Conference noted::equitation

           <<< CONDOR::SYS$SYSDEVICE:[NOTES$LIBRARY]CANINE.NOTE;1 >>>
                           -<   Gone to the Dogs   >-
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Note 291.3                  help for adopting ponys                       3 of 3
SOFCON::MCDONOUGH                                    11 lines  17-JUL-1986 09:01
                        -< Here's a home for horses!!! >-
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      Hi,
     I know you've been sent off to the "horse show", but if you
    didn't have any luck there, theres a home for horses that's run
    by the Mass S.P.C.A.in Methuen Ma.
      The name of the farm is "Nevin's Farm for Horses,"
                               400 Broadway, Rte 28,
                               Methuen Ma. 01844
                               Ph: 617-687-7453
      It's a farm that was opened strictly for retired and distressed
    horses..
    JMCD

    	Hi,
    
    	I hope this is NOT the farm that the Boston Police used to retire
    	their horses to....  I was recently in Boston and was speaking
    	with three of the mounted officers and I was asking them about
    	the horses and the care they get.
    
    	I did ask them if they still retire their horses at 16 (they
    	used to) and send them to Methuen.  They told me no because
    	that farm was keeping them for awhile - then sold them to the
    	killers for so much a pound.  So, the department rides the horses
    	then when they are too old or too cripple - they in turn sell
    	them to the killers - so they can make some money to replace
    	a horse or get new tack.
    
    	Boy did that KILL my fond memories of the life of a police horse!
    	They get all they can out of one.
    
    	Your best bet might be contacting some group like the New Hampshire
    	Equine Services (603-623-5243) and see if they can find homes
    	if you don't have any luck.  They have a "bounce-back" policy
    	on all cridders they handle.
    
    	Susan

    Does anyone have experience with places advertising as retirement
    places for horses?  There's one in particular that advertises regularly
    in The Chronicle.  They charge $70 per month, and this includes pasture
    in the summer, hay in the winter, and hoof trims twice a year.  It's in
    Middleburg, Va.  (Wish *I* could live there!)  I recently had two
    horses "return" that were supposed to have been leased out for two years.
    And I just don't have anywhere to keep them!  In this market, too, I
    can't even give horses away.   Both the "returnees" are usable, but I do 
    have a 20-year old gelding who can only be ridden lightly, and I'm 
    thinking of retiring him, if I can make sense of it financially....
    
    Thanks,
    ellie

    Just a thought since I don't know your horses temperments, but have
    you given any thought to donating them to a handicapped riding program,
    such as the Pony Farm in Temple NH? I also see ads someplace for a
    4-H group that helps find homes for unwanted (not that yours are
    "unwanted", that's just the term they use) horses and ponies. Sort of
    a placement assistance thing. I'm amazed that you can't even give away
    sound "usable" horses, I wish I had room for one more! :-) Good luck!
    

    Yes, I did think of the handicapped riding programs, but only for about
    a second!  All of these are ex racehorses and, although they are not
    "difficult" horses, they are not exactly bombproof either.  The horses
    I have that I'd like to find a place for are a 8 yr old mare who's
    green but not complicated, a brood mare who hasn't been ridden since
    she came off the track 5 years ago, and a 20 year old gelding who's
    ridable but only lightly....
    
    -ellie

    
    Where are you located?  I placed a horse through Adopt-A-Horse (Mass.
    area) a few years ago and was very pleased.  This was NOT a quiet
    beginner's horse.  He had evented and was having soundness problems,
    and was a tough give-away because he was so hard to ride!
    
    They placed him immediately in Vt., in an excellent home, and even 
    gave me the opportunity to limit how much/what would be done with the
    horse in his new home.
    
    If you are interested, let me know - I can find the number.
    
    Amy

    re .-1
    
    Yes, I would be interested, and other noters might be interested also,
    if not now, sometime.  Could you post it here?
    
    thanks,
    ellie

    
    The person I contacted was Jeanne Sullivan (the massage therapist).
    Her number is 508-948-7821.  If you get her machine, the message will
    tell you of someone else who is 'on call' at the moment that you can
    talk to.                                                            
    
    Good luck.
    
    Amy

    Hi Amy,
    
    
               Does this program still exist?.
    
    
                                                    Also ...Amy

    I realize that this note has been quiet for a long time but the note
    about the nounted police horses really set <flame_on> for me.
    
    (I started working here only about a month ago so I'm still playing
     catch up here...)  Anyway,
    
    I worked for the Mass. State Police Mounted unit for several years
    and I can personally vouch for the humane and compassionate care that
    their horses receive.  They do not ALWAYS get sent to the killers. 
    That is a last resort.
    
    It's obvious when an animal is reaching the end of it's 'career'
    and they (the Troopers and barn manager as well as civilian volunteers)
    begin putting the word out about a horse becoming available for
    adoption.  For FREE.  Sometimes you can even arrange to have the horse
    delivered to you barn.  
    
    During their career they receive only the best of medical, dental and
    farrier care.  Even the stray cat(s) get a full yearly exam,
    vaccinations, and any medical attention they may need during their stay
    with the MSP mounted unit.
    
    I have seen some of (what appears to be) the toughest Troopers cry
    when their 'partner' had to be put down.  And I don't mean just a tear
    or two... they cry like the've lost a human partner.
    
    We adopted a retired horse from them more than once.  And we'd do it
    again in a heart beat.  You get an animal that dosen't need a vet
    check, is emotionally bomb proof and gentle.
    
    If anyone is looking for an animal as a trail horse/pet this is the
    place to look.  I'd be glad to introduce you.
    
    Regards,
    Cheryl