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Tie A Yellow Ribbon

Driving up my road the other day I saw a big yellow ribbon around a tree. Didn’t look to see if it was an oak, probably was. I had been thinking about ribbons lately and their meaning.

We all know about yellow ribbons, Red White and Blue, Pink lapel and many others. The lapel ribbons cross on the bottom, I’m sure you are all familiar with them, but I saw the best one on the Facebook the other day. It was in the shape of the lapel ribbons and it was specific for what is going on, it was made out of toilet paper. Yup that’s our new lapel ribbon folks. I laughed when I saw it, but it really isn’t funny at all. This pandemic has brought out the good in many people, but it also has shown the true colors of many people who are just out for themselves. I’m not going any further with this.

My thoughts on ribbons went in a different direction. Ribbons that have been won to signify our determination to be the best at whatever we do. We work hard, day after day, year after year, and hope for that blue ribbon. Whether it’s in a baking contest or at a horse show, it proves that our hard work and determination has paid off.

Sometimes we win the ribbon, sometimes the horse wins the ribbon, or sometimes it’s a combination effort.

Of course blue is our ultimate goal, to be the best at what we have done, but I’ve always told my students that it’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is that you and your horse have given it your all. If you’ve improved from the last time, good for you, you are a winner.

Ribbons are a mile stone. I have four ribbons, out of all of them, that are the most important to me, and only one of them is a blue. One is a fifth place ribbon that I got at my first horse show. Serious riding had been something that I longed for my whole childhood. Four months after I started my real lessons I went to my first show. Out of about a dozen kids, I got fifth. I had gotten there, I was a real rider. That pink ribbon proved it to me.

The next one on my list, I don’t even remember what color it was, I have a picture, but it was in black and white, doesn’t matter. I had my lunatic Thoroughbred at a Recognized show for an Open Jumper Class. On trying to get him to the In Gate he reared up and almost came down on the judges car. He reared all the way to that gate and even when he got through the gate. It was almost like a barrel race. When I got him going forward, something clicked and he was beautiful. The picture I have of us going over a fence, you could see my smile of joy and satisfaction. He was very talented, but even though there was a light on in his head, no one was home. Just being able to get him in the ring, over those jumps and place, the ribbon was blue to me.

The next ribbon was just pure fun. A bunch of us were at a horse show in Allaire Park, New Jersey (that’s for Nancy). They needed people to fill a pair class so they could hold it. My girlfriend had a dark dun gelding with a dorsal strip and zebra stripes on his legs. He was a big dude and they called him a flying box car, but boy could this horse jump. My mare was a light dun mare, and didn’t have the same big stride the gelding did. We were both dressed the same because that’s what you wore to a show back then. So we said, since they only had two teams, and they were looking for four, we would at least get fourth place, let’s do it. We worked it out that when we had to reverse, we would reverse in place so that my mare was always on the inside because her stride was smaller. We also worked it out that since I was on the inside, my friend would change her diagonal to always go up when I was going up. Well we got in there and all of a sudden it was a big class, and let me tell you those horses matched perfectly. It was both an English and Western class together. Pretty Paints and outstanding outfits. So my friend Kris and I decided we’d just have fun. They asked us to reverse three or four times just to figure out how we were doing that. We laughed and joked with the people on the rail. I still smile when I think about it. We just totally enjoyed ourselves and ended up with a second place. I’m sure the other teams that took it seriously must have been angry, but that just showed us that relaxing and having a good time with your horse means something, even to the judge.

My last favorite ribbon was a blue. I brought my buckskin baby Desert to his first show, just to get him used to everything. I figured I’d bring him in a walk trot class just to get him in the ring with other horses. I would let the stewards and judge know that I was not to be judged, that he was only in there for the experience. I guess he was maybe four or five at the time. Well once again they needed to fill a halter class. Bobby so wanted to bring Toy into that class he asked me to help fill the class so it wouldn’t be cancelled. Now I had always taught Desert to square up during our breaks in his lesson. He knew to stand perfectly still as I walked around him with his lead on the ground, but he had a slight clubbed foot, so once again I was just in for fun and schooling. I said okay, we can do this. Now Toy was a drop dead gorgeous Appendix Quarter Horse. Beautiful Bay with four white stockings and a stripe down his face, showing was very new to him and Bob. He had been raced, but I think Bobby and Toy had only been to one show before. That was an experience in itself. Bobby did a figure eight and never knew when to stop so he kept going until the judge finally stopped him. We go in, Desert stood like a perfect statue. Toy however wouldn’t stand still, neither did many of the horses, and there were many. Desert got first, I don’t remember what Toy got. Bobby was not happy with me. Toy, after that, got lessons on standing, and squaring up.

Just for the record. Desert and I went into the Walk Trot class and in the middle of the trot he stopped and peed. Everyone laughed including me and the judge.

My point to this whole long post is that it doesn’t matter the color of your ribbon. If you and your horse work hard and give it your best, any sign of improvement is always a “Blue Ribbon.”

Stay safe.

So What Day Is It Anyway?

Woke up this morning thinking, I have to post my insanity. Then I realized I missed Wednesday and it’s Thursday. Oh my!

This Covid thing is making people crazy in so many ways. It hasn’t changed my life much at all. Other than not going to church on Sundays (now we watch it on Facebook Live) and not getting to the dentist or eye doctor, nothings changed. When all your time is spent on the farm, except for going for feed and food, things are pretty much the same.

I feel so sorry for people who are stuck in apartments. Walking from room to room, especially if you live alone. I just heard that every dog has been adopted in Palm Beach County. The first time ever that there are no dogs in the shelter. But, they still have two cats, two horses and a pig that need a home. I just hope that all these people who have adopted these dogs don’t dump them when this pandemic is over.

This has a profound effect on horse people. For those who are blessed to have them at home, you can still go out and touch your babies. Many horse people aren’t allowed to visit their horses. Barns are closed. Some barns will allow you to make an appointment to stop by at a given time. Who could have ever believed that life could be like this.

Most horse people believe their horses are their therapy. It’s what keeps us grounded, gives us pleasure, and they don’t judge us when we cry on their shoulders. This is truly a necessary trip. Right up there with food, fuel, and drug store.

My one friend is totally losing it. She had a horseless horse show in her yard, did a video and posted it on Facebook. She got all dressed for a show, including her number. She took her silk flowers and made a course out of them. Did simple changes, and even threw in a kick or two. So I commented on her slipping into the abyss of insanity, that I was starting to worry about her. Then I proceeded to tell her that I would have that horses back checked for pain because of him throwing a kick. At this time I decided that I was slipping with her for making that comment. Once an instructor, always an instructor.

But getting down to hard facts, this virus is causing us to lose track of what necessary care our horses do need. My neighbor is putting off having her horses feet done, because her farrier has contact with his granddaughter. I must admit I had doubts about getting my horses their flu internasal last month. That is one thing I have to hold them for. I can’t blame them, I hate nasal spray myself. But I promised my vet that I wouldn’t breathe on her if she didn’t breathe on me. Farrier comes on Monday, and boy do they need it, spring has sprung on their hoof growth.

Yes I’m concerned. I wear my mask and gloves shopping. Pre-order and pay for my grain over the phone, then just back into the loading dock and let the boys load the truck. Wait a couple of days before I unload it.

I will wait, probably another month or two, to have their teeth done, but I’m not going to hold off on any shots that may be due , or having their feet done. I do have to drive into the small animal vet for meds for the dog and cat. I feel like I’m preparing to go into battle.

I had a friend call yesterday because her neighbor had a cow down. The owner called around and they told her that they are booked for two to three weeks. The cow will be dead by then. I gave her my vets number. Don’t know if it’s already too late.

God did not give me a spirit of fear, but I do have to make wise choices.

Try to laugh as much as possible. Don’t dwell on things you can’t control. And if you have to, try advancing toward flying changes from simple changes, you certainly have the time.

Stay safe. Hang in there we can do this.

It’s The Team Thing

It was always better to play a game with a team of friends. No matter what we were playing I was never one of the first ones picked to be on a team. No hand eye coordination was a big factor, but I didn’t care, as long as I was on a team. Most of us have our favorite team in sports, whether it’s baseball, football, hockey, basket ball or what ever floats your boat.

I never found my true connection until I got into horses. Yes we did things in teams too, but the best team effort was between me and my horse.

I read a book, years ago when I was a teen, and right now I can’t remember the name of it. It could have been “Heads Up.” I actually think it had an orange cover with a girl jumping an Appaloosa over a very high vertical. If I remember correctly she did this in a Circus or something. At any rate, and I also forgot the horses name, when ever she got into the ring she would say to her horse “Okay ?name?, it’s only you and me, Heads Up, and off she would go.

I connected with a horse that no one else wanted to ride at the barn. Her name was Bossa Nova, but I called her Lady. I wasn’t looking for the connection, I didn’t really care about this particular horse, but I was told that she was the horse I was going to ride. She was a typical mare with the ears back, snarling at all the other horses. Would throw a kick now and then, but she could jump. Since no one else wanted to ride her, she became like my horse. Every time I taught a lesson or took a ride out, she was my partner. Now I was 16 years old trying to take out a bunch of Sunday cowboys who were trying to impress and scare their young girlfriends. They watched too many westerns back then. So Lady always came to my rescue. All the horses knew her and no one would pass her. She was not a fast horse, but if someone got by her, she would take off, cut them off, and throw a buck at them. I promised her back then that because she had taken care of me, I would take care of her for the rest of her life, which I did. She died at the age of 36. We were a team.

I’ve had many horses since then. Some I raised from foals, and some I acquired through rescues. But through the years there have been special ones. Ones that became a team with me. One gave me my confidence back after my Thoroughbred caused me to doubt. My hero was Movin’ Machine, I called him Mac. He showed me that we could do anything we wanted out on the Hunt Field. Then came my second foal Desert (first one, not so much). We knew each other so well neither of us had to say a word. Then there was Magic. Opinionated witch, but boy could she Hunt. She knew the blasts on the horn and what they meant. She would jump anything and take on anyone. Even when she lost one eye. You didn’t mess with Magic and you didn’t tell her no when she made up her mind. Dawnie was my baby, a Clydesdale lap dog. My sweet child. After we had a Hurricane one year, she would plow through the downed trees and make a way for the Huntsman. If I said it was okay to do, she did it. Desert was the same way. He walked over an 8 inch wide (two planks) washed out bridge over a ravine because I told him he could.

Barrel Racers know that there is a connection between them and their horses. In Open Jumping whether it’s Olympic or Stadium, if there is a connection you see it. Even Dressage, if there is a connection it’s very obvious. The horse will shine, and give an extra effort to please his rider. There, you will see, pure love between them.

We all look for that special horse that we become one with. When you do get one, there is nothing like it. Don’t be discouraged if you never get that with your horse. Don’t fight it, you two were just never meant to be. Make the best of it and move on. It’s like people, some people you connect with and some you don’t. But when you find that special horse, it becomes something you can’t explain. It’s a soul connection. You become one. No words can explain it, it just is.

When I used to take Lady into a show ring to jump, I would block out the crowd, and I would always say “Okay girl, it’s just you and me, Heads Up.” I can still feel it to this day, and I smile.

If you have it cherish it, it is soooo special. If you don’t, just enjoy what you have and let them be a teacher, all mine were.

Just something to think about because these days are so unsettled.

Ye Ole Medicine Cabinet

When I was a teenager and had the wonderful opportunity of growing up at a huge old barn, we had a 5 ft high medicine cabinet. Nothing was in original bottles, and nothing was really marked. You were sent to get something and you had to determine what it was by smell. We were always told NOT to put it directly under our noses, but to sniff it from far away passing it back and forth. Half the stuff you looked at and wondered what it was in it’s first life. I remember looking for Bigeloil in a very big hurry one day, and put a bottle right up to my nose. I love the smell of Bigeloil, but I almost got knocked on my butt when I put a bottle of ammonia up close and personal and took a big whiff. Since that day I never have done that again. I cleared my sinus’s, my eyes teared like Niagara Falls, and my brain went on high alert. When I was a kid, Bigeloil was used for everything from a liniment for rubbing sore muscles or swelling, to a mouth wash. I can still hear “apply a little, rub a lot.” You wanted to stimulate the blood circulation.

Medicine cabinets are a big part of a barn. With horses, cats, and dogs forever getting into trouble, we have a huge supply of first aid supplies and medications. I try to keep labels on everything, but when something is used a lot, the labels have a way of peeling off or the writing becomes smeared. If I’m using spray bottles I try to have different colored bottles or sprayers to help me know what I am grabbing when I’m in a hurry. Yellow is Show Sheen, Green is fly spray for the barn use on horses, blue means fly spray to be kept in the horse trailer, and red is usually liniment.

Every so many years I go through the cabinet and purge old supplies. However, there are things I’ll keep just in case. There are products that we don’t use often. They may lose some of their effect, but any port in a storm, until you can get a fresh supply. I also go over prescription stuff with my vet every so often in regards to expirations.

How many times has Bob said to me, “do we have gauze pads in the house?” I’ll say no, but I’ll go to the barn and get some. His reply is “yeah, everything is in the barn.” I gave up on medical tape years ago, masking tape works just as well and we have that all over the place.

So here we come to Covid-19. Hand Sanitizer is not available anywhere. So being a horse person, raised in the good ole days, I go into Dr. Pol mode for old fashioned remedies, and look on the internet for homemade recipes for hand sanitizer. Two thirds Isopropyl Alcohol 70%, 1/3 Aloe gel, and a few drops of Tea Tree Oil (if you wish). No problem, I’ll go out to the barn. Sure enough everything is there. You’d be amazed at what you will find in the back of a medicine cabinet or under your counter. I knew I was out of Alcohol in the house because I make my homemade recipe for swimmers ear medicine. One teaspoon of alcohol, one teaspoon of white vinegar, few drops of olive oil (to make it smooth, but I don’t use it anymore). If you get itchy ears, it works great. If it burns, you have fungus, if not, you were fine to begin with. A couple of applications and you’re good to go. I learned this from my pharmacist. I called one Saturday night just before closing and asked him if he had any swimmers ear medicine, Bob was in need. He said yes but they were closing, but if I had the alcohol, white vinegar, and olive oil at home, I could mix up a batch and start right away. I did and we’ve used it ever since.

Sometimes the vet will say, would you by chance have ….., and I can usually say, wait, yes I do.

So take stock in what you have lurking in the back of your cabinets, keep it in the back of your minds, and one day you will be able to say “wait, let me go to the barn.”

Stay safe, make wise decisions.

So Here I Sit

So here I sit trying to figure out just what to write about. This whole Covid-19 thing has upset so many events. Horse Shows are cancelled, training events are cancelled, and even the Kentucky Derby is cancelled. Well everything isn’t actually cancelled, just postponed. Life as we know it is on hold. It’s amazing, we have all this time and really can’t do anything exciting. We can ride locally, but a lot of the parks are closing too. Beaches are closed so no swimming the horses.

But there is something we can do and that’s deal with all the hair that’s coming off our horses.

Now we’ve been in the 80’s for weeks. Several of the older horses have way too much hair. They are sweating and are getting skin rot. Especially the one Cushings horse. She’s a grey and usually she just deals with dew poisoning. Surprise! What a mess.

My friends up in Michigan are sending me pictures of the snow they got yesterday. I’ll deal with 80 and skin rot any day.

One thing I did do the other day was to make sure that all my feeding, medications, and shot records were up to date. If I come down with this crud, I want whoever comes in to feed, to know exactly what everyone gets.

Went grocery shopping today and there was hardly anything on the shelves. Seriously, what are people thinking. But the good news is that I went to the feed store and their warehouse was loaded. So instead of Cheerios I might be having sweet feed with my milk in the morning soon.

But it is spring, and “Hope Springs Eternal.” So soon the horses will shed out, the season of mud will pass, just in time for the season of biting things, and hot weather.

Someone told me today that they are talking about this Covid-19 thing lasting for 6 months. People are crazy now, I don’t want to see 6 months from now. For those who have their horses in their yards, you are blessed. For those that are boarding at barns that are closed down, this too shall pass.

If you can ride, go for it. If you can’t, start making plans on how to improve both you and your horse. Watch some training videos and ride and feel your horse in your mind, then when the time comes, apply it.

We are horse people. We get bucked off, pick ourselves up out of the dirt, mud, or snow, and get back on. We can do this.

Stay away from people, they are either sick or crazy. A horse is always your best bet, include your dogs and cats too. Speaking of which, people are dumping their dogs and cats. It’s a sick world out there in more ways than just the Covid-19.

Ketchup – Really???!!!

Well with everything crazy in the world, Bob and I decided to go boating today (it’s in the upper 80’s and sunny here). We saw people out riding their bikes, motorcycles, riding their horses. They say don’t be in crowds so this is the perfect opportunity to ride.

Friends were talking about where they would like to ride, if given the chance. One of my neighbors said that if they close the Skyway Bridge, at the mouth of Tampa Bay, she wants to ride over that. I don’t even like to drive over that.

My one friend asked on the Internet “Why Toilet Paper?” Why has everyone made a run on Toilet Paper? I have no idea. We prepare for Hurricanes and we run out of water and plywood, but toilet paper? Never.

World has gone crazy I guess. You want to hear crazy?? Two women fighting over a bottle of Ketchup at Wal-Mart. One woman gets so made she grabs a bottle of wine, smashes it and stabs the other woman. Now that is crazy. It’s only a bottle of ketchup for pete’s sake.

We horse people are blessed. We walk out to the barn, put our hands on our horses, and get the peace beyond all understanding. All the worlds troubles and craziness is gone. We get on their backs and we fly like Eagles, nothing can touch us. We stroll through the woods, or the fields, and it’s simply magical. All the chaos of the world is gone, it’s just us; my horse and I. Wasn’t that a Broadway Musical?? Oh no, wait, that was The King and I. Same difference.

Most people will never have the pleasure of the peace we feel when we are with our horses. If more people had horses, psychiatrists would be out of business.

At least this is giving us something else to be concerned about, but the safety of our horses is still lurking in the backs of our minds. A bunch of us on the Internet are praying between Noon and 1:00 p.m. everyday for the safety of our horses from these butchers, please feel free to join us.

God did not give us a spirit of fear (or we wouldn’t ride horses), just please make wise decisions and stay safe from this virus. This too shall pass. (Not soon enough)

I Wish We Could Tell Our Horses This

Saw this quote “And I whispered to the horse – trust no man in whose eyes you do not see yourself reflected as an equal.” Don Vincenzo Geobbe Circa 1700.

I have two dogs that do not trust anyone. However a fear bitter is the worse form of aggression. At this point in time I wish my horses didn’t trust anyone. We still have horses being slaughtered, not only in Florida but other states too.

But let’s think about the quote. If a person doesn’t look you in the eyes, don’t trust them. They are up to no good.

You can tell a lot about a person or a horse by looking in their eyes. You can see fear or trust. Peace or panic. They can look in your eyes and see love, kindness, or aggression.

Have you ever just stood there and gazed into your horses eyes. Recently there have been studies done saying that horses can read your facial expressions. I somehow believe they read more through our energy and tension than our facial expressions. But eye contact, or lack there of, can make a big difference.

Cesar Millan always says when approaching a strange dog, “no touch, no talk, no eye contact.” To a dog it may be threatening. I think it’s more our body language that’s threatening with a horse.

To me, when I stand there and make complete eye contact with my horse, I feel it go straight to my soul. It goes deep and softens both our energies. I usually follow it with a gentle placing of my hand on her. We both relax and enjoy the moment of closeness. Becoming one spirit.

Spend time just looking into your horses eyes. Who do you see? Are you equal partners or is someone dominant?

We All Know This, But Why?

We all know things about horses that we just accept, but we don’t totally understand why. More important than that, we don’t really care what is behind what we believe.

I’ve repeated this quote a million times, as most of you have, but we never look into the dynamics of it. I truly still don’t know or understand it, but I do know it’s true.

“There’s nothing so good for the inside of man as the outside of a horse.” In my reading today it says that British Statesman Lord Palmerston is quoted as saying that. I always thought that Winston Churchill had said it. He probably did along with millions of others.

My reading goes on to tell about a father who was concerned about his daughters disheartening semester at college, and a friend who invited her to come and just “brush a horse.” This changed her focus and brought peace to her. She then proceeded to go back to school the next day, relaxed and ready for a fresh start. I’ve done this several times and it really works.

Now we all know that to be true for us. But actually therapists have discovered in treating those struggling with addictions, emotional disorders, physical disabilities and depression for this to really work. “There is something about the nonjudgmental demeanor of a horse that layers a salve of peace on the soul.” My friend Nancy has known this for years, and totally loves working with horses and people.

Having dinner with my friend he said that his son was looking for a name for his practice. (If I’ve told you this before, I’m sorry. I’m old. I tell Bob the same thing over and over again. Usually because I feel it’s important for him to know and remember, and I’m old and senile.) So we were all goofing and coming up with silly names. So I came up with “Loose Horses.” We as horse people, know how they just run wild with no destination in mind when they escape. It’s just one big game of “you can’t catch me.” Well the next day my friend called me and said that his son loved the name and was going to use it. I was only kidding, but he felt that being in Texas, in cattle country, that people would love it. So the name of his practice is Loose Horses Psychiatry. His sign has a horse rearing with a dove above it. People love the name and tell him all the time how appropriate it is. He uses animals to help with his therapy sessions. He’s got quite a number of different animals on his property now. People just bring him animals and tell him that their animal would be perfect to help people. He had to put a stop to the incoming. I think he has more animals than clients.

I’m having dinner with his parents on Monday and I’ll have to tell him that his son needs that quote in the office.

I know that all the contents of this post I’ve mentioned before, but it still baffles me as to why it works. I guess it really doesn’t matter, it just does.

Why? What is it about a horse, just being a horse, that can cause such a big change in us?

A dear friend has a son that is a psychiatrist. He was in the army and dealt with PTSD. He has now moved into a private practice in Texas. One night at dinner

Acceptance

Why? Why do some people just accept things without questioning why?

My horse is losing weight. Why not ask why? My horse is dropping grain. Why? My horses feet are always sore. Why? My horse is not shedding. My horse is shedding too much. My horse won’t walk in his stall at night. My horse won’t turn to the right. My horse won’t pick up his left lead.

You get the picture, but people just accept that it’s the way their horse is. WHY????!!!!

Oh my farrier is great. Really??? Why does your horse still have sore feet. Maybe because he trimmed him too short, or maybe because he took down his sole too much. Maybe he placed the nail in the wrong place again. Maybe your horse is standing on wet ground and his feet are rotting off. Hello! Is anybody home???

There are numerous answers to all these questions. Some may be simple and some may need some deep investigation to find out the answers, but there are answers.

As time passes we look at our animals and think, well they are just getting older. Maybe they are, but is there something we can do to help them ease the pain. Is there an underlying problem that we could treat but just never looked into it enough. Do we like our vet or our farrier and don’t want to change or hurt their feelings, but let’s get real, our horse is suffering because of it.

People amaze me. I hear things and just shake my head. What I would like to say is “What are you thinking?” They are not new to horses, but somewhere around the block they have lost all of their thought process.

Of course you always have the people who are told what to do, but just don’t listen to the people who are trying to help them.

If any of the above questions hit a nerve, find out why, and then do something about it.

Fact Or Fiction

When I was in Middle School (we called it Junior High back then), I worked in the Library. There was a Fiction section and a non-Fiction section. Now that never made sense to me. Why name one section False, and the other Not False? How about True and Make Believe? Whatever.

Paranoia is setting in here in Florida, and for that matter, many of the surrounding states. Horse slaughter has gotten everyone crazy. Oh it’s a fact, but now our imaginations are making us a nervous wreck.

People have always stopped by the wayside to let their little children look at the nice horsey. Now they are being met with a shot gun. People are buying expensive security cameras and other means of protection. We’re worried for our horses and now our dogs. One persons horse came in with a strange rope around it’s neck and her dogs with some holes in their bodies.

I must say that the county Sheriffs are taking more note of what’s going on, and now they are paying more attention to our outcries. They have asked people to take pictures and license plate numbers, and to report any suspicious activity.

In Tennessee someones horses came in all sliced up. Turned out it was a bunch of wild boars who messed with their horses. However, people have found strange ropes and lead lines, even in their barns.

There is a site on Facebook named “Keeping Florida’s Horses Safe.” People post photos and information of vehicles and people that they have caught on their property or surveying their property and horses. We, the horse people, are out there sharing information about what’s going on. It’s just a matter of time before someone is going to get shot.

There was a very informative article in the Tampa Bay Times. Thank you Jack Evans.

We need to be careful. Not only in protecting our horses but keeping ourselves, and others safe. I have Eagle watchers who come and sit on the road, taking pictures of the Eagles. They have been doing this for years, but now I’m uneasy about this too. I spoke to them the other day. It’s been the same woman for years. Now I’ve seen and older man with a beard. They don’t look like the type that would butcher a horse, but in this day and age, you just never know. I told her and her husband what was going on. She had no idea. She told me she would let her group know and warn them. She asked what she should do. I told her to speak with the neighbors and let them know who she was and what they were doing. They keep track of nests, the number of eagles and new babies. She was very appreciative of my suggestions and letting her know the problems we, as horse owners, were facing. She also was horrified at what has been going on.

So how do you separate Fact from Fiction? Who’s the bad guy and who is the person just letting their little children look at the horses? Why do we even have to deal with a situation like this? Originally it was just one or two men who were slaughtering and selling the horse meat in Miami. Now we are having several men and a woman being reported. We have pictures from security cameras, but no one can say who they are. This is not an isolated incident, it’s a ring of people.

How careful do we have to be? If we cry “wolf” too often are the local police still going to come? If we take these people out, will more follow? Our horses are not safe in the field or in the barn. What’s next?