IMAGE : PROPERTY OF PETRO DIAMANT & EARTH ALIVE 365

This image is part of a series of images for the Earth Alive 365 Awareness Portfolio for Near Threatened & Endangered Species. This was also a collaboration with Have a Heart Spay & Neuter who not only rescued animals and offered veterinary assistance and animal welfare support but  also rescued horses in need of new homes due to neglect and abuse.

PETRO DIAMANT & EARTH ALIVE 365 do not promote nor encourage taking images with animals. This image is used to raise awareness on current issues pertaining to horses, the abuse of horses in sports and also wild horses in their natural environment at risk of starvation or dying due to predators, human wildlife conflict and loss of habitat.

WILD AT HEART - Awareness Art : Horses

Awareness Artist for Near Threatened and Endangered Species: Petro Diamant

Organization: Have-a-Heart Spay & Neuter Project

Photographer : Lindie Prinsloo, Namibia

Art / Garment :   by Petro Diamant for EARTH ALIVE 365 |  FLOCK Fashion & Accessories , Cape Town

Read the Mission Statement here mission statement

Lindie Prinsloo, Founder of Have a Heart Spay and Neuter shares this with me:

There are so many ways to help, big and small. Whether you donate N$10 or an old towel, you are actively making a difference in the life of a township animal. Teach your children to make a difference, to live less materialistic and care about the world around us. All the problems you see is a direct result of humans. The only way to solve them is to live how we as humans were intended to live; as guardians of nature and everything in it. One person can make a difference and everyone should try. – John F. Kennedy

Imagine the change if we all start to live responsibly 

Sadly Lindie is no longer with us. This image is in memory of her and the lives she has saved. Journey well my dear friend. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of human and animal friends you helped. In memory of Lindie Prinsloo and Beloved Ben the Horse. Unfortunately Ben fell ill and died a few moths after I had met him. All lives are precious and Lindie  loved animals so much. She is missed by many.

Throughout history, horses have been utilized for a wide range of purposes due to their strength, speed, and versatility. Here are some of the primary uses of horses across different cultures and time periods:

1. Transportation

• Riding: Horses have been used for riding by humans for thousands of years, providing a faster and more efficient means of travel compared to walking.
• Pulling Vehicles: Horses have been harnessed to pull chariots, carts, carriages, and wagons, facilitating transportation of people, goods, and agricultural produce.

2. Agriculture

• Plowing Fields: Horses were historically used for plowing fields and tilling soil before the advent of mechanized agriculture. They provided the necessary pulling power to work the land.
• Harvesting: Horses were employed in harvesting crops, such as pulling reapers or hauling harvested produce.

3. Warfare

• Cavalry: Horses played a crucial role in warfare as cavalry mounts, carrying soldiers into battle and providing speed and maneuverability on the battlefield.
• Pulling Artillery: Horses were used to pull artillery pieces and transport weapons during wars and military campaigns.

4. Communication and Messenger Services

• Postal Systems: In ancient times and through the Middle Ages, horses were used to carry mail and messages across long distances, facilitating communication between distant regions.

5. Sports and Entertainment

• Racing: Horse racing has been a popular sport for centuries, with organized races dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans.
• Equestrian Competitions: Various forms of equestrian competitions, such as show jumping, dressage, and eventing, have evolved as both recreational activities and competitive sports.

6. Recreation and Leisure

• Hunting: Horses were used for hunting purposes, allowing riders to cover large distances and pursue game animals.
• Pleasure Riding: Throughout history, horses have also been ridden for leisure and pleasure, whether on trails, in parks, or for recreational riding.

7. Cultural and Ceremonial Purposes

• Ceremonies and Festivals: Horses have featured prominently in ceremonial events, processions, parades, and religious rituals in various cultures worldwide.
• Symbolism: Horses have often been symbolic animals, representing qualities such as strength, nobility, freedom, and power in folklore, mythology, and art.

8. Work and Industry

• Logging and Forestry: In certain regions, horses were used to haul logs and assist in forestry operations where mechanical equipment was impractical or unavailable.
• Mining: Horses were employed in mining operations to haul ore carts and transport materials underground.

Modern Uses

While some traditional uses of horses have diminished with advancements in technology, horses are still widely used today in:

• Sporting Activities: Including racing, show jumping, polo, and rodeo events.
• Recreational Riding: For pleasure riding, trail riding, and therapeutic purposes (e.g., hippotherapy).
• Police Work: Some police forces use horses for crowd control, patrolling parks, and ceremonial duties.
• Equine Therapy: Horses are increasingly used in therapeutic settings to help individuals with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges.

In summary, horses have played and continue to play significant roles in human history and society, serving as companions, workers, athletes, and symbols across diverse cultures and contexts.

When horses are no longer needed or can no longer perform their intended roles, several outcomes are possible, depending on the circumstances and the resources available:

1. Retirement Programs

• Equine Retirement Farms: Some horses are fortunate to retire to specialized facilities or farms designed to care for aging or retired horses. These places often provide pasture, shelter, and appropriate veterinary care.
• Rescue Organizations: There are numerous rescue organizations that specialize in taking in horses that are no longer wanted or needed. These organizations rehabilitate the horses and work to find them new homes through adoption programs.

2. Rehoming and Adoption

• Adoption Programs: Many organizations facilitate the adoption of horses into new homes where they can continue to be cared for and potentially used in lighter activities like recreational riding.
• Private Ownership: Some individuals or families may take in horses as companions or for light work such as farm duties or pleasure riding.

3. Repurposing and Re-training

• Career Transition Programs: Some organizations offer programs to re-train horses for new careers. For example, ex-racehorses might be trained for show jumping, dressage, or trail riding.
• Therapeutic Riding Programs: Some retired horses with suitable temperaments and training may be used in therapeutic riding programs to help individuals with disabilities.

4. Humane Euthanasia

• Euthanasia: In cases where a horse is elderly, injured, or suffering from a chronic illness that cannot be managed effectively, humane euthanasia may be considered to prevent unnecessary suffering.

5. Sale to Slaughter

• Slaughter: Unfortunately, in some regions or circumstances where other options are not available, horses may be sold to slaughter for meat production. This option is controversial and widely debated due to ethical concerns and animal welfare issues.

Factors Affecting Outcomes

The outcome for a horse often depends on factors such as:

• Health and Age: Older or injured horses may have more limited options than younger, healthy ones.
• Market Demand: The availability of adoption or retirement options can vary based on geographic location and economic factors.
• Owner Resources: Owners’ financial capabilities and willingness to care for a horse can also impact its future.

Ethical Considerations

The treatment and fate of horses after they are no longer needed raise ethical considerations regarding animal welfare, responsible ownership, and humane treatment. Organizations and individuals dedicated to horse rescue and advocacy work tirelessly to ensure that horses receive proper care and humane treatment throughout their lives, regardless of their past roles or circumstances.