The Pity Purchase

Be Prepared

Some dishonest traders will deliberately keep a hard-to-handle horse in a malnourished state, knowing a weak horse is a more docile horse.  If a horse is sick, they may not know what ails it; they only know it isn't healthy but will sell it anyway for a profit. Traders also know that many people will buy a horse because they feel sorry for it.  If you see a horse in poor condition, we believe we all have a moral imperative to take the steps necessary to help the animal.  Call your local humane society, the sheriff's department, the police, or animal control so that someone in authority can intervene on the horse's behalf, especially if you're not able to take the horse yourself.

If you succumb to such a temptation, if you have the emotional and financial resources and the inclination to rescue and attempt to rehabilitate a sick, starved or injured horse, understand the risk you are taking.

You will certainly spend a considerable amount of money with the vet.  You will likely not be able to ride your horse for many months, if ever.  You may wind up with a fabulous mount, or a poorly trained or dangerous animal, or one with a permanent disability that renders it suitable only as a pasture pet, or a carcass.

Whatever the outcome, you have probably saved a horse from a fate worse than death.  Do it if you can, but know what you're getting into.  The following stories are less about being conned by dishonest traders and more about buyers who can't leave a horse in need.

Click here to read Jade's Story