Arizona: homeless horses

Costs of horsekeeping, overpopulation leave abandonment as only option for many.

Due to high prices, backyard owners to breeders are giving up horses [link]
DANA COLE | Aug 17, 2008

Saddled with runaway hay and grain prices, many horse owners are taking a hard look at how much they're spending on their animals. Across the country, skyrocketing feed prices are taking a toll on the horse industry. In a three-year duration, hay has climbed from $8 a bale to $14 or $15 per 100-pound bale, depending on when it's purchased and how far it's transported. From the backyard horse owner to breeders and trainers who depend on horses for income, everyone is affected by the escalating costs. "We're really feeling the pinch," said Vicki Whittaker who, with husband, Jeff, owns Equi-Sands Training Center in Hereford. "What we're paying for hay this year is twice as much as it was three or four years ago. Every time we buy feed, it's more expensive." Along with the climbing hay and feed prices, veterinary care and farrier fees also have increased. "Shoeing has gone up $10 per horse this year," Whittaker said. "It's forced us to raise our lesson prices to cover what it's costing us to maintain our lesson horses." Hay and grain prices are causing barns to raise board rates, too.

Whetstone resident Susan Richards has owned her horse, Cheyenne, for about 10 years. With the escalating hay and grain prices, she can no longer afford to keep him and has made the "excruciatingly painful decision" to give him away. "I really didn't want to do this," said Richards, who works at Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services in the New Turf Prevention division. "All my animals are family to me, so it was very difficult to give him up. But the expense of supporting a horse has become such a financial strain for me, I needed to do what was best for Cheyenne." While Richards could have sold Cheyenne, she decided to give him away, which gave her more options when it came time to find a new owner. "I've been very selective about where he's going," she said. "I decided to give him away because I wanted him to go to a good home where he'd get the best possible care." Bob Martin, manager of Ramsey Canyon Feed and Pet, said Richards' story has become a familiar scenario. In recent months, Martin has seen an increase in the number of notices on the business' bulletin board, where owners are selling their horses at reduced prices or, as in Richards' case, giving them away. "Families with three or four backyard horses are scaling back on the number of animals they're willing to support," Martin said.

Historically, hay prices have come down during summer months, but through the past two years, Martin said, prices have stayed fairly consistent, giving consumers little reprieve on the cost. Despite the struggling economy, Martin said the feed store is doing the same volume of business, with no noticeable dips in sales from last year. "Food prices for horse owners are absolutely tremendous right now," said Julie Murphree, spokeswoman for the Arizona Farm Bureau. "The dramatic rise in hay costs has created some serious cash problems for horse owners across the state. We're experiencing an inflationary market right now and everyone (is) feeling it." The state Farm Bureau's equestrian group hears concerns expressed by horse owners, as well as the personal stories, Murphree said. There are cases where cash-strapped owners turn to rescue organizations for help, but many of the groups are already overflowing with unwanted animals. As the situation escalates, desperate people are literally abandoning their animals. Murphree has heard reports of horses abandoned in sale yards, left at horse shows and on public lands. "Horse rescues and sanctuaries across the country are literally overflowing right now," Murphree said.

Care for the Horses, a local rescue and advocacy group, has been contacted by several people who need to find homes for their animals, said Cynthia McLemore, the organization's vice president. A nonprofit organization funded through grants and donations, the group is unable to assist every case. "As money issues become more difficult, our supporters and donations become more scarce," McLemore said. "We are continuing our fundraisers so we can help as many people as possible." Care for the Horses also is receiving more calls for feed and veterinary assistance, another service it offers horse owners needing help. McLemore expects the current situation will only worsen as time goes on. "People are losing their homes and pets (of all sizes) are being left behind, abandoned and dumped," she said. "It's a sad situation, one that forces us to make some tough decisions. We help as much as we're able."

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