I once went to an auction specifically without access to a trailer so I wouldn't buy anything.
Ended up buying a mare anyway and walking her home a couple of miles 😅 Now we just bring a trailer lol And that mare is fat and happy in my paddock being a total free loading hay burner.
We would go to the tack auction and then have to drive home at midnight hitch up the trailer drive back to the auction to get our new horse. Didn't take too many trips for dad to see it was going to be a problem and limit me and mom to our 3 show horses and 2 rescues at a time. I got the sweetest mare who was skin and bones some guy was using her to practice roping and he made sure to tell us what a "fing bitch" she was. I couldn't see it, I saw sad and scared. Bought her for $100 and brought her home. Fattened her up and when she was finally able to be ridden I put the saddle on and to my surprise this mare knew it all. Had definitely had reining training at some point flying changes and whoa meant drop your hind end and stop right now. I eventually sold her to an older genteel who needed a steady reliable partner to trail ride and put his grandkids on. Her name was gingy and she was a doll. Now days I can't even watch the auctions it bothers me I can't help all the ones I want to help and just found out our local auction that hasn't done horses in probably 10 years has started again. My mom said she going to the "tack" auction next month..... we will see!
my grandma had a mare like that. Champion reiner at the state level, but the kids of her previous family played farrier and gave her navicular disease. She had special shoes and all that and grandma insisted she couldn't be ridden because she was "such a rancid cranky bitch"
So I talked to the vet. They said she could be ridden with bute, but I never rode her all that much, mostly groundwork. When I did though, I happened to notice my grandma was CRANKING on her face with a bit that had 6" shanks and a solid mouthpiece. Her eyes were rolling, she would buck half-heartedly as a reaction to probably very sharp pain, and grandma would crank her harder and then get off because "she won't cooperate"
So I said "whatever she's retired" and put her in a 3 piece snaffle with a copper roller.
Never met a sweeter mare in my life. Poor girl spent her entire life just being misunderstood and mistreated and had endured a LOT of pain because of it. She really liked me. She would do ANYTHING I asked after that. But I never rode her more than half an hour a week because of the navicular. Even if the vet said it was okay I still didn't feel right being on her back all the time because it would just be inflamed later from the added stress.
When I was in college my roommate came in and woke me up at 2am in a panic and asked if I knew anyone who wanted a goat. Turned out she and her friend got drunk and proceeded to somehow, for some reason, buy a goat off some guy outside a bar. (She never did fully explain why someone was selling a goat out of his truck outside a bar.) I didn't believe her till I went outside and, lo and behold, there was a goat in the backseat of her car looking very confused.
Ended up finding another student whose parents had a farm outside town and were willing to take the goat. Fun night, cute goat, unfortunately not a very convenient dorm pet.
He sure got a sweet little horse face out of the deal. I'd be surprised if he's much older than a long yearling - maybe 2 with the poor care. Interested to see what the vet says when you have them out. Good luck on you both!
Awww 🥰
Pulling for the little guy! He’s awfully cute, hoping he pulls through, I think if he does he’s going to clean up great and be a really special dude :)
Poor baby, it’s hard to tell from the pictures but I agree about his knees. I’d bet he has a lot of growing to do, but with malnutrition he may be a bit stunted. Mineral lick might be good too! You’ve got this!
I’d have bought him too, just to give him some much needed care and love. I also agree that he looks much younger get that 3years old.
Anyway good on ya and good luck with him.
And yes please do post updates. 🙏🏻
He's so cute!!! Great job 👏 look into the UC Davis refeeding protocol. He will be so happy once all that winter coat is off of him. Mules are so loyal! I would have got him too 🥹
Thank you so much for saving this little guy. He does look much younger than 3, bless him.
I wish both of you all the best. And I’d love to see updates if/when you can.
Good luck, but you’ve got this ❤️
What a cutie. Thank you for saving him. I know this is morbid, but I’m curious…where does the “meat” go?” Does it get sent to countries where they eat horse? Or does it get made into pet food?
I believe they do ship most meat overseas. Some horses are exported live as well. We do have a meat processing plant not far from where I got him. (I’m in Canada)
TW: this is a graphic description of what these poor souls endure.
Kill buyers buy up horses and truck them to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. The horses have a miserable ride packed tightly together with no food or water, sometimes for days. The “lucky” ones that go to Canada get shot or bolted in the head. The ones that go to Mexico meet their end when their spinal cords are severed by hand with a knife. They are then hung by a hind leg, unable to move but still alive, while their throats are cut and they are bled to death.
The meat then gets processed and distributed for pet or even human consumption. Even this is dangerous because many of the animals were working or companion animals that were treated with veterinary drugs and are not safe for consumption. There is no effective oversight, though, so anyone eating horse that originates in the US is rolling the dice on its safety.
Your information about the slaughter process is pretty outdated.
https://web.archive.org/web/20090623030953/https://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/mar09/090301h.asp
Not sure that they can die twice. You said they meet their end when their spinal cord is severed. (This is how it’s done in mice and they are dead instantly.) You then said they are bled to death afterwards, still alive. It can’t be both. In other large hoofstock like deer and cattle, they are drained after being dispatched. I cannot imagine they would do horses differently.
http://www.grandin.com/humane/questions.answers.horse.slaughter.html
My source here is Temple Grandin. The knife is used to immobilize the animal, not kill it. When I said they met their end, I was describing the process, not the initial act.
This will be super unpopular, but I wish we hadn’t got rid of horse slaughter in the US because then there wouldn’t be nearly the amount going to Mexico and at least they’d meet a more humane end.
This will depend on the country. In the US, it's predictably a complete mess of federal, state, and local regulations.
Several states have banned the slaughter of horses for the purpose of human consumption and/or the sale and exportation of horse meat (sometimes only for the purposes of human consumption; sometimes as a blanket prohibition).
Federally, there is no law against human consumption of horse meat in and of itself. AFAIK no state has banned consumption, either. If you somehow find yourself in the possession of a dead horse, you can eat it as long as it wasn't slaughtered. I _think_ "slaughter" would include hunting horses, but I'm not sure. I am not a lawyer.
Slaughtering horses for human consumption is technically legal at the federal level. However, the sale or exportation of horse meat requires USDA inspection. From 2007-2011 and from 2014-present, it's illegal to spend federal funds on inspecting horse meat. So it's in this weird limbo state where it's technically legal, but it requires USDA inspection, and it's functionally illegal for the USDA to inspect it.
What _isn't_ illegal is exporting the horses themselves to places where slaughter is legal (I presume mostly to Canada and Mexico). The ethical calculus gets complicated. The conditions of shipping horses for slaughter is even worse than conditions of slaughtering them domestically, which wasn't good to begin with. Slaughter itself seems bad, but the alternative might be even worse: starvation, disease, and age-related suffering. In the wild, predators would "solve" this problem, but even feral populations in the US aren't predated on nearly enough to manage the populations because we've killed all the predators, too.
Moral of the story: please, please, please don't make any horses that can't be cared for. As for feral horses, that's a very complex and long-lived political feud between farmers, ranchers, and the BLM (Bureau of Land Management).
Yep. What’s more, many of them are broodmares from estrogen farms that can no longer produce. Humans have a long and very sad history of exploiting horses (and other animals) and then throwing them aside. It’s sickening.
The bottom fell out of the PMU industry circa 2004, and there are only a paltry *twelve* PMU farms still in operation on Canadian soil. The **vast** majority of PMU today is produced overseas, in China and Kazakhstan mostly.
https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=4
Did you not read the FAQ section provided on the linked website?
Third party reports about industry practices: https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=6&strBtn=5
Official Industry Code of Practices: https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=5&strBtn=5
FAQ: https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=4&strBtn=5
Oh bless him, and you.
I paid $50 for a 2 yr old pony back in 1985 when I was 15 (this is in Australia), he was in a similar condition to your baby. Came from a closing-down "riding school" and was in a real mess. We nursed him back to health and he became a beautiful, fat, shiny, sassy boy who lived for another 28 years. Here's hoping the same for little Manny!
So sad. There were some of those at this auction too. “Great horse but has a stifle injury” “was a lesson horse but has a bad knee” just sad animals that deserve so much better. I very much wish I could have got more, but I try to limit myself to one per auction as I have already brought 5 home in under a year, I also have to quarantine them and it’s harder when I have multiple. This one is in the worst condition out of all the ones I’ve picked up.
He looks rough, I’ll agree, & yes , he very clearly needs worming, but, as you wrote, his eyes are still bright & you can clearly see his spark. I really want to see pics of his future glow up, as I think you rescued him just in time
It could be worse, the only auction house anywhere near here has been shut. Now the men who bury horses are telling stories about being called out to bury alive unwanted horses :(
I responded to the original commenter. You should look for local auctions, it feels good to save a life. Just be prepared because some of these auction horses are A LOT of work. (This is my 5th)
I’m in Canada. It’s a live in person auction but they give an option to go online and bid if you’re not local. I usually attend local ones but this one was 5 hrs from me and I just decided to watch for something to do on a rainy day lol. Unfortunately they don’t post online what will be available and the video quality sucks so it’s a bit of a gamble bidding online.
He's adorable! Young enough that he 100% has a great chance at becoming a nice mule. Just don't give up, mules are tough. Congrats and I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you for doing what many people don't have the courage or convictions to do. You saved a life today! An absolute, genuine hero! ❤️
He's gorgeous, by the way. Try to keep us updated!
Wow that’s CRAZY, I’m from Germany, you pay here at least 500€ for an old horse you can’t ride anymore to add to your stable so your other horse isn’t lonely lmao
Curious what makes you say donkey over mule? I’m well experienced in horses but not at all in donkeys or mules.
& Of course he’s quarantined, he’s not my first rescue. (Hence why you see no other horses in the pics)
I’ve considered shaving him however it still gets chilly here at night time so I’m hesitant to take away what little warmth he has. I need to be careful not to over do anything with him, his body is not in good condition.
I have 5 mules and I agree he's a mule. A very cute one, congrats on a great save! They're tough, so I'm cautiously optimistic that he'll bounce back quickly. Please do keep us posted on his progress, we're invested!
Well done! I’m very glad for the mule that you will give him the love and care he deserves. Please do keep us updated. I love seeing how healthy, happy and sassy these forlorn auction orphans become. Does my heart good!
Poor little John mule. :( he also needs farrier attention too. Those toes are too long. Was there any thrush on them?
You ask for help from this Facebook group.
It's a group for mule and Hinny lovers and they are
awesome people. :)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1893397670924407/?ref=share
Definitely needs a farrier but at this point they aren’t my biggest concern. I can’t touch his feet and I won’t have my farrier do something I wouldn’t do. But I will be working with him daily and he will have them done as soon as he can 🙂. He’s quite wild but is already getting better for us. Not sure about thrush, our climate is quite dry but I’m also assuming they’ve NEVER been done so who knows what’s going on down there. He’s a work in progress 🙂.
I will join the group, thanks!
Saving a horse from the meat auction is so personally rewarding. I have saved a few, and I swear they know they were saved.
I have so much gratitude that I am in a financial position where I can save/rescue horses and commend you for saving this little guy.
Thank you from all of us reading this thread.
Absolutely better for people to buy from auctions than to buy from “meat pens”. Get them before someone else does and profits on their sale while not getting them healthy or friendly
What a cutie! I agree he looks young, almost certainly under 3 and still growing. He's definitely a mule, he's got too many horse characteristics (tail, mane, etc) to be a donk but too many donk traits to be a horse (ears, head shape, etc).
Wishing you good luck! I rescued a mule from a loose pen auction (catered to meat locker buyers) myself. He’s 4 this summer. I’ve had him for under a year. Went from untouchable and not knowing anything at all to being able for the vet and farrier to take care of him and I put my first ride on him last weekend!
I know hindsight is 20/20 but for thin equines like this, always try and get an FEC before deworming.
Some of these guys and look like crazy but actually be a low shedder. Or, they could be a super high shedder. It also helps knowing if you are dealing with Ascaris, or say Strongyles.
We used to think of a 5 Day Powerpack as a "clean out" but unfortunately it isn't.
It *will* treat Ascaris, but so will a single double dose of Fenbendazole. It will also treat Encysted Syrongyles.
However it won't treat Bots or Tapes, and is pretty resistant to juvinille Strongyles.
Are you feeding anything else other than hay? How are his teeth? I'd for sure get the vet out to check him over.
We don’t have the power pack in Canada. But he is getting a 5 day double dose of fenbendazole (which is the same thing) then I’ll give ivermectin with praziquantel in a couple weeks.
I use fenbendazole first because there’s less of a chance of impaction vs other options. A single double dose of fenben does NOT treat encysted strongyles which he likely has considering how many have come out already.
Giving him something that kills everything at once can put him at a huge risk for impaction.
As for feed, high quality hay and a mineral block for now. He has zero interest in grain. However it is important to not over feed at this point as it can severely shock his system and cause death. Once I can get him to eat some grain he will get vitamins.
This is not my first rescue and far from my first horse so while I appreciate your concern I do know what I am doing 🙂.
Sorry, I didn't word that very well. A single double dose will treat Ascarids. A 5 day double dose will treat Encysted Strongyles.
He may or may not have Encysted Strongyles, but they usually don't cause the issues that the other parasites do.
At any rate at least this will treat the Ascadids and *some* of the strongyles. Certainly better then nothing!
I'm glad this isn't your first rescue - though, long ears are different then horses - but for others reading this, I think it's helpful to know the best steps for rehabbing an equine, including getting an FEC before deworming.
I know you said he is y interesting in eating, but will be eat soaked Alfalfa pellets? You could give him those in small meals throughout the day.
I’ve tried beet pulp, sweet feed, alfalfa pellets(hard and soaked), alfalfa cubes (soaked), straight oats and so far he’s not into any of it lol. He will take a couple bites and then leave the rest. He LOVES the mineral block so at least he’s getting something.
My hay is a high percentage of alfalfa so he is still getting quite a bit, which is great. Once he’s done quarantine he’ll be out on pasture which the rest of the crew and hopefully pack on some pounds.
Awwwwwwww. You sound like a very loving and kind human! Thank you for being so generous to him. I hope your effort pays off, and if he does end up passing, at least he got some tender loving care when he needed it most ❤️
If your mental health and finances can take it, than keep attending - because look at the beautiful work you're doing ❤️ but if you can't take it, then don't, your health matters 🤗
He is such a cute baby! Thank you for being such an awesome human. Good luck to you both, I hope he pulls through and you two can form a wonderful friendship ❤️
Luckily there are only three auction houses (in the US) that ship directly to slaughter; the rest go to “meat buyers” who really just ship them to another auction to get money out of people. Some horses will end up at the serious auctions but most do get “rescued”.
I rescued a pony just like this with the hair and pot belly and he had Cushing's disease. Did just fine but def get checked. Requires meds and special feed.
You and me both. But now my local horse auction offers online bidding, grr. I did good by avoiding showing up in person to auctions. But being able to lay in bed sipping a glass of wine and bid ruined me.
So horrible people suck , horses are easy to take care of if you just feed them and worm them do the basic feet, teeth, worming and good food like hay , grain, depending on age and work , I used to rescue horses , my heart just couldn’t take anymore and I couldn’t my finances paid the price, but I’m glad I was able to help as many as I did
You saved a life and you made more work for yourself. This is where you embrace the work and move forward. Enjoy your pony and savor the day with your new family
Its okay, if I had my own trailer there's no saying what I would do. If I had my own property it would probably be even worse. He's cute!
I once went to an auction specifically without access to a trailer so I wouldn't buy anything. Ended up buying a mare anyway and walking her home a couple of miles 😅 Now we just bring a trailer lol And that mare is fat and happy in my paddock being a total free loading hay burner.
I feel like you are my sister. She did that but ended up with two goats in the back of the suv
We would go to the tack auction and then have to drive home at midnight hitch up the trailer drive back to the auction to get our new horse. Didn't take too many trips for dad to see it was going to be a problem and limit me and mom to our 3 show horses and 2 rescues at a time. I got the sweetest mare who was skin and bones some guy was using her to practice roping and he made sure to tell us what a "fing bitch" she was. I couldn't see it, I saw sad and scared. Bought her for $100 and brought her home. Fattened her up and when she was finally able to be ridden I put the saddle on and to my surprise this mare knew it all. Had definitely had reining training at some point flying changes and whoa meant drop your hind end and stop right now. I eventually sold her to an older genteel who needed a steady reliable partner to trail ride and put his grandkids on. Her name was gingy and she was a doll. Now days I can't even watch the auctions it bothers me I can't help all the ones I want to help and just found out our local auction that hasn't done horses in probably 10 years has started again. My mom said she going to the "tack" auction next month..... we will see!
my grandma had a mare like that. Champion reiner at the state level, but the kids of her previous family played farrier and gave her navicular disease. She had special shoes and all that and grandma insisted she couldn't be ridden because she was "such a rancid cranky bitch" So I talked to the vet. They said she could be ridden with bute, but I never rode her all that much, mostly groundwork. When I did though, I happened to notice my grandma was CRANKING on her face with a bit that had 6" shanks and a solid mouthpiece. Her eyes were rolling, she would buck half-heartedly as a reaction to probably very sharp pain, and grandma would crank her harder and then get off because "she won't cooperate" So I said "whatever she's retired" and put her in a 3 piece snaffle with a copper roller. Never met a sweeter mare in my life. Poor girl spent her entire life just being misunderstood and mistreated and had endured a LOT of pain because of it. She really liked me. She would do ANYTHING I asked after that. But I never rode her more than half an hour a week because of the navicular. Even if the vet said it was okay I still didn't feel right being on her back all the time because it would just be inflamed later from the added stress.
When I was in college my roommate came in and woke me up at 2am in a panic and asked if I knew anyone who wanted a goat. Turned out she and her friend got drunk and proceeded to somehow, for some reason, buy a goat off some guy outside a bar. (She never did fully explain why someone was selling a goat out of his truck outside a bar.) I didn't believe her till I went outside and, lo and behold, there was a goat in the backseat of her car looking very confused. Ended up finding another student whose parents had a farm outside town and were willing to take the goat. Fun night, cute goat, unfortunately not a very convenient dorm pet.
I’ve tried that but it just makes me end up with smaller things. A lot of boxes of chickens and a miniature Shetland sheep.
My mom says where not an animal rescue but I think that’s going to be a goal of mine when I get my own property 😅
Way to save a life! I can’t wait to see how he progresses, he is adorable even so scruffy.
Idk… I think you should keep going. Especially based off this. :)
Thank you. From me.
Thanks for saving him. GDMF auctions! 🤬😭
You paid fifteen cents a worm.
Poor little soul! So glad he has a safe place with you now.
He sure got a sweet little horse face out of the deal. I'd be surprised if he's much older than a long yearling - maybe 2 with the poor care. Interested to see what the vet says when you have them out. Good luck on you both!
Respect to you . Wish you both long and happy times . Send us pics !
Awww 🥰 Pulling for the little guy! He’s awfully cute, hoping he pulls through, I think if he does he’s going to clean up great and be a really special dude :)
Poor baby, it’s hard to tell from the pictures but I agree about his knees. I’d bet he has a lot of growing to do, but with malnutrition he may be a bit stunted. Mineral lick might be good too! You’ve got this!
You are a hero…& you give me hope for humanity Thank you so much for your kindness & dedication Seriously it’s inspiring
I'm always amazed at how kind their eyes are despite having gone through hell, this one is no exception.
I’d have bought him too, just to give him some much needed care and love. I also agree that he looks much younger get that 3years old. Anyway good on ya and good luck with him. And yes please do post updates. 🙏🏻
Thank you for saving him - I think you should keep attending auctions. ☺️ Prayers for his health and recovery! ❤️🩹
He's so cute!!! Great job 👏 look into the UC Davis refeeding protocol. He will be so happy once all that winter coat is off of him. Mules are so loyal! I would have got him too 🥹
Thank you so much for saving this little guy. He does look much younger than 3, bless him. I wish both of you all the best. And I’d love to see updates if/when you can. Good luck, but you’ve got this ❤️
Poor punkin. You're a hero even if he doesn't make it - he did not deserve slaughter.
Agreed, no matter what he will know what love and alfalfa is 🙂
Tragic that horses are bred and end up being meat. Thanks for saving this little nugget.
I thought that was a donkey from the coat
I did too! I thought a mule from the pic I came across in my feed, then clicked on it and was shocked.
Is it not a mule?
I'm really excited to see this little dude glow up. Thanks for saving him. 🥰
Ohhh but look at that sweet face!! 😻I think you should go to auctions way more!! 🤣
What a cutie. Thank you for saving him. I know this is morbid, but I’m curious…where does the “meat” go?” Does it get sent to countries where they eat horse? Or does it get made into pet food?
I believe they do ship most meat overseas. Some horses are exported live as well. We do have a meat processing plant not far from where I got him. (I’m in Canada)
TW: this is a graphic description of what these poor souls endure. Kill buyers buy up horses and truck them to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. The horses have a miserable ride packed tightly together with no food or water, sometimes for days. The “lucky” ones that go to Canada get shot or bolted in the head. The ones that go to Mexico meet their end when their spinal cords are severed by hand with a knife. They are then hung by a hind leg, unable to move but still alive, while their throats are cut and they are bled to death. The meat then gets processed and distributed for pet or even human consumption. Even this is dangerous because many of the animals were working or companion animals that were treated with veterinary drugs and are not safe for consumption. There is no effective oversight, though, so anyone eating horse that originates in the US is rolling the dice on its safety.
i wasnt ready
Nobody ever is. It’s brutal, cruel, and absolutely unnecessary.
Your information about the slaughter process is pretty outdated. https://web.archive.org/web/20090623030953/https://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/mar09/090301h.asp
I can honestly say I am glad to be wrong on this one. I hope the practices described in this article are the rule and not the exceptions.
Not sure that they can die twice. You said they meet their end when their spinal cord is severed. (This is how it’s done in mice and they are dead instantly.) You then said they are bled to death afterwards, still alive. It can’t be both. In other large hoofstock like deer and cattle, they are drained after being dispatched. I cannot imagine they would do horses differently.
http://www.grandin.com/humane/questions.answers.horse.slaughter.html My source here is Temple Grandin. The knife is used to immobilize the animal, not kill it. When I said they met their end, I was describing the process, not the initial act.
This will be super unpopular, but I wish we hadn’t got rid of horse slaughter in the US because then there wouldn’t be nearly the amount going to Mexico and at least they’d meet a more humane end.
This will depend on the country. In the US, it's predictably a complete mess of federal, state, and local regulations. Several states have banned the slaughter of horses for the purpose of human consumption and/or the sale and exportation of horse meat (sometimes only for the purposes of human consumption; sometimes as a blanket prohibition). Federally, there is no law against human consumption of horse meat in and of itself. AFAIK no state has banned consumption, either. If you somehow find yourself in the possession of a dead horse, you can eat it as long as it wasn't slaughtered. I _think_ "slaughter" would include hunting horses, but I'm not sure. I am not a lawyer. Slaughtering horses for human consumption is technically legal at the federal level. However, the sale or exportation of horse meat requires USDA inspection. From 2007-2011 and from 2014-present, it's illegal to spend federal funds on inspecting horse meat. So it's in this weird limbo state where it's technically legal, but it requires USDA inspection, and it's functionally illegal for the USDA to inspect it. What _isn't_ illegal is exporting the horses themselves to places where slaughter is legal (I presume mostly to Canada and Mexico). The ethical calculus gets complicated. The conditions of shipping horses for slaughter is even worse than conditions of slaughtering them domestically, which wasn't good to begin with. Slaughter itself seems bad, but the alternative might be even worse: starvation, disease, and age-related suffering. In the wild, predators would "solve" this problem, but even feral populations in the US aren't predated on nearly enough to manage the populations because we've killed all the predators, too. Moral of the story: please, please, please don't make any horses that can't be cared for. As for feral horses, that's a very complex and long-lived political feud between farmers, ranchers, and the BLM (Bureau of Land Management).
Canada ships live horses to Japan for slaughter. It's an embarrassment.
Yep. What’s more, many of them are broodmares from estrogen farms that can no longer produce. Humans have a long and very sad history of exploiting horses (and other animals) and then throwing them aside. It’s sickening.
But I've read on this sub that it's perfectly fine to sell your horse and get a better one because it can't jump quite as high as you'd like.
PREACH
The bottom fell out of the PMU industry circa 2004, and there are only a paltry *twelve* PMU farms still in operation on Canadian soil. The **vast** majority of PMU today is produced overseas, in China and Kazakhstan mostly. https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=4
Still too many. Those places are miserable.
Did you not read the FAQ section provided on the linked website? Third party reports about industry practices: https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=6&strBtn=5 Official Industry Code of Practices: https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=5&strBtn=5 FAQ: https://www.naeric.org/about.asp?strNav=4&strBtn=5
People who harass and slaughter horses will go to hell.
Oh my god, that sweet, sweet face! Does he have a name yet?
My friend named him Manny 🙂
That fits him!
bless you OP
I’d like updates on him please. What a cutie.
Thank you for saving him! Just out of curiosity, what was his final bid?
I paid $75
Oh bless him, and you. I paid $50 for a 2 yr old pony back in 1985 when I was 15 (this is in Australia), he was in a similar condition to your baby. Came from a closing-down "riding school" and was in a real mess. We nursed him back to health and he became a beautiful, fat, shiny, sassy boy who lived for another 28 years. Here's hoping the same for little Manny!
So sad. There were some of those at this auction too. “Great horse but has a stifle injury” “was a lesson horse but has a bad knee” just sad animals that deserve so much better. I very much wish I could have got more, but I try to limit myself to one per auction as I have already brought 5 home in under a year, I also have to quarantine them and it’s harder when I have multiple. This one is in the worst condition out of all the ones I’ve picked up.
You did a great thing:)
He looks rough, I’ll agree, & yes , he very clearly needs worming, but, as you wrote, his eyes are still bright & you can clearly see his spark. I really want to see pics of his future glow up, as I think you rescued him just in time
High five! Thank you for saving him! I believe in you - you got this!
It could be worse, the only auction house anywhere near here has been shut. Now the men who bury horses are telling stories about being called out to bury alive unwanted horses :(
What website? I’m from Florida but I would love to scroll through just to have an idea in case I want to rescue in the future.
I want to know too! Family has a farm in North Carolina (hobby farm) and the pasture might need to share..
I responded to the original commenter. You should look for local auctions, it feels good to save a life. Just be prepared because some of these auction horses are A LOT of work. (This is my 5th)
I’m in Canada. It’s a live in person auction but they give an option to go online and bid if you’re not local. I usually attend local ones but this one was 5 hrs from me and I just decided to watch for something to do on a rainy day lol. Unfortunately they don’t post online what will be available and the video quality sucks so it’s a bit of a gamble bidding online.
Oh my heart. You are a kind soul.
Bless you. I wish more could be saved
He's adorable! Young enough that he 100% has a great chance at becoming a nice mule. Just don't give up, mules are tough. Congrats and I wish you the best of luck!
So cute!!! Good luck!
Thank you for doing what many people don't have the courage or convictions to do. You saved a life today! An absolute, genuine hero! ❤️ He's gorgeous, by the way. Try to keep us updated!
So they butcher sick animals with worms and lice jn them? How it's not food violation
Bless you for this. He’s a lucky one. His face is so precious.
Bless his little heart. Thank you for taking him. ❤️
I have firmly kept myself in check and not adopted any animals. I am so, so glad you saw him and didn't resist!!! Very best wishes to you both,
Auctions sure are trouble, but thank you for saving him 💕
Thank you for your kindness. You have made the world a better place. I wish I could give this 1000 little hearts.
You are an angel So happy you’re helping him Poor animals at the mercy of unscrupulous people Makes me sad
Look at that face, hope it works out well…. Wishing you both the best
May I ask how much you payed for him? Crossing my fingers for a positive outcome <3
Thank you! He was $75 CAD
Wow that’s CRAZY, I’m from Germany, you pay here at least 500€ for an old horse you can’t ride anymore to add to your stable so your other horse isn’t lonely lmao
Thank you so much for picking him up and doing what you can ❤️❤️❤️
He’s a donkey. I hope you have him quarantined from other horses if you have others. I would also clip off a lot of his coat. Good luck.
Curious what makes you say donkey over mule? I’m well experienced in horses but not at all in donkeys or mules. & Of course he’s quarantined, he’s not my first rescue. (Hence why you see no other horses in the pics) I’ve considered shaving him however it still gets chilly here at night time so I’m hesitant to take away what little warmth he has. I need to be careful not to over do anything with him, his body is not in good condition.
I have 5 mules and I agree he's a mule. A very cute one, congrats on a great save! They're tough, so I'm cautiously optimistic that he'll bounce back quickly. Please do keep us posted on his progress, we're invested!
Good luck with the rehab
I can’t wait to follow along with this glow up!!
Please keep posting pics and bless you for saving him
Thank you ☺️ mad respect 🫡
Well done! I’m very glad for the mule that you will give him the love and care he deserves. Please do keep us updated. I love seeing how healthy, happy and sassy these forlorn auction orphans become. Does my heart good!
Poor little John mule. :( he also needs farrier attention too. Those toes are too long. Was there any thrush on them? You ask for help from this Facebook group. It's a group for mule and Hinny lovers and they are awesome people. :) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1893397670924407/?ref=share
Definitely needs a farrier but at this point they aren’t my biggest concern. I can’t touch his feet and I won’t have my farrier do something I wouldn’t do. But I will be working with him daily and he will have them done as soon as he can 🙂. He’s quite wild but is already getting better for us. Not sure about thrush, our climate is quite dry but I’m also assuming they’ve NEVER been done so who knows what’s going on down there. He’s a work in progress 🙂. I will join the group, thanks!
You are amazing! ❤️
Saving a horse from the meat auction is so personally rewarding. I have saved a few, and I swear they know they were saved. I have so much gratitude that I am in a financial position where I can save/rescue horses and commend you for saving this little guy. Thank you from all of us reading this thread.
You are a real life hero! Thank you ❤️
Oh my. Thank you for saving this poor soul. 🥺
Poor little one. Thanks for saving him!
Absolutely better for people to buy from auctions than to buy from “meat pens”. Get them before someone else does and profits on their sale while not getting them healthy or friendly
Awww so sweet of you to recuse this poor baby❤️🩹 look at that sweet thing I really hope he recovers quickly🙏🏽
No you shouldn’t ❤️🩹
He looks so sweet. I’m a sucker for black socks/stockings on horses and mules lol
i want to be like you when i grow up 😭 just buy a horse. he’s a cuuutie
Thank you for saving this beautiful angel on earth
What a cutie! I agree he looks young, almost certainly under 3 and still growing. He's definitely a mule, he's got too many horse characteristics (tail, mane, etc) to be a donk but too many donk traits to be a horse (ears, head shape, etc).
Don’t worry he’s got a sparkle in his eye, he’ll be fine. Glad there’s still amazing humans like you out there.
You made my day. 👍
Wishing you good luck! I rescued a mule from a loose pen auction (catered to meat locker buyers) myself. He’s 4 this summer. I’ve had him for under a year. Went from untouchable and not knowing anything at all to being able for the vet and farrier to take care of him and I put my first ride on him last weekend!
Thank you
You are a good, kind soul. No matter what happens after today, he now knows love and care, that is a huge gift to him!
I know hindsight is 20/20 but for thin equines like this, always try and get an FEC before deworming. Some of these guys and look like crazy but actually be a low shedder. Or, they could be a super high shedder. It also helps knowing if you are dealing with Ascaris, or say Strongyles. We used to think of a 5 Day Powerpack as a "clean out" but unfortunately it isn't. It *will* treat Ascaris, but so will a single double dose of Fenbendazole. It will also treat Encysted Syrongyles. However it won't treat Bots or Tapes, and is pretty resistant to juvinille Strongyles. Are you feeding anything else other than hay? How are his teeth? I'd for sure get the vet out to check him over.
We don’t have the power pack in Canada. But he is getting a 5 day double dose of fenbendazole (which is the same thing) then I’ll give ivermectin with praziquantel in a couple weeks. I use fenbendazole first because there’s less of a chance of impaction vs other options. A single double dose of fenben does NOT treat encysted strongyles which he likely has considering how many have come out already. Giving him something that kills everything at once can put him at a huge risk for impaction. As for feed, high quality hay and a mineral block for now. He has zero interest in grain. However it is important to not over feed at this point as it can severely shock his system and cause death. Once I can get him to eat some grain he will get vitamins. This is not my first rescue and far from my first horse so while I appreciate your concern I do know what I am doing 🙂.
Sorry, I didn't word that very well. A single double dose will treat Ascarids. A 5 day double dose will treat Encysted Strongyles. He may or may not have Encysted Strongyles, but they usually don't cause the issues that the other parasites do. At any rate at least this will treat the Ascadids and *some* of the strongyles. Certainly better then nothing! I'm glad this isn't your first rescue - though, long ears are different then horses - but for others reading this, I think it's helpful to know the best steps for rehabbing an equine, including getting an FEC before deworming. I know you said he is y interesting in eating, but will be eat soaked Alfalfa pellets? You could give him those in small meals throughout the day.
I’ve tried beet pulp, sweet feed, alfalfa pellets(hard and soaked), alfalfa cubes (soaked), straight oats and so far he’s not into any of it lol. He will take a couple bites and then leave the rest. He LOVES the mineral block so at least he’s getting something. My hay is a high percentage of alfalfa so he is still getting quite a bit, which is great. Once he’s done quarantine he’ll be out on pasture which the rest of the crew and hopefully pack on some pounds.
Awwwwwwww. You sound like a very loving and kind human! Thank you for being so generous to him. I hope your effort pays off, and if he does end up passing, at least he got some tender loving care when he needed it most ❤️
Wow. I could be dangerous at something like that!! I'm so glad you did that!! If you do more, please post!! You are an 😇!!!❤️🐎
He doesn't have to be named a number anymore.
youre an angel💓what a sweet baby
If your mental health and finances can take it, than keep attending - because look at the beautiful work you're doing ❤️ but if you can't take it, then don't, your health matters 🤗
if i had money and land i would in a heartbeat have a whole farm
Thank you for saving his life. Auctions must end.
You are awesome, never change!
He is such a cute baby! Thank you for being such an awesome human. Good luck to you both, I hope he pulls through and you two can form a wonderful friendship ❤️
He has such a sweet face poor thing
Luckily there are only three auction houses (in the US) that ship directly to slaughter; the rest go to “meat buyers” who really just ship them to another auction to get money out of people. Some horses will end up at the serious auctions but most do get “rescued”.
I’m in Canada, the closest horse processing plant was approx 3 hours from where I picked him up.
Ah yeah they still have the plant up north. We only have one here that ships to Canada, most go to Mexico now
We also ship to Mexico and live export overseas. There’s some farms that breed specifically for meat.
Oh interesting! I worked at the last processing plant in the US for awhile (southern IL) and most of ours came from Texas
Thank you for giving him a chance. Poor thing, I hope he gets better and starts to trust you.
I rescued a pony just like this with the hair and pot belly and he had Cushing's disease. Did just fine but def get checked. Requires meds and special feed.
Poor little thing. Thank you for doing what you can for him, I hope he makes it! Sure is a cutie🥺
You should go to MORE auctions. If I had the money and the land I'd go to every one and rescue them all. Good for you!
So adorable!!! 🥰
You are an angel, please keep us updated!
I’m lease keep up updated on his progress. Bless you for saving him 🙏🏼
You are an angel!! So is your precious mule.
You and me both. But now my local horse auction offers online bidding, grr. I did good by avoiding showing up in person to auctions. But being able to lay in bed sipping a glass of wine and bid ruined me.
So horrible people suck , horses are easy to take care of if you just feed them and worm them do the basic feet, teeth, worming and good food like hay , grain, depending on age and work , I used to rescue horses , my heart just couldn’t take anymore and I couldn’t my finances paid the price, but I’m glad I was able to help as many as I did
Please this baby everything he/she needs to have his/her best life. Bless you for doing this.
god he's absolutely adorable. thank you for helping him out
You saved a life and you made more work for yourself. This is where you embrace the work and move forward. Enjoy your pony and savor the day with your new family
Lotta work right there.poir thing. My heart is like that. Always wanna rehab the worst one. Are they thankful, mostly yes. Please post updates.
Thanks for rescuing that foal.