gypsy fly: Keep in mind the context of that statement in the essay. It's talking about the lies the American people were told about horses that were slaughtered. "...only old, sick or lame horses were slaughtered for glue or dog food."  

I wonder if there's a connection between the EU's ban on contaminated horse meat and the ban on the use of antibiotics in raising animals for food.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091500736.html

ridealong:

context of that statement

Understood! 

I remember watching a "Dirty Jobs" show where a big truck gathered up departed cows from ranches for rendering.  It was a very stinky job, but someone has to do it.  If I remember right, the plant operator called rendering "primary recycling".  The reporter left with a small box of protien, an ingredient in dog food.

I suppose the protein wouldn't be for cow food anymore, given mad cow disease.  So our dogs and cats get to re-use the proteins.  What a cycle!

As mentioned, the medications approved for horses and chemical euthanasia pretty much eliminates the carcass from recycling.

We've also closed all the large leather processing plants in the country.

Guess we better get the most out of our horses now 'cuz they're pretty useless after they're dead.  The truth is, they're pretty useless now.  Of the dozen or so horses in our care, only half are ridden (about an average of 6 hours a week for lessons or trail).  The rest are expensive pasture pets.  Good thing their owners can afford them (so far).

 There's nothing wrong with having horses as "pets" and not riding them.  How does that make them "useless"?  Many people find visiting and brushing their horses as rewarding as others find riding them.  

"There's nothing wrong with having horses as "pets" and not riding them.  How does that make them "useless"?  Many people find visiting and brushing their horses as rewarding as others find riding them. "

Cpmcteddy, I couldn't agree more.  Just "being a pet" does not mean an animal is "useless."  Millions of Americans have pets of all types, and that is the only function they serve.  And we are glad to have them in our lives, it's a privilege and enriches our lives beyond measure.  It has been proven that pet owners live longer, happier, healthier lives than non-pet owners.  I'd say that makes a "pet" pretty darn useful, and having one in your life is therapeutic in many ways.    :)

cpmcteddy:

How does that make them "useless"?

We have a riding/training stable.  It's a way for my wife to justify the expense.  In my case, "useless", is an economic term.  I feel it more because I pay for almost all of it.  Of the 5 that we own and 2 that we free-lease, two Keiger-POA and a 3 yr old Arabian gelding are in training.  The rest work at least one or two hours a day.  I'd like to get our usage up to 4 hours per day.  That way each horse's "401k" can be fully funded.  Like us, the horses work for a comfortable retirement.

As a matter of fact, I love the boarders who don't ride.  It means less wear and tear on the riding facilities. 

Our efforts are geared towards those who are currently non-horse folks.  We've converted a few and they in turn have owned rescued horses.  That's our contribution to the good of horses around us.  I do acknowledge we have to do a better job.  Equine rescue capacity around Portland Oregon is maxed out.  We need to find folks who can afford to re-open shuttered stables and receive rescues for the winter.

Since Portland also has a huge homeless population, I suspect whatever resources there are will go to them first.

"I wonder if there's a connection between the EU's ban on contaminated horse meat and the ban on the use of antibiotics in raising animals for food.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091500736.html"