where everyone can go to sign the petition to stop the slaughter of horses?
Pauline Mucciaccio
Posted by: PAULINE MUCCIACCIO | January 16th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Chiming in with a big THANK YOU for having Susan Wagner of Equine Advocates on your program today - and considering how passionately I have been fighting horse slaughter for a very long time - (I first learned of it in 1982 when buying a horse in Indiana; the seller said she was setting the price "above meat price" for her peace of mind....) - the fact that this aired on my Birthday was the BEST present I could hope for (short of having the bills pass).
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this segment, which raises public consciousness - and the timing could not be better. This coming Tuesday 1/22 is HSUS National Call-In Day for the Slaughter Ban Bills (HR 503 / S 311); please direct your audience to http://www.rallyforhorses.com which makes it very easy to locate contact info for each person's Senators and Representative.
Also I suggest that people who want to do even more to help end horse slaughter and export for slaughter, come to http://www.alexbrownracing.com ("Barbaro Central") for more specific things to do.
I sincerely appreciate that you highlighted this important
"hidden" issue. Thank you on behalf of the horses.
Caroline Jaffe
Steadfast Friend of Barbaro
Posted by: Caroline Jaffe | January 16th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Dear Martha,
Thank you for airing this vital segment on Susan's horse rescue and horse slaughter to your viewing audience. We must make sure S311/HR503 is passed. Please continue to support this important issue. Every horse deserves a second chance! Thank you again!!!
Posted by: Patty Smith | January 16th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Martha
I am so happy about your relationship with horses. They are beautiful creatures that need to be protected. I would love to have my own rescue operation, but unfortunately I can't get a break to purchase my own place with land. I also have a horse that I can't spend much time with because I live in an apartment. I would have every stray animal I would run into.
Posted by: Nancy Berdis | January 16th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Martha Stewart - thank you for having Susan of Equine Advocates on your show. If only other hosts would step up and be brave enough to help educate the public about the horrific practic of horse slaughter. I hope you will continue to encourage your viewers to contact their senators and representatives to tell them to pass S311 and HR503. The American public's outrage is what will get these bills passed! Thank you.
Mary
Posted by: Mary S | January 17th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Thankyou so much Martha for standing up for our equines and having Susan Wagner on you show and speakup for all equines.Hopefully many more people will now know what is happening to our beautiful equines and call their reps and senators and tell them NO MORE SLAUGHTER of our equines.
Posted by: Donna gazenna | January 17th, 2008 at 12:18 am
When I was a teenager, my parents sold my 3 horses to slaughter, including a pregnant mare. My inability to stand up to them has haunted me ever since. Now I volunteer with a horse rescue, and campaign to end horse slaughter forever. Horses are pets, not protien, and deserve better than to be butchered and hung from meat hooks.
Valorie
Posted by: Valorie Stricklin | January 17th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Martha,
Thank you so much for having Susan Wagner on your show telling the American public about the horrendous practice of horse slaughter and how to help get the AHSPA passed in Congress. I have been lobbying with a grassroots internet group to lobby Congress and we need all the help we can get. Susan is an excellent spokesperson for our cause.
Posted by: Patty | January 17th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Martha,
As usual, Pauline has a good idea. A link to sign this petition would be a good thing!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 17th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Martha, Betsey & Susan,
You wonderful ladies! Thank you. You have made all of our efforts to save and protect horses more fruitful. My Yahoo group is set up to discuss how we can end slaughter, to share ideas about the issue. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Buck_Horse_Slaughter/
Anyone is welcome to join provided they are against horse slaughter with their message. I try to keep current articles posted and of course you will see the notice about this show in there too. I posted it in every Yahoo group that would get attention to the right people. Let's all thank John Holland for getting the word out, our hero. John has relentlessly and effectively advocated for the end of horse slaughter. He is not alone but he is awesome.
Posted by: Susan | January 17th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Martha,
First I would like to thank you and Betsy for your wonderful donation to Equine Advocates. Susan is a wonderful lady. I would also like to urge anyone reading these blogs to please call their Senators(1 800 828-0498 & ask for your Senator(s))& tell them that you want them to Co-Sponsor S311,if they have not already or at the least to vote yes on the bill, and call your Rep's & tell them to Co-Sponosr and vote yes on HR503. Slaughter is not humane. It is stabbing, beating,shooting a bolt in their head (just to name a few)all in most cases while they are alive,& this is all after dealing with the long transport in which they are abused on this loooong trip. We must end this now. Congress will be back 1/22/08.Please make your voices heard.
Thank You
Posted by: Patty | January 17th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Martha,
Thank you so much for exposing the horrible industry of horse slaughter. Most Americans are not aware how cruel this process is and most of us want to see it stopped. Bless you for having the courage to bring this up on national television and making more people aware this is happening.
Posted by: Teri | January 17th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Martha,
Thank you so much for bringing awareness to this horrible slaughter of our horses. We must end this now. Tuesday, January 22nd is National Call In Day to ask our Senators and Representatives to cosponsor and push for passage of S.311 and H.R.503. Thanks again for your help.
Posted by: Kate Kujat | January 17th, 2008 at 8:49 am
WOW! Martha, thank you so much for seeing the importance of this issue and inviting Susan Wagner on your show to help educate the public. Watching it brought me to tears. God bless you both for helping get the word out about this atrocity that is being inflicted upon America's helpless, and trusting horses. The sad thing is that so many people do not/ did not, know about it. You have just helped America's horses immensely! And, Martha and Betsy, thank you for the blanket donation. You are truly a class act. There are many equine rescues like Susan's that depend on, and appreciate the support, be it blankets or monetary donations. These rescues and their supporters are living proof that there are no "unwanted horses", just "unlucky horses". Let's let Congress hear our voices, and tell them that horse slaughter is no longer acceptable! And let us follow Martha's example and support your local rescues!
Posted by: Ann I. | January 17th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Great segment on Equine Advocates, bravo!! Thank you for letting her speak about the horrors of horse slaughter and what people can do about it to stop it from happening to our horses! Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Lisa Lashaway | January 17th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Excellent segment on the horse slaughter story. Absolutely great content educating the American Public on the status of our horses. Hopefully more calls to OUR representatives will follow this program.
GREAT THANKS TO YOU MARTHA.VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.
Posted by: Nona VanDamme | January 17th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I just knew you'd step up to the plate on this cause. These Majestic Icons of American History don't deserve the abuse and cruelty inflicted upon them.
Thank you for using your platform to educate Americans on something dear to my heart. I have come to realize this has been an ugly secret kept out of the public's eye. Hopefully, the politicians, with your help, will pass the bills H.R. 503 and S.311!
Posted by: Nancy F. | January 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Ms.Stewart, Thank you for all the help you give to assist in humane treatment of horses. They are powerful and beautiful. They need all the help they can get. I live in New Mexico where there are some horse owners who eventually sell their retired horses to buyers who turn around and sell them to the brutal slaughter houses in Juarez Mexico. I was made aware of this information by a coworker who is a horse advocate. I really admire you. You are a powerful woman and I hope that you can really help stop the slaughter of American horses to help find a way that they can be retired and live out their lives in dignity. May God take care of you.
Posted by: helen montez | January 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Martha,
Thank you for airing the segment on equine advocates! You have made so many people aware of the horrors of horse slaughter by doing this. Hopefully many more shows will expose this horrible practice.
I'm sure the horses appreciate their warm blankets you donated!
Thank you very much!
Julie Rivera
Posted by: Julie Rivera | January 17th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Hi Martha & All Animal Lovers, When I first read this blog, I was not really aware of the depth of horror involved in the horrific treatment of our beautiful equines. It really hit me after seeing your show and hearing about all of this from Susan of Animal Advocacy. I will definitely contact my senators and represenatives on Jan.22 to beg them to pass the legislation asap. My sincere thanks to all who are helping. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 17th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Thank You Martha! I have been working along with many others to get the message out there about horse slaughter and the need to get legistation passed by Congress. You are admired and watched by many. Your efforts on behalf of the horses and all animals have given our cause high profile recognition.
Posted by: Deborah McCullough | January 17th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Hi Martha,
Thank you for this enlightening post.
For any Canadians reading this blog, you can help stop the import of American horses for slaughter in Canada (as well as Canadian horses) by visiting this link for Defend Horses Canada, a group dedicated to stopping horse slaughter in Canada:
http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/
You can also contact Gerry Ritz, Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, to urge him to legislate an end to this barbaric practice in our country.
Thank you, Martha.
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | January 17th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Dear Martha,
Thank you so much for using your enormous
influence to help animals... in this case, horses.
As an animal advocate, I just wanted you to know how grateful I am to you for helping us in our work to stop abusing animals who are, after all, the ultimate victims.
Posted by: Batya Bauman | January 17th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
As someone who has been intimately involved with the Barbaro story and has been chosen by the Jacksons to write the book (which is currently making the rounds of New York publishers via my agent), I have experienced first hand the power of the Fans of Barbaro who are following Gretchen Jackson's admonition to improve conditions for all horses. Their work in the anti-slaughter movement is staggering and unending. This, they believe, is one of themost enduring parts of Barbaro's legacy. Thank you so much for giving them an even bigger bully pulpit.
Kit Feldman
Posted by: Kit Feldman | January 17th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
THANK YOU MARTHA!!!
Thank you for doing a segment on this subject and supporting our horses!!
Hugs & Slobbers!
Jazzy(Ex-PMU foal)
Posted by: Jazzy(Ex-PMU foal) | January 17th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Dear Martha - Thank you so much for devoting part of your show to Equine Advocates and the urgent need to make more Americans aware of the terrible scourge of horse slaughter. If we ALL contact our representatives in DC, we can finally get this all-important legislation passed to end this horrible practice. THANK YOU!
Posted by: Linda L | January 17th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Thank you Martha for having the Equine Advocates on your program.
We thank you also for your kindness in helping our equine friends. We love you for it.
Posted by: Gloria Davis | January 17th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Thank you for giving support to the worthy organization named Equine Advocates.
It is unthinkable that anyone could use an animal that, throughout the history of man, has been bred and raised to provide "service and companionship".
Please outlaw "horse slaughter" in the United States and expose countries which condone such disgusting practices.
Posted by: Molly Gagné | January 17th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I am so thrilled to have found that you have a blog!! I scrolled back and read some of your earlier posts and am looking forward to going through the rest!
I have to say, my favorite things are pictures of you and your home. It is so inspiring to get a peek inside your life! You are just beautiful!
Blessings,
Kat
Posted by: Katherine | January 17th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Your segment on Equine Advocates was much appreciated. As an animal advocate, I applaud your efforts to bring to light the despicable practice of horse slaughter. The US has had a major triumph in banning horse slaughter, but now they are being shipped far distances in inhumane ways to Mexico and Canada. Please do an online search to pull up the various petitions to ask your legislators to end this barbarity. Thank you!
The Petition Site has a link (you have to create a login, but it's easy!)
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/23/petition-for-emergency-action-for-horse-slaughter-crisis
Posted by: Kristana | January 18th, 2008 at 12:52 am
For those who want to help stop horse "deportation" to Mexico and Canada for slaughterhouses, please sign at the attached link on The Petition Site. Be an armchair advocate for those who have no voice!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-the-transporting-of-american-horses-for-slaughter
Posted by: Kristana | January 18th, 2008 at 12:56 am
I just wrote my three state representatives. It was easy to do by googling them to find their official pages, then using the contact form.
Thanks for the push!
Posted by: Patia | January 18th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Hi Martha,
January 22 is Call For Horses day on this, for more please visit http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/horse/Horse-Flier.pdf and http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/citizen_lobbyist_center/help_end_horse_slaughter.html.
This is so important! As one of the people who signed the petition to close the slaugher houses here, I urge everyone to act.
Thanks so much! Tessa
Posted by: Tessa Wood-Woolard | January 18th, 2008 at 11:26 am
HELP HELP HELP, Martha, I moved to Texas a year ago last month and have been exposed to the auction houses here that are a BIG BIG business..... men will come in and purchase 100 to 200 hundred horses an auction., pack them into big livestock trailers, and haul them off to their livestock holding,. Packed in like sardines?? and for what.. Ive been told all for slaughter.. I only own 20acres so Ive only been able to save 4 donkeys, a pony , and a beautiful blk n white papered pinto colt that has been so abused and starved for the past year(hes a 2yr old)that he is only half the size he should be....Ive had him for 4 mths now and hes got new life in his eyes now, and almost, no more ribs showing..
WHAT can be done to help these Horses in the bigger picture though????? IM ONLY ONE PICTURE AND IF ANY OF YOU SAW THE ABUSE THAT IVE SEEN:( the sad, despert looks these animals have... And this is only our local auction.. I can't imagine what goes on all over the state... HOW CAN I DO MORE
Posted by: CherylBOjai | January 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
This is what it's all about, helping out the Willies and Nelsons of the world. We all need to do our part. I'm glad I checked out your new blog. Absolutely good work Martha!
Here's an easy way for everyone to help out:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-the-transporting-of-american-horses-for-slaughter
I was almost to lazy to fill it out, but then I did it, and now I don't feel so lazy. Good luck my equine friends. Maybe this simple gesture is something WE CAN ALL EMAIL TO OUR FRIENDS:) and use to keep you off the killing floor. Let's hope...
citizenx
Posted by: citizenx | January 19th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Dear Martha, I am so grateful for your show and your short interview with Susan Wagner of Equine Advocates. I have been trying to educate doctors and women about the effects of taking Premarin and Prempro and the slaughter of innocent horses and foals to product this drug. I know that your show reaches many people and I pray that you are instrumental in ending the killing of horses for hormone replacement therapy in the world.
Posted by: Carol E | January 19th, 2008 at 1:46 am
This horrendous situation of horses being cruelly slaughtered must end now. These noble animals belong in freedom in the natural biodiverse world. Since civilization has so messed this up, the least people can do is treat these wonderful animals humanely. Also I would like to add that a substantial percentage of the wild horses gathered to cater to ranching interests on the public lands are being sent to slaughter in Mexico and Canada. Meanwhile they are being largely eliminated from their legal herd areas set up by the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act throughout the West to be displaced with livestock and to a lesser big game. Actually the wild horses complement the native wildlife and are themselves returned native wildlife. Both the wild horses and burros greatly reduce dry flammable vegetation and serve to prevent catastrophic fires brought on by human caused Global Warming. Let us reinstate them in their legal herd areas. Let us pass HR 249 and HR 530/S311 NOW! Tomorrow will be too late!
Posted by: Craig Downer | January 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
What a wonderful story of recycling and animal rescue. We have a donkey, Jack, here on our farm in Georgia that is just the smartest thing. All the cows follow him everywhere and think he is cool. I can't imagine anyone abusing such sweet animals. Great job Equine Advocates!
Posted by: Pam | January 20th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Dear Martha,
Your compassion with all animals is inspiring!
I am the President and Cofounder of Heart of the Redwoods Horse Rescue in Northern California. Operating a horse rescue is a daunting task - but, it is such a blessing to watch individuals like yourself inspire the public to give their time, talents and well wishes to the organizations.
If you are ever in Northern California, please stop by and "smell" the horses!
Warmest Regard,
Sara Isaacson
Posted by: Sara Isaacson | January 20th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Everyone must call and write their legislators and tell them to cosponsor and support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act S 311 (Senate) and HR 503 (House) tell them to bring the bills to the floor for a vote.
You can find your US legislators by going to http://www.congress.org
If you don't want to call long distance you can call toll free just ask the receptionist to put you through to your legislator.
800-828-0498
800-459-1887
800-614-2803
Posted by: L Matte | January 21st, 2008 at 11:58 am
As we approach the anniversary of Barbaro's death it is especially important to ensure that his legacy will be one of saving and protecting horses from inhumane deaths.
Posted by: Kit Feldman | January 21st, 2008 at 6:41 pm
YOU DA BOMB, MARTHA!
Being lucky enough to have horses, cattle and sheep, as well as chickens and ducks surround me day and night, I am so very tickled to see that you support many animal related fights! Bless you!
Posted by: Deborah | January 23rd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Dear Martha,
I'm really excited to hear anything bout you...sometimes I felt proud and curious of what you're doing...you're such an idol to me...how was your days back in your hometown? Is it good? Martha, I'd say this blog is so cool!! I find it very informative...well done!! I really hope to hear more news bout you in near future...By the way,when would you come and visit Malaysia?...It would be an honour for your fans here...have a nice day!!!
Posted by: Mohd Norizham | January 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Dear Martha,
I too am thankful for your recent call to attention to this and many other wonderful animal welfare groups and horse rescues. I have been involved with Saddlebredrescue which is a 501C organization located in New Jersey, dedicated to the purchase and rehoming of horses at risk of going to slaughter. Most horses come from the New Holland, PA sale, but others come from other locations througout the nation. Saddlebred rescue leadership rescues mostly American Saddlebred horses, but also rescues Morgans, Hackneys, Standardbreds and Arabians from time to time. These are the Saddle Horse breeds. Occassionally, there are drafts that are rescued. Saddlebred rescue has received many awards and is acknowledged nationwide by horse organizations.
More information can be found at http://www.saddlebredrescue.com
Thank you again for all that you do for our nations horses and animals. My sister and I are avid Martha fans. She watches you daily in the morning and I catch your shows on the Living station late at night.
Best regards,
Anne Juratovac
Strongsville, OH
Posted by: Anne Juratovac | February 5th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
ANIMAL CAREGIVERS-------
WE ARE ALL FOR MARTHA'S ANIMAL ACTIVISM AND MAGAZINE !!
SEE LONG TIME SUPPORTERS WEB SITE, http://andreajetspencer.blogspot.com/
IT FEATURES MARTHA THIS MONTH AND ALL OF THE REASONS SHE IS MEDIA'S CHOICE TO LEAD THE ANIMALS ! ! !
Posted by: Mary Waters | February 11th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I am a long time fan of the Martha Stewart Show. I am also a trainer and have a lot of respect for those people that help out these unwanted horses. However, there is another side to the story and the majority of the people against this are not aware of the whole issue.
If Congress manages to block all routes to slaughter for horses..
[Article by Juli Thorson published with permission from�her post on the� PleasureHorse.com forum]
[From the desk of author, Juli Thorson] - The other day, it occurred to me that if Congress manages to block all routes to slaughter for horses intended as food, the U.S. horse economy would become the first in history to operate without food-salvage value as its floor. Basically, this also would make horses the only form of livestock WITHOUT per-pound salvage value, having the effect of turning horses from assets into liabilities. In turn, this would alter the horse economy's infrastructure so profoundly as to force a new one into being, to replace the one society now finds repugnant.
So, for what it's worth, here are some of the things I can see coming as a result:
* An annual tax per head on every horse we own. This is how the government will seek to fund the equine holding facilities, "re-homing" operations, and disposal stations it will see a need to build as the unwanted-horse crisis continues to build. The Seattle Post Intelligencer just ran an editorial calling for this very sort of tax:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/347789_erbe18.html
* Mandatory microchipping of every horse. These ID chips will be used for multiple purposes, including ability to track down and fine/prosecute any owner who abandons a horse. As the rate of abandonment accelerates, this will come to pass sooner rather than later.
* Mandatory facilities registration, accompanied by inspections. Horse owners will pay fees toward these measures, too. This already has a name: NAIS, for National Animal Identification System. The general public will buy into this as a way to protect itself against a form of bioterrorism, among other justifications:
http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/index.shtml
* Mandatory application for and payment of a "transport voucher," any time you wish to move a horse to or from your property. This will be used as a way of funding reinforcement of a federal ban against transporting a horse for the purpose of slaughter, once that's been made illegal.
* Federally built, regulated, and funded equine euthanasia/disposal stations (see my first point). Whether people care to acknowledge this or not, every horse eventually ends up as a half-ton carcass that needs to be disposed of somehow. If not turned into usable meat/hoof/hide byproducts, it comes garbage--buried or composted on private property, rendered, dumped in a landfill, or dragged off for wild animals to feast on. I just read a statistic, published in the New York Times, stating that 138,000 fewer horses were processed in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2007 compared to 2006:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/11/us/11horse.html
If all 138,000 head were "humanely put down" instead, that'd add up to around 75,000 TONS of horse carcasses to be dealt with in some manner. A year. With somewhere around 100K of those in the U.S. How long do you suppose our "not in MY neighborhood!" society will put up with that before getting the government involved? Especially when you consider that the carcass of a horse killed with barbituates is increasingly considered to be a threat to the environment?
* As an answer to the toxic-carcass problem, a new service provider will appear: The person willing and able to euthanize your horse by gunshot. In my area, such a service is already available, if you know the numbers to call. However, those who provide the service will be forced underground, once those in the general public get wind of it. "My God--people are allowed to SHOOT horses?! This must be stopped!"
* Federal taxation on every breeding. I don't think I need to explain this one. Just see all the above.
* A resulting horse economy--for good or for bad--that will be unrecognizable to us within 10 years.
--Juli Thorson
Posted by: Katie | February 14th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Hi Martha. I share your love for horses. I wonder, have you ever been to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair? We live on the Main Line and go every year. It's wonderful! You would enjoy it.
Posted by: Colleen | March 6th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Hello Martha,
My heart has been warmed knowing that you helped Susan bring light to this situation. I personally know about Equine Advocates, as I worked as a groom for them for about 3 years. I spent many hours interacting with these horses, regaining their trust. Watching them learn to live without being afraid and to love humans again was so fulfilling. Susan and her barn manager David Figuroa have hearts of gold and truly love these horses. I can only hope that people become more educated and will speak out against cruelty..for the innocent animals that cannot speak for themselves. Thank you so much for airing this information and for your blankets to keep them warm in the winter months.
Posted by: Danielle | March 15th, 2008 at 2:10 am
I appreciated so much your story about the equine sanctuary.
This was such an amazing act of advocating for animals that are rejected and forgotten by society. You have helped reach millions of people to inform them about how they can help horses and sanctuaries like this one.
Like so many stories of abuse of animals, not many people know about "retired" or rejected race horses nor do they know about the Premarine industry.
It was wonderful to see all of the horses doing well and acting out their natural behaviors in a happy and secure home.
Thank you, thank you for having this articulate and amazing horse advocate on your show.
Posted by: Erika Hirsch | August 6th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
What a great idea to donate the blankets to a horse in need. I have several old blankets that I have which do not fit my old girl but will fit someone. It's very nice to know there are farms like Safe Home Equine Rescue and Sanctuary for old and or neglected horses that need to have a happy place to live. -Jewel
Posted by: Jewel | October 1st, 2008 at 6:04 am
I LIVE IN CHICKAMAUGA, GA. AND ON A HORSE TRAIL RIDING AND FARM ( , I WISH THIS PLACE HAD A BOOK ABOUT THE OWNERSARAH CLINTON TRAIL`S END RANCH- IT`S BEEN IN HEAR FOR 43 YEAR! SHE IS 83 YEARS OLD. AND NEED A HIP REPLACEMENTA. SHE`S THE BEST PERSON I EVER MET. AND WISH YOU COULD COME TO HE WERE AT THE GREAT PARK OF THE CHICKAMAUGA BATTLE FEILD. AND BE HEAR TO ONE OF ARE SUN SET`S THY ARE PINK. SHE`S A STAR IN MY BOOK OF THE BEST PEOPLE. I WISH I COULD COME SEE US, SO MY BE EVEN GET A FREE TRAIL RIDE
Posted by: brandie heaton | October 1st, 2008 at 5:53 pm
thax so much, hope you be a part of my beautiful world: ***RiderMate.com***
It is a place where thousands of active and unrestrained horse people meet, date, become friends and more in the pursuit of the same dream as you have.
Posted by: sally | January 18th, 2009 at 11:05 pm