Winter Care Tips

Hey NEIGHbours, it's that time of the year again, winter time.  You know what that means.  It's time to bust out those big blankets, water trough heaters, and it's going to be cold!  Here are some tips on how you can make sure your horses are prepared for the season.

Tip #1

Make sure that your horse has plenty of hay to eat in the paddock.  The bulk of their diet should be hay as by digesting it, the hay produces heat and helps to keep the horse warm.  A normal horse will consume roughly around 20 pounds of hay per day in warmer weather.  During the winter, that same horse may need 25 to 30 pounds a day.  

Tip #2

Ensure that your horse has an ample water supply.  Make routine checks to the paddock to make sure that the water trough is free of ice.  If you have electricity out near the paddocks, you could put in a bucket heater to help keep the water warm.  If the water is kept slightly warm during the winter, water consumption typically increases.  Add salt to your horse's feed, or provide them with a mineral salt lick to help increase water consumption. 

Tip #3

Show your horse some love in the winter and don't ask him to accept a freezing cold bit.  Keep the bridle in a heated area until it is not cold to the touch before putting it on your horse.  Hold the bit in your hand, under your arm, or inside your warm jacket to heat it up.  

Tip #4

Keep your horses feet free of snow.  A neat trick is to smear petroleum jelly on the bottom.  Make sure that you keep up with regular trimmings.  Clipped hooves will help provide a better grip on slippery ground, and are less likely to chip.  

Tip #5

When cooling down your horse after a ride, make sure he his ears are cold.  Cold ears mean a cold horse.  Make sure he is dry before putting him away.  Towel him over, roughing up the hair.  You can also use a hair dryer, if he is not afraid of them.  (Not a luxury for me, my horse would have heart failure.) Once dry, curry and brush him to separate the hairs and keep him warm.   

Tip #6

Ensure that you provide your horse with some form of shelter.  Trees help to provide a natural wind barrier, but the best protection comes from a run-in.  Make sure it is adequate enough to provide shelter for all the horses in the paddock.  When choosing a turnout blanket, make sure it is appropriate for the weather conditions.  Ensure that it fits properly and all straps are secure and safe.  

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  Be sure to check out my other blogs at http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca, and follow me on my respective social media sites.

Sources:

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/30899/winter-horse-care-tips-for-owners

http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Horse-In-the-Winter

http://horses.about.com/od/seasonalcare/qt/winterhorsecare.htm

Percherons... The Gentle Giants

Recently I have developed a love for the gentle giants of the equine world, draft horses, particularly Percherons.  I thought I would do a write up on these beautiful draft horses.

Percherons originated in the Huisane river valley in northern France, part of the former Perche province. La Perche is one of the oldest horse breeding regions in the world and is where the Percheron name developed.  In the 8th century, Arabian and other oriental horses were mated with heavy native horses and cob stock, producing the first Percheron horses.  In the Middle Ages, the Comte de Perche introduced Spanish blood into the breed, followed by the importing of Andalusian stallions by Comte de Rotrou.  Arabs and English Thoroughbreds were mixed into the bloodlines in the 18th century.  The gray colour in the Percherons can be traced all the way back to 1820, to two imported, gray Arababian stallions.  All the Percherons around today, can trace their lineage directly back to 1823 to a horse named Jean Le Blanc.

Percherons were originally bred for use as war horses, and artillery horses.  They have also served as carriage horses, pulling stage coaches.  Later the breed began to be used as a working horse, hauling heavy goods on the farms.  Breeders became more interested in using the breed as a work horse, rather than a carriage horse.  In the middle of the 19th century, heavy mares were brought in to mix with the breed in order to focus on breeding the heavier Percheron people are accustomed to today.  The first Percherons in North America were imported to the United States in 1839.  Canada imported their first Percheron from the United States. All Percherons in Canada and the United States remain genetically pure, as all horses can follow their ancestry back to the originating stock from La Perche.

The Percherons found in North America today, stand, on average, between 16.2 and 17.3 hands.  The range can vary from 15 to 19 hands, and they weigh in, on average, 1900 to 2600 pounds.  Typically they are black or gray in colour, but have been known to be roan, bay, or chestnut.  White markings have been known to appear on heads and legs, but the registries consider excessive white undesirable.  The Percheron head has a straight profile, broad forehead, large eyes, and small ears.  The chest is deep and wide, and croup is long and level.  Feet and legs are heavy muscled.

Percherons are known for their intelligence, ease of handling, equable temperament, and willingness to work.  These horses are an elegant heavy horse, and are active, showy and easy movers.  Although they adapt to different climates well, they are not as hardy in extreme winter conditions as other draft types.  Today the breed is still used as a working horse on small farms.  When they are not working on the farm, they are used for hayrides, sleigh rides, and parades.  Many people show the breed in hitching lasses.  Some even use them under saddle for both English and Western riding.

On that note, I definitely think my next horse is going to be a Percheron.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  Please remember to subscribe to receive an email informing you of my next post.

Don't forget to check out my other blogs posts http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca, and follow me on my respective social media sites.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percheron
http://www.percheron.ca/history.htm

Endurance Riding... Perhaps My New Discipline?

Recently I have considered switching riding disciplines.  All I have ever known since I was seven years old, has been the world of Classical Riding, Dressage.  While I have enjoyed all that I have learned from it, sometimes you need a change of scenery.  I was introduced to the world of Competitive Trail Riding by a friend of mine.  It is something that she is looking into as well.  When we were at the Royal Winter Fair this weekend, we had the pleasure of speaking with a representative from the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association.  After speaking with him about what this discipline is all about, it prompted me to come home and learn some more about it.

Endurance riding was introduced by Wendell T. Robie.  The idea was to have a sport that involved rapport with one's horse; companionship on a trail; and the opportunity to share the incomparable scenery of the territory. The very first endurance ride was named the 100 Mile Telvis Cup, and due to it's success, 3 endurance organizations were soon created.  Endurance riding soon became a sport practiced by equestrian riders all over the world.

In 1968, Nancy Beacon, Di Regandaz, and Di Lindblad formed the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA).  OCTRA was formed after three founding rides.  The first was in 1967 when Di Linblad's Rockwood Trail Riders put on a competitive ride.  Following this ride, Nancy Beacon hosted a 30 mile competitive ride in Flesherton from Best's Stable.  The final founding ride was held by The Riding Canucks.  This was a 50 mile Endurance Ride that was open to everyone.  It began at Old Markham Fairgrounds in Markham Ontario, and ended in the Rouge Valley.  Only one horse failed to complete the ride.

Since its founding in 1968, OCTRA has grown to over 300 members in Ontario and Easter Quebec, and offers over a dozen competitions.  To find out more about how to join.  Visit OCTRA's website at http://www.octra.on.ca.

Thank you for reading my blog.  Please check out my other blogs at http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca

Sources:
http://www.octra.on.ca/Zikula/index.php?module=Pages&func=display&pageid=109

Rally For The Thoroughbreds At The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

As many of you have read in my earlier blog, the horse racing industry is suffering the effects of the government, mainly Dalton McGuinty and his ingenious idea to take the slots out of the racetracks.  This Saturday, a rally is being held at the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair to help raise further awareness of this situation.  The rally will take place at 10am just out front of the main entrance between the Coliseum and the National Trade Centre.  All business professionals, horse owners, breeders, and general fans of horse racing are welcome, and encouraged to attend.  

For those who are unaware, McGuinty's decision results in a significant economic, social, and cultural blow to the horse racing industry.  The Ontario Horse Industry is a 2 billion dollar industry that created employment and wages for 60 thousand full-time and part-time employees, and also created 30 thousand jobs for green energy.  Not only is this decision putting employees out of a job, but the horses as well.  The future has forecast a mass slaughter of up to 13,000 Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Quarter Horses by early next year if the industry were to completely collapse.  It is estimated that two-thirds of Ontario tracks will close, there will be fewer racing days, less money in in the prize pots, and therefore, less of a reason to own, breed, and maintain these horses.  

The ripple effect from this decision will be dramatically felt by the Horse Industry. Owning a horse for pleasure or show will no longer be financially feasible, for the average person in Ontario.  As it is, the cost of hay has tripled.  Many of the veterinarians and medical professionals will be forced to head down to the United States, where the horse racing industry still thrives.  As a result to the removal of gambling funds, many rural taxpayers will be asked to compensate for the 20% loss in municipal tax base. At this rate, it will not be long before those beautiful horse farms that we see when we are driving in the rural areas of Ontario are a distant memory.

So please, please, please, come down to the main gate at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for 10 am on Saturday November 10, to show support for the Horse Industry, and show that we will not stand for this decision!

Thank you for reading.  Be sure to check out my other posts.

Nurtural Bitless Bridle - http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/11/nurtural-bitless-bridles-dawning-of-new.html#.UJmQlo4spAQ

Equine Controversy -  http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/equine-controversy.html#.UJXMOY4spAQ

Every Horse Deserves A Second Chance: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/every-horse-deserves-second-chance.html#.UJXMco4spAQ

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken... Or Can They?: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/wild-hearts-cant-be-brokenor-can-they.html#.UJXNBY4spAQ

A Day At The Races: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-day-at-races.html#.UJXNJY4spAQ

A Bit Of MINIATURE Information: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-bit-of-miniature-information.html#.UJXNUo4spAQ

They're At The Post... And They're Off: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/theyre-at-post-and-theyre-off.html#.UJXNm44spAQ

Sources:

Why We Should Fight for the Horse Racing Industry?

Nurtural Bitless Bridles... The Dawning Of A New Era

As I was wandering around the Royal Winter Fair yesterday, I came across a booth that sells bitless bridles, called Nurtural Horse.  Curiosity took over, and I stopped in to inquire.   Eventually I will need to switch over to a bitless bridle with my horse Trovao, as recently melanoma has developed in his mouth.  Let me tell you that I am definitely interested in this bridle.  I would like to give it a try.

The Nurtural Bitless Bridle was designed by Gerry Guy and Zoe Brooks, on their farm in Northern Ontario.  Both Gerry and Zoe love to ride and have horses of their own.  They had tried a few of the other bitless bridles on the market and found that they did not work at all.  Working with the design of the bitless bridles and with the help of their Canadian mare, Hazel, they developed and patented their own bitless bridle.  Many hours were spent just listening to their horses, learning about their behaviours.  For example, how in order to have another horse back off, they stare at a spot on their nose.  So by applying pressure on the nose, you are able to indicate to your horse that you would like it to "back off" or stop, or back up.

So what is unique about these bridles?  The Nurtural Bitless Bridle has a solid crownpiece that ensures that the reinstraps do not slip, and provide gentle poll pressure that slows or stops your horse.  The reinstraps are held securely under the jaw by their patented Circle-X, which is adjustable so you are able to position the reinstraps properly on the cheek.  This design applies pressure on the horse's face only when you pull on a rein.  It also provides a constant pressure point under the jaw when you pull back on both reins that signals the horse to stop.  Nurtural reinstraps are shorter than most reins, however, they are able to provide clear consistent signals.  They attach close to the horse's mouth, giving you the same feeling as riding with a bit. The Nurtural reinstraps do not twist, tangle, or pinch the nose.  Each noseband has a rubber grip that stops it from slipping.   The final thing that makes this bitless bridle unique is that it gives better control of the horse than any other bitless system.  

If you are interested in purchasing the Nurtural Bitless Bridle, they are manufactured in 5 different materials, 6 sizes, English, Western, Driving, and Custom.  The 5 materials are nylon, synthetic, impressive, elegan, and ranchman.  The synthetic and nylon are available in a variety of colours.  Take a look on their website at www.nurturalhorse.com, or if you are in the Toronto area you can visit them at the Royal Winter Fair until November 11.  

Thanks for reading and don't forget to check out the rest of the blogs on my page:

Equine Controversy: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/equine-controversy.html#.UJXMOY4spAQ

Every Horse Deserves A Second Chance: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/every-horse-deserves-second-chance.html#.UJXMco4spAQ

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken... Or Can They?: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/wild-hearts-cant-be-brokenor-can-they.html#.UJXNBY4spAQ

A Day At The Races: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-day-at-races.html#.UJXNJY4spAQ

A Bit Of MINIATURE Information: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-bit-of-miniature-information.html#.UJXNUo4spAQ

They're At The Post... And They're Off: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/theyre-at-post-and-theyre-off.html#.UJXNm44spAQ

Sources:

www.nurturalhorse.com

Equine Controversy

Controversy... If you think that it does not exist in the equine world, well you are sorely mistaken.  It does exist.

One of the most recent controversies to take place in the equestrian world was at the 2012 London Olympics.  One of the Canadian jumpers, Tiffany Foster was disqualified by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).  During a random ground check, her horse, Victor, was found to have a hypersensitivity in the left front leg, above the hoof.  The team tried to convince the vets to let them bring the horse out of the stall and jog him, but they did not allow it.  As a result, our olympic team was forced to compete with only three riders.   As for Tiffany Foster, her olympic dreams were shattered, as she was sent home. Equine Canada issued a statement thanking the FEI for its conduct in the affair.  Olympic rider Eric Lamaze has taken a stand and announced that he will never again compete under Equine Canada's authority unless the federation reverses its position.

Another recent controversy in the equine world is over the dressage stallion, Totilas.  This owners and rider are being accused of unethically treating this horse.  According to one welfare organization lawyer, the horse suffers from forced hyperflexion when ridden and from constant isolation in a box stall when not training.  The German branch of PETA has filed these charges, as they have found that Totalis has been trained using the rollkur-method and lives the majority of his day in his stall.  They have also requested a total ban of the rollkur in Germany, and a nationwide ban of animal torturing training methods.  It will be decided by the German prosecuting office whether further investigations are warranted to determine if the animal welfare laws have been violated.

We will have to wait to see how this turns out

Sources:
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/08/05/canadas-olympic-equestrian-team-outraged-by-controversial-disqualification/
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20819&src=VW
http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2012/10/22/german-branch-peta-files-charges-against-totilas-owners

Every Horse Deserves A Second Chance

Every year there are thousands of horses in Ontario that are in need of assistance.  Some come from families that are no longer able to afford the upkeep, while others have run their course on the racetrack.  Some have been neglected and starved, leaving them terrified and untrusting.  Others are lame and are unable to continue their showing career.  Whatever the reason, theses horses deserve a second chance. There are many people across the country that feel the same way and have opened their farms and hearts in order to try and provide happy endings to many of these horses.

Rescue centres exist all across the country with a common goal in mind... to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home as many horses as possible.  These centres receive no funding from the government and depend on donations and the proceeds from fundraisers to provide food and care for the horses they take in.  If you are looking for your first horse or a new horse, take a moment to look online for these centres before going to the breeders.  They post pictures and stories behind all the horses they have rescued.  Give a rescued horse a second chance.   

Here are a few rescue centres:

Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue - www.heavencanwaitequinerescue.org

Horse Rescue Ontario - www.horserescueontario.org

Refuge RR - www.refugerr.org

Canadian Horse Rescue Links - www.ghostfleetfarm.com/canada.htm

Horse Rescue Centres - www.tracs-bc/horserescuecentres.html

Cannington Horse Rescue - www.cannington-horse-rescue.com

Adopt A Preloved Horse - www.adoptaprelovedhorse.com

Freedom Valley Horse Rescue - horseadoptontario.blogspot.com

Rainbow Valley Riding Center - www.rvrc.ca

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken....Or Can They?

Alberta Canada is home to Canada's wild mustangs.  Today there is a threat facing the wild horses..... Capture then slaughter.   It has been noted that 99% of all wild horses captured end up slaughtered.  A study done by Sustainable Resources and Development claims that around only 770 wild horses remain in the wild.  It is also believed that the numbers are much closer to 500 than to 1000.  

Forestry companies are constantly complaining about the wild horses, claiming that they are damaging the environment.  According to spokesman Tom Daniels, Sundre Forest Products plant about five million seedlings are planted in a year and an unknown number are damaged by grazing horses.  He also claims that the horses are a potential traffic hazard, and problem for employees, as they have had staff threatened by horses while working in the field.  What theses forestry companies need to remember is that the land does not belong to them, but to the Albertans.  Many Albertans share a strong emotional connection to the wild horses because of their part in settling the West. 

The wild horses in Alberta are descendants of the horses used to help work the fields and the mines back in the 1900's.  They used to improve the quality of life and provide a means of transportation.  Once they were no longer needed, the horses were set free to roam the lands.  The number of wild horses has increased over the years, not only because of breeding, but because of escaped and illegally released horses.  

There have been that many attempts made to capture the horses, that in order to ensure the humane treatment of the horses, the government created the Horse Capture Regulation.  This regulation also allows the government to regulate the issuance of licences for horse capture, and also restricts the inhumane methods of capture.  Over the past couple of winters, trappers have caught and sent more than 350 wild horses to slaughter.  That is 31% of the total wild horse herd.  

Many are crying out for the government to create an Alberta Heritage Species Act, which will change the status of the wild horses from feral, and have them protected through legislation.  Both Saskatchewan and Newfoundland have brought in legislation to protect their wild horses, now Alberta needs to do the same.  

Sources:

http://www.srd.alberta.ca/LandsForests/LandManagement/FeralHorses/Default.aspx

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/08/04/calgary-wild-horses-forestry.html

http://www.ndpopposition.ab.ca/node/3424

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Featured+letter+Alberta+needs+halt+cull+majestic+wild+horses/7292585/story.html

A Day At The Races

Today I spent the afternoon at Woodbine Racetrack, as it was for a "fake 65th birthday" for my friend Genevieve's mother.  As a side note, my friend Genevieve Trimble is the owner and operator of High Point Awards and Ribbons, located in Amaranth.  High Point Awards and Ribbons goes above and beyond to supply the very best in ribbons, awards, and trophies.  They provide top quality, high standards, and unique products for any organization.  Please take a moment to visit her website at http://highpointawards.com.

We went to Favourites, the restaurant located in the grand stand where we ate lunch and watched the races.  A day at the races always makes for a wonderful outing.  It's an event that the whole family can enjoy and it does not have to cost a lot.  You can sit in the grand stands and watch all afternoon.  The choice is yours whether you bet or not.  The whole family can partake in the excitement of watching the thoroughbreds being saddled in the paddock then running a thrilling race out on the track.

Post time for the first race today was 1pm.  There were ten races altogether.   Here are the results for my day at the track.
Race 1 was 7 furlongs, maiden allowance race.  The field consisted of 6 horses.  Winner was Cabo Queen, rider Emma-Jayne Wilson

Race 2 was 1 1/16 miles, maiden allowance race.  The field consisted of 7 horses.  Winner was Up With the Birds, rider Eurico Rosa Da Silva

Race 3 was 1 1/16 miles, claiming race.  The field consisted of 9 horses.  Winner was Revengefulpleasure, rider Luis Contrearas.

Race 4 was 1 1/16 miles turf course, allowance race.  The field consisted of 8 horses.  Winner was Valentino Beauty, rider James MCaleney

Race 5 was 6 furlongs, maiden claiming race.  The field consisted of 13 horses.  Winner was Grace O'Malley, rider Jesse Campbell

Race 6 was 1 1/2 miles turf course, Overnight Stakes race.  The field consisted of 8 horses.  Winner was Clarinet, rider Eurico Rosa Da Silva

Race 7 was 7 furlongs, maiden claiming race.  The field consisted of 12 horses.  Winner was Joyful Cheers.

Race 8 was 6 furlongs, Stakes race.  The field consisted of 7 horses.  Winner was Crysta's Court, rider Luis Contrearas.  This was a memorable race as this filly's odds ended up at 40-1!  Worked out well for anyone who bet on her.

Race 9 was 1 1/2 miles turf course, starter allowance race.  The field consisted of 9 horses.  Winner was  Sin Codigo, rider Patrick Husbands.  This horse was originally from Argentina.

Race 10 was 7 furlongs claiming race.  The field consisted of 14 horses.  Winner was Bigasmar, rider Tyler Pizarro.

I am looking forward to the next time I get to spend the day hanging out with the horses and some friends.

A Bit of MINIATURE Information

In response to one of my followers, I have decided to research some information about miniature horses.

Miniature horses can be found in all nations.  In the 17th century, King Louis XIV was noted to have miniature horses amongst the animals in his zoo.  European royalty bred them to keep as pets for the royal children.    In the 18th century they were used all over England and Northern Europe to pull ore carts in the coal mines.  It wasn't until the 19th century that they were brought over to America where they were also used in the mines.   

In 1971, the first registry was created to sanction and register the American Miniature Horse.  Over the next two years, the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) accepted registration of small mature equines, not exceeding 34 inches in height, with perfect form and normal function.  Head, body and legs were well proportioned.   By December 31st 1973, the registry had reached the limit for registrations.  Going forward, only horses who were bred by registered horses could be registered in the AMHR.    In 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) was formed.

There are two divisions of miniature horses recognized by the AMHR.  Division "A" recognizes horses 34 inches and under,  and Division "B" allowed for horses 34-38 inches.  The AMHA only recognized Division "A", whilst the AMHR recognizes both Divisions.  Division "B" came about because new blood was needed in the gene pool.  Also, some of the breeders were managing to get excellent stock that were over 34 inches, and wanted to start racing them with mechanical riders.  

Today, the miniature horses are shown at National Shows and shows sanctioned by the AMHR and AMHA.   They compete in halter and showmanship classes and also performance classes, such as jumping obstacles and driving carts.   

To find miniature horses in Ontario, you can search the Miniature Horse Club of Ontario http://www.mhco.ca/.  Provided on the website is a list of registered breeders found across Canada and some from the U.S.A.  It also provides you with an information section with articles written by some owners, giving advice on training and ownership.  

Sources:
http://www.angelfire.com/mt/ndobson/history.html
http://www.wallaceminiatures.ca/history.htm

They're at the Post... and They're Off!

Hello NEIGHbour!
Welcome to my blog. Over the next 12 weeks, I will be blogging about all things horses. I would like to start my blog with a very important matter in the equine world, the racetrack industry.

An announcement was made in March of this year that the government has decided to terminate a program SARP (Slots at Racetracks Program), that sent $345-million from slot-machine revenues to tracks and horsemen in 2011. The removal of this program would lead to the closure of 11 of the 17 racetracks in Ontario, three of which are already closed.  For many of the tracks in Ontario, the slots make up more than 90 percent of the purses.  At the moment, the president of Woodbine Entertainment Group is unsure of the fate of the $1-million purses for next year's Woodbine Mile and Queen's Plate.  Although they do not plan to reinstate the SARP, the government has said that they will fund the racetracks with $50-million for the next three years.  Knowing this amount is not enough, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association has asked for $210-million.  A final report is due at the end of this month that will state a final amount that will be funded.  It is estimated that five or six tracks will be able to stay open and remain successful.

 As a result of this decision, there will be a loss of 3,600 to 6,300 jobs. Not only will many people lose their jobs, but many of the race horses will lose their lives. A report was issued by a government panel indicating that 7,500 to 13,000 horses could be euthanized by early 2013.  We have Dalton McGuinty to thank for this.   In an interview conducted by CTV Toronto, McGuinty claimed that the government is concerned about the mass euthanasia of the horses and that they do not intend to support it.  However, he has quoted in saying "We're Listening very intently.  But at the end of the day, we've also made a decision: We've got to put schools and healthcare ahead of subsidizing horse racing in Ontario." I don't feel that he really cares about the horses.

The situation with the tracks is also affecting life on the farms.  Breeders don't know whether to breed their mares again and owners are reluctant to buy when they don't know what is going to happen to the industry.  The average price of Thoroughbred yearlings has decreased by 22 percent from last year.  Gross sales have declined by 61 percent.  It is tough for owners to spend the money if the potential to profit is disappearing.  Without the tracks to compete on, many of these horses have no where to go.  Many have been given a second chance and are being trained in other disciplines.  However, the rest of the equestrian world is not prepared to accommodate the massive influx.  There just is not enough homes.


Sources:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/up-to-13-000-horses-could-be-euthanized-in-ontario-report-says-1.941358
www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/horses-put-down-as-industry-declines/article4547462
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2012/08/20/decision-to-cut-racetrack-slots-funding-backed-by-controversial-report