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Warning: The Press Release below contains disturbing information concerning the abuse of horses. May not be suitable for children!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.noreinstatement.org
Grassroots Horsepeople Take a Stand: Petition to Prevent Possible Reinstatement of One of the “Hot Blood” Horse Killers Gains Over 2000 Signatures
-- It started in an online forum when one poster declared her disgust that the first of the Horse Killers* could be reinstated to the USEF. Her post sparked what has quickly become a movement involving equine enthusiasts from the backyard pleasure horse owner to serious national competitors. The movement’s primary vehicle is a petition that boasts over 2000 signatures to date.
The petition drive was started by Liz Ireland of Athens, GA, a multidisciplinary amateur-owner trainer. She is the owner of a rescued former “A" Circuit jumper, Avery, who now competes in carriage pleasure driving. She is a member of the USEF, American Driving Society (ADS), and American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA). But lately she’s becoming known more for spearheading a petition drive that has collected over 2000 signatures in a little over one month, signatures from people who oppose any efforts by anyone who was convicted in the notorious “Hot Blood/ Helen Brach” horse killing cases to reapply for membership in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
The first of these people, Paul Valliere of Acres Wild Farm, Wellington, FL, is eligible to reapply in April of 2006. Valliere was one of a number of people indicted in a sweeping scam to kill horses for insurance money by electrocution or breaking their legs with crowbars. The scam was the subject of a popular book, “Hot Blood” by Ken Englade, which detailed the horse killings. In consideration for testimony about other participants in the scheme, Valliere was convicted only of having participated in a plan or conspiracy to commit acts of cruelty or abuse to a horse for the murder by electrocution of his horse Roseau Platiere.
Although he was also expelled from membership in the American Horse Shows Association (now USEF), Valliere has continued training horses and riders. However, he cannot participate in recognized shows nor be present on show grounds during the course of a recognized show unless he is reinstated. Valliere’s presence in the industry as a trainer has been controversial**, and the possibility of his being reinstated has made many people – USEF members or not – want to take a stand.
As Ireland explains, “For 35 years I was a ‘keep your head down, your mouth shut and don't get involved’ kind of person. Then I got Avery. As I worked with him and realized what horrendous things had been done to him on the "A" Circuit, I got angrier and angrier. The horses can't speak for themselves; we have to do it for them. And I know Avery would expect nothing less from me than the very best I can do. I believe anyone who kills horses to collect insurance proceeds automatically forfeits the right to call him/herself an equine professional.”
Ireland is quick to point out that she’s not alone in her efforts, nor does she take credit for the movement. And in fact, others have stepped up to the plate as well, creating an online store in which to purchase “NO REINSTATEMENT” merchandise and circulating the popular rubber wristbands, all in an effort to make this opinion heard.
Molly Williamson from White Bear Lake, MN, is one of the people who have helped. Williamson has been riding for 18 years, and is responsible for setting up the NO REINSTATEMENT store on Café Press. Why did she go to the effort?
”Why do I care? Well, where do I start?” she asks. “Would a community allow a doctor, a person society trusts with their health and well being, to practice after purposefully harming a patient? I think the answer to that is a huge no. What about a sex offender teaching school? Again, a huge no.
"As horse people, we look to trainers to guide us and often times they become mentors, someone we look up to. We follow their example, and because of that, they need to behave in an ethical and moral manner.
"USEF, to me, promotes our sport. It has rules against the poor treatment of horses at shows and against exploiting lame horses by not allowing them to be shown or medicated to mask the lameness. These rules are for the well being of the horses; without the horses, there would be no USEF and there would no sport. So, I’m doing this for the horses, and for the sport.”
Another person who has stepped up and is helping with wristbands and administering the non-profit end of the effort is Vikki Karcher Siegel, Manager of Snowbird Acres Farm in Long Valley, New Jersey. Siegel is also the Manager of Northeast Regional Horse Shows Association LTD, Director of the New Jersey Horse Council and a member of the US Equestrian Federation Committee for Competition Management, among other efforts. For her, the issue is clear:
”It is not logical that the US Equestrian Federation, which has as its mission the protection and welfare of horses, would not ban anyone from participation in this sport if they have benefited financially from the fraudulent death of a horse,” she states. “The horses involved in the insurance fraud scandal could have been sold, even if at a loss, to people who would have loved them and cared for them. Instead they died for people’s ego and greed.
"If someone evades the spirit if not the letter of law in terms of their parole, and practices as a professional making a profit from horse activities during that time, in my opinion they cannot be welcomed back as a member in good standing. The Federation is being asked to honor their bond with all horse people by never accepting these criminals who had horses killed back into the organization. To do so would not be in the best interest of the sport.”
The petition drive effort is also now being aided by Gina Kazimir, President of PR Right Now in Bel Air, MD, who is offering her services pro bono to publicize the campaign.
“I have an OTTB who’s now a show hunter, I compete but I’m not chasing national points, and I love my horse,” Kazimir says. “The idea that someone who had one of these magnificent animals brutally murdered for insurance money could possibly be reinstated as a member in good standing of the governing body of our sport is not acceptable to me, so I offered to help do something about it.”
At this point, Valliere has not indicated if he plans to apply for reinstatement. But that’s not the major factor for the proponents of the movement, who have vowed to protest every one of the individuals as they become eligible to apply.
“It’s the principle of it that’s the motivating factor,” says Ireland. “Paul Valliere is the first, but not the last. But the fact is that ANYONE who has abused these wonderful animals in such a horrid way is just not someone that we feel deserves the benefits of USEF membership. There’s a time to say ‘enough’ and this is clearly it.”
PROCEED TO SIGN ONLINE PETITION
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2004
In October 2003
The Pyramid Society announced that it had undertaken an effort to develop an objective, scientific test for detecting ginger and other irritants. At that time, we promised to provide updates as developments warranted. While progress has been slow, it has been steady.
Our first hurdle was to prove the science involved to the satisfaction of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the sanctioning body for the Egyptian Event. Through a series of laboratory verifications and field trials, we cleared that hurdle earlier this year. The test has proven to be accurate, sensitive, and reliable.
The Pyramid Society fully intended to implement this test at the 2004 Egyptian Event. However, attorneys for The Pyramid Society and USEF determined that the rule prohibiting ginger, as currently written, would not withstand a legal challenge in a court of law. USEF officials agreed to rewrite the rule to meet USEF legal requirements. Subsequently, the USEF Arabian Committee agreed to serve as the proponent for a resolution incorporating this new rule and present it for a vote at the Arabian Horse Association’s (AHA) annual convention in November, 2004. Assuming the resolution is approved by AHA’s delegates, USEF will then vote on the resolution at its annual meeting in January, 2005. At that point, the rule will apply to all Arabian activities sanctioned by USEF, including the Egyptian Event.
The complete text of the resolution that will be presented to AHA is posted on the Pyramid Society’s website www.pyramidsociety.org. This resolution has some real teeth in it, in particular, (1) owners are held equally responsible with trainers/handlers and, (2) how the irritant got there is not open to debate.
This effort has been an arduous and expensive journey but we are gratified with the results thus far. I greatly appreciate The Pyramid Society’s Board of Directors for providing the initial and ongoing support for this project. However, all of us who revere the Arabian horse owe a debt of gratitude to two individuals: Tommy Ticktin, Tyger Pines Arabians, for insisting there must be some way to stop this insult to our horses, and therefore provided the countless hours of legwork and coordination that has brought us to this point; and secondly, to Karen Henwood, Sandybrook Farm, who willingly and unselfishly provided the funding necessary to accomplish the scientific research.
The Pyramid Society has a long-standing commitment to eliminating horse abuse and prides itself on this giant step forward in that direction. We encourage you to contact your AHA Regional Directors and make your feelings known in order to assure the passage of this resolution.
Resolution: http://www.pyramidsociety.org/PdfInfo/GingerRes.pdf
Sincerely,
THE PYRAMID SOCIETY
Martha Lucas
President
The Pyramid Society
P.O. Box 11941
Lexington, KY 40579
Ph: (859) 231-0771
Fax: (859) 255-4810
Web:
www.PyramidSociety.org
Tidbits
From “THE HOOF BEAT”, The Newsletter of FRONT RANGE EQUINE RESCUE:
“As you know, Front Range Equine Rescue played an integral part in rescuing animals during Colorado's 2002 fire season, especially during the Hayman fire. Our "Fire Evacuation for Horses" program was tested to its limit at this time. Other innovative programs received start-up funding during 2002. Front-Range's "Stop the Backyard Breeder" program and a freeze brand i.d. for the rescue horses were both approved for funding by a Texas foundation.
Front Range's educational brochure series includes our general information brochure, "Fire Evacuation for Horses," "So You Want To Buy A Horse, Did You Know?..." and "Premarin (PREgnant MARe urINe): Bad for Mares and Foals - Unnecessary for Women." In 2003, we hope to complete brochures regarding safety around horses, basic first aid, and how to find a suitable trainer.”
For more information on these and upcoming brochures, visit the Front Range Equine Rescue site at www.frontrangeequinerescue.org
It seems that everyone who has horses also has a menagerie of other critters as well. That is why The Arabian Network Newsletter periodically promotes the welfare of not just horses, but all animals in need. With the war in Iraq, many servicemen and women had to leave their pets behind. Rather than give them up to a shelter where their beloved pet faced an uncertain future, a group has formed to offer these pets foster homes until their owners return home safely. If you would like to help, contact www.fosterfortroops.com. No mention has been made of horses needing foster care, but we’re sure there are some out there. So if you can, volunteer to be a pet foster parent for our troops.
On a internet list, the question was asked about where to find nursemares should heaven forbid, the mare is lost or otherwise cannot nurse. The answer is yes. Information can be found at
http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.asp?fid=3336&dpt=5&textfield=nursemare
By the way, The Horse www.thehorse.com is also and excellent source to find all sorts of information concerning the health and care of your horse.
United Pegasus Helping Equus Horses
United Pegasus Foundation (UPF) {a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
organization registered in the State of California} steps in to assist almost
400 horses at the Equus Horse Sanctuary located in California due to a
bankruptcy action. The horses were at risk of being disbursed through public
auctions, and therefore, in danger of entering the slaughter market....once
again.
Each of these horses had been rescued from a horrible fate and were now residing
in peaceful sanctuary for the remainder of their lives. Hopefully, never
to be placed in a life threatening situation again. Unfortunately, the
financial burden upon the
sanctuary placed them in a precarious position. Once UPF was made aware of
the situation we came forward to protect them from an uncertain destiny.
This challenge is tremendous and cannot be achieved without your urgent help.
At this point, the immediate need is funds for feed, farrier and vet care.
Farrier = $20 per horse x 370 = $7,400
Hay-Truck/trailer load = $3,500 - 6 days of feed
Senior Feed - $1,000 = 1 week of feed
Veterinary Care/Medications
We regret having to make this announcement via the internet prior to individual contact to the supporters of Equus. Unfortunately, at this time the list of supporters is unavailable to UPF. Please accept our sincere apologies. We hope you will continue to assist the horses that are now under the care & management of The United Pegasus Foundation.
Currently, placement of the horses via adoption or foster homes are not being considered. These horses are sanctuary horses that were, and will continue to be, housed in herd groups.
PLEASE, help us to help these horses with a donation of any
amount today!
This is a matter of extreme urgency and needs your caring support. The focus
right now, today, is to make sure the horses are fed and cared for! Again, we
must stress the urgency of this situation. This is a huge undertaking! UPF has
come forth to assist in this matter and is in dire need of contributions.
| Please make donations
to: United Pegasus Foundation. 120 S. First Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006 EIN #: 95-4497611 |
Credit Card donations are accepted via phone at: (626)
279-1306
In the memo section of your check please indicate your donation is
"FOR EQUUS SANCTUARY HORSES"
Sincerely,
Helen Meredith, President
PREMARIN = PREGNANT MARE'S URINE
Note from editor: Since we first posted this article, Premarin has been shown to not live up to expectations although it is still on the market. Now, farms are selling off mares and this is a new problem. Please help those organizations trying to help keep these horses from slaughter.
From The United Pegasus Foundation:
There are approximately 450 premarin farms in Canada and 50 farms in the U.S.A. with an estimated 60,000 mares in urine collection barns. Seventy percent (70%) of the foals from these mares are destined to slaughter every year.
Tell your doctor about the facts on Premarin! Educate your friends and other about Premarin:
This is what you can do to help - ask your doctor to prescribe one of the following alternatives to Premarin:
CENESTIN by Duramed, soy and yam ORTHO-EST by Ortho-Mcneil, totally synthetic, from yams.
CLIMARA by Berlex, beets and yams PROVERA by Upjohn, soy
ESTRACE by Mead/Johnson, yams and soybeans ESTINYL by Sherine, totally synthetic
ESTRATAB by Solvay, soy ESTRADREM by Ciba, sweet potato
OGEN by Unjohn, vegatable sources
If you would like to send a donation to our RESCUE-A-FOAL-FUND, please mail checks to:
The United Pegasus Foundation
120 S. First Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006
Donations are tax deductible. For more information call 626-279-1306 or visit www.unitedpegasus.com
Editor's Note: UPF has a few Arabian and Arabian crosses for adoption. Their ranches are located in Tehachapi and Hemet, California
FRAN JOSWICK THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER IN NEED OF SPONSORS
Did you know that the Fran Joswick Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA has two Arabians taking care of riders with disabilities? They are Otay, a 27 year old Arabian cross pony who was the only horse that was purchased for the Center. The rest have all been donated. She came in 1993 and has been in the program longer than any other current equine staff member. Abraham is a 22-year-old gray Arabian that was bred and once owned by Wayne Newton.
From the Winner's Circle, the Center's newsletter:
''Without our very special equine therapists, the remarkable accomplishments of our riders would not be possible. But, did you know that it costs over $2,100 a year to keep each of the Center's 25 therapy horses happy and healthy? If you or your organization are interested in becoming a sponsor of one of our special horses, please call 949-240-8441 ext. 111 or FJTRC@aol.com for more information."
FRONT RANGE EQUINE RESCUE HAS SLAUGHTER BOUND HORSES FOR ADOPTION
From the Hoof Beat, the newsletter for Front Range Equine Rescue in Colorado:
"Front Range Equine Rescue often saves horses from local livestock auctions. We have outbid killer buyers on numerous occasions. This has prevented horses from going on the grueling journey to a slaughterhouse which could be several days away from the auction house."
Front Range has horses for adoption and also needs contributions which are tax deductible. Donors of $25 or more receive the quarterly newsletter, The Hoof Beat. Please make checks or money orders payable to Front Range Equine Rescue and mail to: P.O. Box 38068, Colorado Springs, CO 80937-8068. Phone: 719-495-6389
HOOVED ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY REHABILITATES SEIZED HORSES
From the Hooved Animal Humane Society Newsletter in Woodstock,Illinois:
"In the past year we have struggled to rehabilitate 11 horses HAHS impounded from DeKalb County, Illinois, in September of 2000. These animals were in a sorry state of malnutrition and neglect.
Since the horses suffered mental abuse as well as physical abuse, first we had to earn their trust before we could provide desperately needed veterinary, dental and hoof care. It has taken several horses almost an entire year to seek our companionship. Most of the 'DeKalb' 11 have already found loving, compassionate homes."
Special needs horses are available for adoption to qualified homes. Visit the HAHS website for preliminary adoption criteria and application or contact the HAHS office at 815-337-5563 for more information.
EQUUSWORLD NATIONAL RESCUE ORGANIZATION
The Equusworld National Rescue Association is a non-profit organization designed to unite Equine Rescue operations across the country into a community with a common goal of working together to make the impossible possible: saving these beautiful animals. For more information go to Equusworld.net and click on Rescue Organizations.
"HORSE TALES FOR THE SOUL, Volume II"
Subject:
[AHRN] Dear AHRN Friends..............
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 12:19:22 -0000
From: mamaizie@aol.com
Reply-To: AHRN-owner@yahoogroups.com
To: AHRN@yahoogroups.com
Hello old friends!
I just wanted to let you know that a new book was released last week, "HORSE TALES FOR THE SOUL, Volume II", included in the chapter, A LOVE SO
STRONG, is the story of my beloved Arthur, and our photo is on the back cover.
Anyone interested in getting a copy can do so at the following website: http://www.thecompletepet.com
Enjoy!
Roseann Nemes
From the Texas Cattle Raisers Website:
"With the demand for beef decimated by BSE and meat banned from all cattle, sheep, pigs and goats in Great Britain because of foot-and-mouth disease, there is a growing demand among European consumers for horse meat. Agriculture Canada recently reported that Canada is exporting 160 tons of horse meat a week to France and Germany. Orders are also being received from Belgium, Italy and Japan. "U.S. horse owners need to take extra precautions" warns Jody Henderson, manager of TSCRA's Horse Identification Program (HIP). "Horses will be bringing high dollars. That makes them mighty attractive to thieves, who'll try to get them to slaughter plants in Canada and Mexico".
He said HIP has established contacts with those plants for quick response when horses are reported missing. "Protect your horses by enrolling them in the HIP database now," Henderson urged. For more information, call Henderson toll-free at 1-866-646-8520 or access TSCRA's web site at http://www.texascattleraisers.org/
Protect your Horse from Being Lost or Stolen (reprinted with permission from the Human Society of the United States)
Horse theft is not just a legend of the Wild West. Every day, horses are reported missing or stolen—an estimated 40,000 annually in the United States. Horses can also disappear following natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, and floods. Once lost, horses are very difficult to recover; many are quickly sold at auctions to slaughterhouses. To keep your horse safe, follow these tips.
 |
Keep proof-of-ownership documents in a secure place. Photos, registration papers, and health records will help identify your horse and prove ownership in the event your horse is missing. The photographs should be clear and current and show your horse from all four sides to highlight his identifying marks. |
| Have your horse permanently identified. You can have your horse permanently identified by microchip or freeze brand. If you have your horse microchipped, be sure to register the microchip with a national registry. |
| Don't leave a halter on your horse. Halters make it easier for thieves to catch horses. This is a safety issue, too: A halter might get caught on something and cause your horse to be trapped. Also, do not leave halters hanging near gates where thieves might enter. |
| Lock gates and barn doors. Locked gates and barn doors often will deter a thief, but be certain that they do not create a fire hazard. |
| Erect sturdy fencing around your property. Wire fencing is easily cut by thieves. |
| Restrict access to your property. To prevent easy access to your horse by unauthorized vehicles, block farm lanes and driveways that are in remote areas or far away from your residence. |
| When possible, move your horse to an area where she can be seen from your residence or the roadway. This is particularly important at night, when theft is most likely to occur. |
| Install motion-activated lights to illuminate the areas where you keep your horse at night. Mount the lights on barn buildings or fences so they will turn on if anyone approaches the barn or field. |
| Consider purchasing monitors or alarms. Video monitors and alarm systems can be wired to your residence. |
| Inform your local animal control agency and police department of any suspicious activities. Be sure to write down a description of the people and vehicles involved, including the vehicle license plate number. Encourage your neighbors to watch for suspicious activity, too. |
| Immediately report a horse theft or disappearance to the appropriate law enforcement agency in your area. Also, provide a written description and photographs of your horse to livestock auctions in your area and in surrounding states. Post flyers offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of your horse. Contact local media with your story. |
Finally, consider visiting horse slaughterhouses in your state and in neighboring states; there have been several cases of horses being recovered at these facilities when owners have acted quickly. The Humane Society of the United States can provide you with a list of horse slaughterhouses in the United States.
Copyright © 2000 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.
From Vetinfo.com, News Release 1/20/2001
HSUS and FEMA Sign Historic Agreement
What Does It Mean for Pets?
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have signed an historic agreement through FEMA's Project Impact to assist communities and individuals to include animals in their disaster and evacuation plans. This initiative will include cats, dogs, and other companion animals as well as horses and livestock.
While animals have held a place in disaster planning for several years, the recent FEMA/HSUS partnership will bring critical national attention to the importance of protecting pets during times of natural and man-made disasters. More than 60% of America's households include pets: a fact which underscores the need for advanced disaster-related planning. HSUS will continue to work in cooperation with FEMA and other organizations to promote the incorporation of pets into individual and community disaster planning initiatives.
Through their experience across the country, HSUS Disaster Teams have found that strengthening the local response through emergency planning and education is the best way to meet a community's needs during times of disaster. HSUS will develop educational and partnership programs to encourage local disaster preparedness and include the well-being of pets within the community in disaster plans.
"The primary reason people choose not to evacuate their homes when asked to do so by emergency management is because they feel they cannot take their pets," stated Melissa Seide Rubin, HSUS Director of Disaster and Field Services. "With this initiative, we will work with emergency management agencies to create disaster plans that will include pets and assist in developing guidelines for evacuation, options for animal sheltering, and expanding our teams of volunteers to assist in disaster response across the country."
In addition to working with emergency management agencies on local disaster preparedness plans, HSUS is expanding animal disaster education programs for volunteers and emergency management personnel. HSUS is in the process of developing courses to train individuals and community groups in areas such as animal search and rescue, emergency animal sheltering, swift-water rescue, first aid, and animal handling skills.
To strengthen the network of disaster resources within a community, HSUS will promote liaisons between community organizations, veterinary staff, pet owners, and emergency management agencies to provide crucial elements of disaster preparedness such as safe areas to shelter pets and identifying sources of animal rescue equipment and personnel trained in animal rescue in the case of a potential disaster. HSUS will work with pet and animal publications and associations to educate pet owners about the elements and the importance of disaster planning and preparedness for their animals.
"It is important for people to understand that disasters occur more frequently than just hurricanes and earthquakes. Disasters can strike in the form of hazardous materials spills, train derailments, and house fires. Pet owners need to be prepared," explained Rubin. "It is our goal to provide outlets for the pet-owning public to access useful emergency planning
information and partnership links so they can be better prepared to provide proper care for their pets in disaster situations."
Lisa Munniksma at The Trueman Communications Group