The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.

cough. cough.

Enough said. (well for the moment.)

Cheers Bitches. 

Moving Forward in Reverse

Since life has kept some of us very busy.  

Another update of the truck is coming sage is due.

We can't forget about the men that make these contemptible programs happen.  So, let me be the first to tip my hat to all of you.

We shall revisit the Moore Fleet seen here in this  blog  The Truck is Coming.  Now, if you would like to know more about just how that truck comes along, feel free to read up here The Ethics of Equine Rescue.

It appears as if Mr. Moore only has a intrastate CDL, meaning there is no traveling outside of the state of PA.

So, for those of you that have seen Mr.Moore's rigs at Unidallia, and other out of state auctions.  Snap a pic, because  the DOT would love to see it.  (they even have fax available.).

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/contact/who-to-contact/contactus.htm

I would also like to add, it does not matter who he puts behind the wheel. 

And since we all know that despite what goes on in the public eye, there is also the seedy underbelly, people at the sales barn should be aware that paying Phil Shirk to haul for you is bad news.  Seems as Phil has failed to stay in good standing with the U.S. DOT.  

Seems after a nice conversation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration they were a tad considered that he was still operating.  

Feel free to hit the link above if you catch him hauling loads, DOT would love to hear from you. 

You can also voice your concerns here in the local field offices. (and note fax is also available to share those lovely pictures.)

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/contact/offices/displayfieldroster.aspx#PA

Maybe it's time for those that fortunate sides with on a dare changes.

Beware of a friend that was once your foe.

I really wanted to write about some concerning issues with the Centre Hall Auction, and the large Memorial Day New Holland sale, and of course, the hustlers of the horse world, and the corrupt individuals allowing them to carry on.  However, we all need to enjoy a laugh now and again.

Someone sent this lovely screen shot to me, and I had to indulge and share.  

Birds of a feather flock together?

Let me say that I admire this Jules woman, she's a no holds bar, tell it how it is, was, and should be type.  Jules, I raise my ice cold pint to you, and say Cheers my dear, keep giving them hell!

As with all things in the truck is coming saga, frienenemies are second to none, and this is simply case in point.  It wasn't too long ago these two chicanery horse dealers were anything but friendly with one another.  

I leave you with this to digest "your friend lends and your enemy ask for payment."

Oh, one last introspection for those that I am sure will be vehement over this entry.  

Tick, toc, tick, toc.  After all that was no social call.

Cheers!

Only a fool tests the water with both feet.

Despite the FBI visiting one such fool, there are still a large quantity of dullards out there willing to take the leap off the edge, and dive right into the cesspool we refer to as broker programs.  It seems the kool aid must be heavily spiked, tainted with the infamous saying coined by the Shit Shack "it's all about the horses."

Mr.Rotz recently suffered a minor blow to business by losing not only his truck and trailer but 30 head of horses all destined up I-81 to their death.  You can read more here at this link about the  truck fire.  While in this article Bruce said they would not be commenting to media, he was quoted in a previous article as saying "if it burned it burned".  This is definitely a guy I would be tossing my dollars at.  Graciously supporting, and selling horses for him, oh I mean saving for.  

In true typical fashion after suffering a slight finical loss, after all not only will he collect a check from the insurance company for the truck and trailer, since it was not salvageable, he will also collect based on the goods in the trailer, live stock or not, they were considered goods, and well when the check is cut, it will also include the loss of goods.  So, not only is good ole' Rotz cleaning up from that, he has not one, but once again two different groups selling for him again.  

One of the groups is proclaiming that the load they are selling was destined to be on that very truck.  They also proclaim that good Ole' Brucey is back to shipping six loads a week, now while on many occasions he has shipped up to five loads a week, so maybe six isn't so far fetched.  However, if  Rotz is back to scoop and ship, why would he be sitting on these horses?  Didn't they come with their "walking papers" Bruce?  Oh or was that the coggins you tossed on them when you purchased them with the intentions of resale? Getting back on point now, if Bruce was going to ship them, they would be long gone, end of story, the only extension Bruce gives is his disgusting wings he likes to eat while at New Holland. 

Everyone wants to fall back on that darn tag again, that green tag.  Sigh.  The tag means nothing.  It means either the horse was not fit for shipping, which in a few pictures I can see that they were not, or it simply means that they were put on the shipping log to cross state lines without a coggins, of course we know that he should be notifying the auction that the intentions have changed, but that is unlikely.  Way to go PA Dept. of Ag. enforce those rules with a limp hand!

If it is the one thing I can say is, well Bruce does have a dealers license, at least a legit one at that, why he isn't charging tax, only he can answer that, maybe his son or someone to the liking will gladly answer that for me.  I am doubtful as we know the level of grammatical indulgence is lower than most standards in the world of flip'em or ship'em. So, there may have to be some deciphering of the sentence.  (I did see the comment made.  "steeling" with all the money these broker programs are bringing in, I would say quite positively that you should be able to afford a dictionary, I don't think it would cut in to the vast amounts of money you spend on fast food.  And why yes, I am over here with a big smile on my face while typing that.)  What can I say I enjoy taking my pot shots at Bruce and Co.

Since he has a new group of women selling his stock for him, I would like to note that they have declared there is no dead line, but borrowed time.  That sentence alone speaks volumes.  They also say this load was left standing and spared from the fire.  That is a great marketing ploy.  A page truly taken right out of the How to Sell Horses for Ignoble Dealers (coming soon to shelves near you, that is if the Shit Shack doesn't copyright it first.).

Cheers.

Knock..knock...who's there?????

                   Well, it finally seems as if that elusive truck has arrived, made a stop, and even picked up some goods along the way.  Sadly, it's not the truck we are so use to hearing about.  Instead it was a convoy of vehicles  from none other than the F.B.I.    Where did they stop?  They stopped right at Christy Sheidy's house, I wonder if she had a "oh shit" moment, when she realized that all the time she shouted the truck was coming, she had the make and model number wrong.  

           I remember once her proclaiming that they were NOT under investigation, hmmmm, well I can assure you that when the F.B.I stops at your home, it's not for tea and crumpets.  I can also say, that when they leave carrying boxes of items, computers, and cell phones,  it is because well you have clearly been under investigation, after all warrants  don't lie, and judge's don't sign off on just a whim.  Unless they were there helping you with your organizational skills, which I wasn't aware that the F.B.I. provided those services.  I will keep that in mind. 

           "Tap. Tap. Tap." Remember that one?  I sure do, I wonder if you regret tapping that foot of yours.  I guess now, it should be tick, tock, tick, tock.  Huh?

            I would like to dully note some rebuttal from the Sheidy Hen House, so let's clear the air right here.  

            "when horses get transported across State lines, yeah it can become a federal investigation"  Well geniuses, in that case I would say that ninety percent of Equestrian Community is then guilty and should be under Federal Investigation.   Oh and yes, it's nothing more than a paragraph from some reporter trying to make news, never mind the pictures of Federal Investigators carrying out boxes of items from that place that rivals a county tip.    For those seeking to read that meaningless paragraph, you know the one where the reporter is just grasping for a bit of fame, here you go FBI Raid.

                Smoke'em while you can, because most penitentiaries are now Non-Smoking facilities.  

                                    

           

Ingorance is Bliss

         There's always a hook, line, and sinker when it comes to the horse flipping business.  Call it tools of the trade, tricks of the trade, the scum on the bottom of a s cesspool, or just smart business decisions.  It really doesn't matter to me which label you use, pick one, pick two, but at the end of the day, there is a sucker to be had.  

Here are some helpful hints to allow you to avoid being one of those suckers.

1. If you are using pay pal, don't be cheap, pay the extra 3% in fees when paying for a horse, after all, you are already paying a absurd amount of money for horse that you know nothing about, what's a extra three percent, besides, when they ship the wrong horse to you, or scam you out of money, you will have buyer protection.  Don't be silly and send it as a gift, do that, and it's as good as gone if you get screwed.  

2.  Don't believe the sales recommendation, trust me, just don't do it.  Pay attention to the rider's body language, and the horse, you would be amazed at what a good eye can catch.

3.  Don't buy the hype, these are resale horses, don't let someone tell you different, after all once the shipping manifest is written, and the tags are on, there is no going back, that is the holy grail of the industry, unless the vet won't write off on a horse, it happens.  But, hey it's your money, not mine.  

4.  Just don't buy from the broker programs...simple.  Don't do it. Stop falling for the pleas, and heart tugs, and the crappy pictures.  Remember, there is a whole load of horses that you aren't seeing, and buying one of those horses, will condemn more.  

5.  go to the auction yourself, save your money, and go, there is more auctions in the world than just New Holland, trust me, and they are just as crappy as New Holland.

6.   STOP BUYING FROM THE BROKER PROGRAMS!  wait..did I say that already.  Yes, I did, but it needs to be said again..think I am wrong about them, go ahead, google is your friend.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

7.  Read the fine print people, look at these bullshit contracts these people are asking you to sign, which mind you have absolutely no ground to stand on, when it's said and done.  Better yet, they all seem to be from the same person, only the name has changed.   And ask yourself this, why are you signing a contract for a horse, that is technically not even threw their rescue.  They are just simply brokering a deal for the horse, they hold no possession of the horse.  


     While I am sure I could think of a million more things to write.  Here is your daily affirmation.  

They Don't Come Cheap

   Since the other morning's rant about AC$H, and the standardbred world.  I have been inspired to touch on a subject.  One that I do see a lot of.  Chip In for the purchase of a horse.  I see these pop up a lot, not with one particular group or another, but many groups. Fund raising for trailing expenses, the purchase price, etc.    

                Think about it this way.  If you cannot afford the rock bottom price of $500.00 dollars, which is a very reasonable price, dare I even say low price (if being sold privately, which, I guess well these are sales we are referring too.) of said horse that you want to save.  How do you intend to provide long term care, or even acute care, teeth floating can run between $80.00 in the upwards of $200.oo, not including the fact that you may have more dental problems that require repeat treatment.  Farrier services can vary also starting at $30.00 for a trim, and up depending on corrective shoeing, again we go back to a possibility that getting the hooves back to good shape can require more than one visit.   Vet services, most of the time we do a farm call, 50 to 65 dollars right there, shots 100 plus sometimes, sound checks, bute, antibiotics, holy sh*t right there could add up to 200 dollars or more.  So, there it is, and that doesn't include boarding fees (if that is the route you have to use), hay (and we all know there are many places suffering from extremely high hay cost), grain (and that can get higher if the horse requires a specialty grain), bedding, straw or shavings.  Water buckets, feed buckets, halters, leads, bridles, bits, saddles, saddle pads, riser pads if you need them, new brushes, shampoo, show sheen, detangler, treats, etc.  Are you picking up what everyone is laying down??  All of these things add up.  
                           Naturally some of you will say, but I have a saddle already, and pads, brushes, show sheen, bridles, bits etc.  But, the starting up cost of getting one of these horses that you don't know from Adam, will most likely come out to the purchase price, that person X is fund raising for, so if you cannot afford that measly 500, how in the world are you going to be able to pay for a animal that could potential cost you thousands, and to be fair I haven't added in the training fees if you end up with a behavioral challenged horse.  Food for thought on that one my friends.

                     These are the chances one takes when buying blindly.  When you get the chance to go to the sales, you have a chance to see the horse move, even if it is a flurry of 20 seconds of some jackass cantering the crap out of the horse in the ring. (Something else we shall touch on in another blog, a subject that holds a special place in my heart.)  And you can check the teeth, look at the hooves, look for any open wounds, signs of cushings (have seen a lot of them popping up), signs of strangles or other various illnesses, or even signs of the horses being drugged, yes it happens more than one thinks.  And then you will see just how high the mark up is on these horses when going threw programs.  I know many live a in fairy tale world of bliss, but that is one of the ugly truths of horse dealing, in fact the ugly truths of horse dealing, I could write a novel, or hell maybe a manual.  

                            If you want a free horse, go to the track, take a look around and speak with the racing barns, owners, trainers.  Often times you will land a horse with minimal issues (if any at all) UTD on shots, coggins, and a health certificate, trimmed up, and a known history, that is the way to go.  Do not get me wrong, I am sure there are some shady people in the racing world, in fact I know there.  But, there are people that are honest individuals and would like to do right by their horses.  Sure on some of these occasions, you will have to retrain the horse, call in a professional etc.  But, the start up cost is minimal.  Leaving you with that extra dollars for other things.  You have a horse that has been exposed to heavy equipment, hoards of people coming in and out, handled from the ground up and down, will stall with no issues, pick up feet, etc.   Who in the world doesn't want a horse like that?  (*disclaimer I am no means saying that this way is all rainbows and unicorns, but seems like a good option*)  You want that feel good moment of saving a horse, by going this route you have done so.  You prevented a horse from going to one of the many hell holes we call auctions, becoming transportation that will eventually be discarded, and even ended up on the back of a truck and on it's way to Canada or Mexico, and landing in a so called Broker Program.  At what cost to you as the "rescuer" pennies on the dollars compared to some of the train wrecks I have seen people buy blindly.   

                   Going threw the track(s) or vocation programs eliminates a lot of the price, and the fact is that you are saving two lives, not condemn two, three, hell four more.  You adopt a horse from a vocation program, or retirement fund, you have just opened up space for another horse to come threw.   Just food for thought again.

        Feel free to check out some of these available horses threw various retraining programs.  These are just two of many listings, however there is no shortage of better oppurtunties out there to adopt a horse in need, and in the process prevent another from ending up in a bad situation.  

New Vocations
The Canter Program (nationwide listings)

Common Sense?

The mishaps of life, and who you are involved with, will eventually catch up with you.  Being a shady horse dealer, is like being a fast chick with a reputation.  Word gets around, not only are you considered easy, but sleazy.  


                      Of course most of you reading this, some are very familiar with the AC$H scamming.  The truck is coming, the truck is coming, we must save them.  In short, here is the run down.  They are a registered 501c3, non profit who "rescue, rehab, and adopt" (for reference please read the following Rip Off Report,  there is of course more than one compliant out there.  But, as rule of thumb in life, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.  So, ladies and gentleman I present to you a copy cat verision Rip Off Report #2).  Now, while copy cat is not 501c3, this lovely woman has a pending 501c3 rescue because she is just such a wonderful caring individual, who is not in it for the money (excuse me while I gag) Sundew Saves.  We will catch up with them in a minute.  For the moment, I want to clear up how the broker programs work.  

                                             Broker programs are a host of horse dealers, errrr, I mean rescue efforts designed to give slaughter bound horses a second chance at life.  Sounds like a absolutely lovely, and heart felt thing to do.  The dedication and the work, the time, and effort of dealing with this cold hearted men who send horses off to Canada and to Mexico.  So, what's in it for them?  Well it's saving the horses, the love of equines, knowing that they have defied the odds and put these animals into forever homes.  And let me say this, if you buy that load of bull I just wrote, you may want to rethink where your money goes.  

               These people are not doing this for free, between 25 dollar donation fees, over priced coggins, and health certificates (which some cannot even get right), and not to mention the inflated prices. They are getting their cut..dare I say look at the 990 forms that are filed for non profits, the proof is in the pudding right there.  Non Profits often do have paid employees, and expenses, but sometimes it makes one wonder how after seven hundred thousand dollars, there are little to no expenses paid out.  Good job IRS, for keeping a eye on these things, but that is getting a touch off subject.

                     How broker programs work, or should I just be blunt and say horse flipping.  Ok, it's a fairly simple equation.  Person X (and or group) find a in with a kill buyer, or a ex kill buyer who no longer holds a contract, or a individual or group of individuals that supply the kill buyer, and they simply cross post, or take pretty pictures (honestly if you are reading this, you could of found someone with much better photography skills to do the pictures, nothing like over exposed, blurry pics, etc.)  and say that the dealer or kill buyer has set the price.  Now, while this is true, they will often tag on a extra hundred or so dollars to the the original price paid for the horse, you must account for the troubles that Person X has gone threw, price of gas, time of those fantastic photography skills, the poor quality of video show casing what a wonderful moving horse it is, and how quiet said horse is, and of course their description of the horse, and the identifying the breed of the horse, and even the sex (if you are lucky and they can tell the difference between a mare, a gelding, and a stud, but don't hold your breath on that one).   And naturally what the sales recommendation was (now keep in mind this is a subject we will touch on later, because that my friends is a whole another blog, hell could be a novel).   So, now after we have done all these things, we then list the horse out, most naturally on social networking websites, fastest way to get people to bail these poor souls.  Most people don't think twice about the prices, which can range between 300 up to 1200.   They donate, directly bail, based on a whim, and heart tug, and the good word of these dealers, oh I mean rescues.   The Killy Buyer collects his bottom price, what he absolutely sets a must have for the horse, and anything left over goes into the pockets of Person X, what happens to that money is beyond me, and that is like a million dollar question, sure we can all speculate, in fact dare I say let your imagination run wild on that one.  

              Now over a course of time, we have obvious persons willing to come forward and talk about the profiting side of it, and of course those are lies according to the accused.  But, what does common sense tell you?  I realize that common sense, is really not all that common, so that is a bit of stretch I suppose.  It's nice to see the horse dealing business hasn't changed in the past thirty some years, and that well if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, well hot damn it must be a duck.   

              Here is the truth that no one, or very few will say to you, and when I say you, I mean those that have had that "feel good moment" of saving one of these slaughter bound horses.  That horse, was in no danger of shipping, maybe to another auction, maybe to another dealer who likes to wheel and deal.  But, to the truck and on it's way to be dinner. No.  There are standards (yes I know, hard to believe) when taking these horses for slaughter, and rules, and regulations.  I would be lying if I said every aspect was followed, and they adhere to the standards set forth by CFIA, and the E.U.  We do know that this is a business, and well money is money, and lost money is a bummer.  From a business stand point, why chance shipping a horse that will go down on the trailer, that's a loss profit, right?  Body scores, lameness, and so forth all play parts in horses that may or may not be shipping.  But, that my friend is another blog.  In the mean time, I would like to just say this.  Yes, it feels good to say I saved that horse from going on a truck to become someone's dinner.  But, ask yourself this, because you just paid a absurd amount of money for a "broker" horse, how many other horses did you just put on that very truck?   Not just as a consumer, but also as a rescuer.  You may think that you saved one, but you just sentenced two or three, maybe even four to become dinner.  The horses that you are seeing listed, and promoted, are not fit for shipping, the horses that are fit for shipping, you will never see because they are already loaded on the trailer, or in the personal lots of these people awaiting their final destination.  Just food for thought.