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Horse owners in Texas sometimes find themselves owning a horse they can't sell due to its old age or lack of training. Previously these horses went to slaughterhouses in Texas until the State Legislature banned the sale of horses intended for slaughter. The question now arises-what can you do to find a new home for these horses?
There are several possibilities for the horse owner to explore. Could you improve the price of the horse by training it? Could you give it to charity and receive a tax deduction? Should you sell the horse to the slaughter plants in Mexico?
Jack Landolt oversees the horses used in Sonrisas Therapeutic Riding in San Angelo. He says, "We do accept donated horses, but we have to have a sound horse." He explained that if the horse were to fall, Sonrisas would be liable.
Jack said the 11 horses they have now are all donated mounts. He explained that they are hoping to use younger horses, and the two ponies donated recently were 10 or 11 years old. The mounts they have are very gentle. Jack explained that each horse has to stand at a ramp for a period of time while the child is put in the saddle. One child took 7 minutes to mount so the horses have to be very patient.
Jack was complimentary of the horses that the group has received. He said, "Most donators understand our need." He added, "We look gift horses in the mouth-no pun intended."
A time does come when a horse can no longer be used in the Sonrisas program. Jack said, "When a horse is finished with our program, we try to find them a home." He admitted that sometimes no money changes hands.
Dee Lackey of San Angelo coordinates fundraising for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. When asked it they take donations of horses for their annual livestock auction fundraisers, she said, "We accept them, but we don't encourage it." She explained that they had to enlist help in lining up buyers for the horses.
Jerry Speer, owner of the Speer Horse Company in Talpa, Texas, has seen all kinds of horses consigned through his auction ring. He explained that what would have been packer horses...