Bar N K Rescue & Placement - Save a horse.....Save a Life

Wanted - A Place To Call Home


Are there no places to live that actually don't break the bank?

I understand that taxes have gone up and replacing the fixed assets is rising, but can you justify charging $ 2000/month on a 40 year old house? If you've had renters in your house that haven't done any damage, keep it as clean as Buckingham Palace and haven't replaced the furnace in 20 yrs, exactly why are you charging the Ritz Carlton price?

Taxes I can see averaging $ 2000/yr, the utilities are in the renter name, clearing the yard in the winter would cost approx $ 200 in diesel, small fix it jobs approx $ 1000. So let’s say your cost is $ 3500 for the sake of argument. That's a cost of $ 291 per month. Since you want to make a little money to save incase the furnace, god forbid, craters in -40, let's up it to $ 600/month. That's $ 7200/year for rent. Can you not take that money, put it in a savings account and let it sit for a rainy day? Or the dreadful -40 furnace retirement.

Now granted, there are tenants out there that think cheap rent is a blast and decide that your house is the perfect party/drug house. But this is where you come in as a landlord and do background checks. If they can’t come up with a good reason not to give that info to you, don’t rent to them. If they give you a bad vibe, don’t rent to them.

There are many single parent families who are on social assistance, on disability or are working but can’t afford $ 1200 for a one bedroom apartment. Just because they are on assistance, doesn’t make them bad people. Sure there are some that don’t lead the best of lives and would rather party, but then there are good people out there that are in need of break. People who are trying to do what they can, but just can’t in today’s rental market.

Just because oil is at $ 130/barrel, do you think that everyone has jobs that pay 10K a month? Housing is supposed to be 30% of your income. Right now, it’s sitting at 54%. Rent at 2K/month, you’d have to clear 6K to meet that statistic. How many people have jobs that pay that? Not everyone works in the Oil & Gas Industry….

I know of some people who have been looking for a place in the country for 2 yrs now that is within that $ 400 - $ 600/month range. People on disability who would like to live in the country for health reasons. Is there a reason why you won't rent to them?

I know you’re out there! Can you please come out of hiding? Just because they are slightly disabled, doesn’t mean they are dead.

Rainbow Bridge


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Things You Learn When You Own A Horse

This was emailed to me today. This is so true in many ways. Hope you enjoy.

THINGS YOU LEARN WHEN YOU OWN A HORSE

1. People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours.

2. You should never buy a cheap girth!

3. A handsome horse who's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 minutes.

4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding, hit the ground the hardest.

5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions.

6. The richest horse people most often look the poorest.

7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

8. A solitary ride through the woods is more beneficial then six months with the best psychiatrist.

9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse.

10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don't care how you look.

11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking he's usually worth half that much.

12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse, but it can be a quick way to get hurt.

13. I can recognize another horse person no matter what town, city, state, county or country I visit.

14. You can never have too many hoof picks.

15. It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you buy 1,000 pounds

16. I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.

17. If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you think you have closed the pasture gate, you haven't.

18. When someone asks you if you like their horse always say 'yes'.

19. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat.

20. If you're looking for the perfect horse you will never own one.

21. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.

22. I'd rather lose my lipstick than my curb chain.

23. You shouldn't talk about your first place ribbon to someone that came second.

24. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.

25. If we need rain, schedule a show.

26. I've never warmed up to someone that didn't want a walk down to the stables.

27. A clean stables and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures.

28. Even free horses can be too expensive. Especially, free horses.

29. No matter how badly behaved you are, your horse always gives you a second chance.

30. A more expensive horse doesn't make a better one.

31. I will never ever have an empty stable and I have accepted that fact.

32. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

33. If you can't imagine life without a horse... DON'T

Scams

They are out there and in full force!!!!

Scam or not #1 – Someone overseas will send you money above asking price and wants you to send the change back along with the horse. Meanwhile, the initial payment is fraudulent.

Scam or not #2 – You answer an ad for a horse from another province/state. The owner says that it’s perfectly healthy, excels in his/her discipline, sound, perfect disposition. You agree to buy it, transfer the money. When it comes off the trailer, you’re horrified to see s/he is skin over bones, wrong color, ex-rodeo bronc. You phone the owner back to find the number is disconnected.

Scam or not #3 – Someone emails you and says they will send the money and trailer now. Money doesn’t arrive but the trailer does. Hauler won’t leave till his fee is paid to drive there.

Scam or not #4 – Someone establishes a relationship with you over the phone and through emails for a few weeks. You get a good feeling that they want to help you find a home for your horse(s). Gives you references, you check out the website. Everyone is happy with their services. You send them your horse(s). You get a partial payment and the rest is kept. They claim expenses and say they will send you the receipts, but none come and contact ceases.

The list goes on and on. People get upset when they get scammed, how about rescues? We get our fair share as well.

Some rescues have private listings of horses for sale and charge a commission. This commission, if sold through the website, is their way of fundraising so they don’t have to beg and plead for donations.. However, it doesn’t always work that way. Lister’s will agree to pay the commission when the horse sells. “It’s in the mail”. The money doesn’t come. When trying to contact them, all you get is an answering machine.

Someone phones a rescue and asks for help to place their horses. They send you all the info to find a right home. Arrangements are made with the adopters and haulers are lined up. They arrive at the farm to find that the owners have either given them away or sold them to neighbors. What they fail to realize, is that they have taken your time away from horses that are in actual need along with the expense of long distance calls. When asked for a donation, they hang up never to be heard form again.

A call comes in, someone wants their horses placed before a certain date otherwise they are going for meat. They are either sick, can’t afford the feed or just don’t want them anymore. While in some cases, this is true, some cases are not. You find out later, that the horse is stolen and they want it gone before the cops start coming around. Next thing you know, the cops are showing up on your doorstep asking why you have a stolen horse.

There’s only one way to avoid this, EDUCATE YOURSELF. While your gut feeling might be good, if you don’t cover your avenues, you’ll get screwed.

If you are interested in a horse from another province/state, ask a friend who is close by to go and see the horse. Make sure it is what you’re being told. Ask to see vet records, where did it come from, ask to see the papers, make sure the markings on the papers match the horse, ask for a pre-vet exam, ask for it to be ridden, watch for any soundness issues under saddle, watch for temperament, ask to see the hay it’s being fed.

Most importantly, call to see when a good time would be to come see the horse. If they say in the afternoon, if it is a short distance away, show up unexpectantly in the morning or 10 minutes warning your coming. Sure some owners grovel and scream that you caught them off guard, but that way, they can’t have everything pristine for your visit. See what the normal conditions are at the farm. Is the stall cleaned regularly, does s/he have feed at all times or is on a schedule, are they turned out or in the barn.

Talk to your friends and family before making a purchase. If you are unsure about the horse’s conformation, take an experienced person with you. They will be able to see faults you can’t and will advise you on the purchase. If they are good, they will pick up on signs of you being scammed by the owner. If you have a bad feeling about the way the sale is going, walk away.
 

Feeding Working and Performance Horses

Here is a link I found on how to feed a working horse.

Before taking any advise on how to feed your horse, talk to a Vetrinarian or and Equine Nutritionist. Everybody feeds thier horses differently. Get advice from a professional if unsure.

www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex5409

Animal Protection Act

Due to copyright, I can only post a link to the site.

www.canlii.org/ab/laws/sta/a-41/20050110/whole.html

Commercial Horse Boarding Stable Industry

Due to copyright, I can only put a link to the site for you to see what it entales.

www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex3461

Animal Keepers Act

I can't copy and paste the contents of the Act due to copyright issues, so I will post a link so you can see what it entales.

http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/A40P5.cfm?frm_isbn=0779740793



Horse Forums: Are They Worth the Stress

The internet has 100’s of them for any discipline and breed.

They have rooms for Health & Wellness, Coming Events, Show Results, Transport Haulers, etc. But it’s in the rooms called General Chat or Horse Café  or in that nature, that things start to get interesting.

Although in these rooms, you can talk about anything horse related, it seems to be more of a fight room(s) than anything. Lord knows I have been in my fair share of battles on some sites over horse slaughter.

What I am finding is that, although everyone has an opinion, it seems that emotions get in the way of looking at the whole picture. I am finding that at least 90% of the people I have talked to, have formed an opinion based on what was said on forums, “anti” or “pro” sites or what their friends have told them. There are people who want to sign every petition out there to ban whatever is going on that day based on what is said on a forum.

I have seen on a few forums that someone was given a horse or bought one from auction and either hasn’t been in this situation for a while or has no experience, get absolutely criticized for doing this. While some argueements or statements make sense, I am finding 70% of the comments are derogatory, 20% are of how to rehab and 10% are willing to even go the person’s farm, educate and help them. To those 10%, thank you for helping educate the un/re-educate(d).

If you are a new person to a forum, this is very discouraging, upsetting and stressful. You are signing up for memberships to these forums for the purpose of finding information. If you have some experience, then at times it can be frustrating. If you are a seasoned pro, you are strong enough to let it roll off your shoulders.
 
Although, there are forums that have a strict code of conduct, and punish people for crossing the line, there are some that let it fly as it is. For a new person, pick and choose your forum(s) and topic(s) to comment on wisely. When you come across a forum that punishes troublemakers, you found a good one and you’ll learn lots from the people there. If you find one that is fairly controlled, you’re still ok, but choose your words carefully. If you find one that has no control and allows insults to well respected people or new people or derogatory comments with no intervention, run and run fast. It’s not worth the stress.

Forums are to be a meeting place for horse owners to meet new friends, post stories of their horse(s), share ideas, learn new things and find information. To get the best experience and gain knowledge, choose wisely. On many of the forums, there’s a lot of knowledgeable people there that will help you in what ever way they can. I have been put in my place many times, but have also defended myself as well.

You’ll really have to see what peaks your interest. If you are a junior, many forums have a section just for you, where the room is filled with people your age. This is where you can ask other junior’s a variety of questions and learn from each other. If you are an adult, there are many, many topics for you to take part in as well.

But most importantly, parents need to monitor their children’s activities on forums. It is very easy for them to click on the wrong topic and get involved in something that they won’t understand.

Another Horse Seizure

Another horse seizure has taken place in Alberta.

This time it is in central Alberta near Rocky Mountain House on the Sunchild Reserve. Alberta Animal Rescue Crew were feeding stray dogs, when they came upon the carcasses of 6 horses. One carcass had a 3 month old puppy hiding in it to stay warm.

6 horses survived and have been moved to Bear Valley Rescue with the aide of the RCMP for rehabilitation. 3 bred mares, a 2 yr old colt, a yearling filly and a yearling colt have all been without food for most of the winter. Somehow they managed to find fresh water and is suspected that that is the reason they survived along with finding what little food under all the snow.

The yearling filly is having troubles and is being kept warm buy blankets. The bred mares are in rough shape with next to no body fat. No ones knows when they will foal. 

They are under vetrinarian care and will continue to be until they are healthy to be adopted.

Charges are pending against the owners.

100 Head Going Into Foster Care

There will be no auction Thursday for the 100 head seized from a ranch at Andrew. They have been placed with an Arabian Association for foster care until they are healthy enough to be adopted.

I have confirmed that the adoptions, when they are healthy enough, will be handled by the Association and will be certified ready for adoption by the vetrinarian in charge. Their progress will be monitered by the ASPCA.

We are still accepting donations for future rescues.

At this time, charges are pending against the owner.

Seizure N.E. of Edmonton

This story is on basically all the news channels and basically all the daily newspapers.

I am not going to sit here and defend this farm, however, it is hard to pass judgement on someone who not many people seem to know. There are alot of rumours going around in the papers and internet on why he did this. 

People who are his neighbours don't even know why this happened. He is not returning any forms of communication to the public, and quite frankly I wouldn't either. Everyone has passed judgement on a story that only the ASPCA knows anything about. They won't say to much because it is an ongoing investigation.

It was reported on local news stations that charges may be laid in the next few days. Ok, so lets all wait to see what the charges are and go from there. I presume that he won't make any public appearances with news camera and newspaper reporters sitting at his front gate.
 
To some, what happened to these horse are dispicable, disgraceful, in-exuseable and in-comprehensable. While everyone is allowed, and who am I  to say otherwise, to form your own opinion
and tell your friends and the world through the internet, take into consideration what they are going through. Put yourself in their shoes. If this happened to you, what would you do and how would you feel. Form your own opinions, but all means. But lets save judgement when the truth behind this unfortunate series of events comes to light by the proper authorities and not embellished news reporting.

The best way to help these horses, is to donate to one of the local rescues and help them bring some home to rehabilitate and to adopt them to good, loving homes.
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