“Free to Good home”

“Paddock Sound”

“Regretful Sale”

“Companion Home Only”

I’ve never been someone who liked parting with animals. Any animal, ever.

So the idea of selling my horse once I’d outgrown her was a tough concept for me.

But the thing is, horses cost quite a lot of money to keep, to the point where multiple ‘paddock ornaments’ will usually prevent a person from being able to buy and keep a newer/younger/fancier horse, as well as their first pony or their elderly mount. I’ve been exceedingly lucky with my horses lining up well with my life circumstances. I’ve always had the means (at times thanks to my lovely parents) to keep my horses close by. I was able to buy the bigger and more athletic thoroughbred once I outgrew my pony, without having to sell the pony.

The majority of horse owners have the mentality that they either must keep the pony, OR buy the new mount.

You see free or cheap horses constantly being advertised in facebook groups. People wanting somewhere to retire their old horses. Looking for someone to take on their 20-25 year old horse and be responsible for the extra food and vet costs associated with caring for an elderly animal. Someone to take on end of life care and make the heartbreaking decision of when their life has come to an end. Abdicating responsibility.

Because horses aren’t viewed as a member of the family. They’re not a traditional pet.

They’re a sport.

They’re an income.

They’re a means to an end and they can’t be sitting around costing money if they’re not serving a purpose. Whether that’s being a broodmare, going to competitions or just being sound enough to take trail riding.

What happens when they can no longer do what the owner wanted them for?

They’re given away. If they have ANY chance of being ‘useful’ to someone else, then they’re sold. But if they’ve completely broken down to the point where they cannot physically carry a rider anymore, then they’re free to ‘good home’.

They’re called ‘paddock sound’ and they need to go. To make room in your paddock for your next horse.

I was lucky enough that I got my next horse without having to choose between him, or selling my first pony. But make no mistake. My pony was never leaving my custody and care, even if that meant I never got the bigger, fancier horse.

Once an animal is with me, they’re with me forever. They’re my pets. They’re members of my family. Their purpose is to be loved and cared for forever, not just while I find them ‘useful’.

** Disclaimer: My interest in a bigger/better/fancier horse was when I was riding traditionally, prior to learning about and switching to positive reinforcement, fear free animal training and care.

Written By Madi Holmes of the PPGA Equine Sub-Committee