Indictments, Abuse, Neglect, Oh My.

The world of equine trade is a seedy under belly of vile individuals, who always seem to be up to their old tricks.  

Of course some individuals over at Penn National are no exception to that statement.

From a groom to a owner, and of course back to a chicanery horse dealer.  Some just never seem to lose those stripes.

I present to you the latest victim of Kristy Haugh who happens to be wadding in the cesspool.


Diamonds For Mia.

A far cry from her days on the track.

Another, Irish Wind.

How Irish Wind was sent to his new home.

Strangles, poor body condition, see the trend now?

Riddle me this.  Just how is it that Equine Harmony Unlimited is being allowed to continue to operate?

Clearly aside of the obvious anti cruelty violations.  These horses were not fit for sale.  Let's read this together, to make sure that my spectacles are not failing me.

Proof is in the pudding, now isn't it?

A esteemed owner at Penn National, racing horses that once belonged to the indicted Sam Webb, and running that travesty of a program out of his property.  Surely there is no "hidden" agenda there, right?

Money is like manure. You have to spread it around or it smells.

Money is a powerful motivator, coupled with a heart breaking cause, it can effect a host of dramatics that belong in a five part mini series on television.  

Know where your money goes, research people!!!!

 Google, IRS, State, and various other websites can often give you clues as to are you donating to a legit cause.  

The cut throat business of donations for various "rescues" can be down right vicious.  People will stop at nothing to prevent one another from getting that extra dollar.  There are many blogs out there documenting the pros and cons of broker programs, some that hide behind a 501c3, some that would like to hide behind a federal non profit status, and some that refer to themselves as a "community effort".  Well, sweetheart at the end of the day, most if not all of these types of broker programs have one thing in common, horses being the main source of income.  

Who really benefits from the cause?  

In many cases it's not the horses. Horses sent back into bad situations, no shortage of those.  Just look on Facebook.  Horses that end up having health issues so immense that often the new owner is over whelmed not just emotionally, but financially.  Horses that end up being shuffled from one broker program to another, one auction to yet another.  Yet the general public still supports these programs.  Various breed specific rescues, and well rescues in general are unwittingly at times feeding into this, the tug, the plea, and the pictures.  

Are there benefits to rescues pulling specifically from broker programs?  Absolutely, it tugs at human emotion, and compassion, it essentially creates a mass following of sheeple.  People that blindly give, give, and give.  Because humans are compassionate, we feel empathy, sympathy, and as species, we like to feel that we have been part of a greater good.

I cannot tell you how many times, I have heard this line "it's all about the horses".  But, is it?  Or is it solely about the feel good moment?  Or is about the increments of egotism that come with the praise?

But, really what it comes down to is the feel good moment.  That one moment, where a individual can say "It was me that saved the horse" or "I helped get that horse to safety."  The moment fades, and sometimes individuals are left holding the bag.  Looking at that very bag and saying "now what?"  

Those that are doing it the right way, which are very few.  Aren't saying "now what?" , they are saying "what the hell?".   While those that are struggling to find a ethical solution for unwanted horses, trying to stop them before reaching auction, you know those pesky craigslist horses that people like to save, you know to prevent them from ending up on the lots or in sale, or on a Facebook page.  The numerous owner surrenders, the ones seized from animal control.  The lack of community support they receive is astounding.  It is very disheartening.  Is it because once in true rescue there is no time limit?  No dead line?  No bail price?

Yes.

"Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."

Think about it.

"You pick your road and keep going".

On more than one occasion the travesties at New Holland have made blogs buzz, news but not note worthy to most.  And have left more than a handful of Animal and Equine Welfare activist baffled by the lack of enforcement from not one, but two separate agencies. 

In a recent article Dr. James Holt the attending veterinarian at New Holland Sales Barn, and moonlights as the  independent veterinarian that signs off on hundreds of horses death warrants for Brian Moore the notorious East Coast Kill Buyer seems to be looking for nails at low tide.

James Holt Undaunted by Threats.

The abate horse puckey that spews from this articles is immense.  

I am glad to know that Holt has his own standards that sound fantastically spoken, but reek that of week old garbage.

The truth is, I could sit here for hours on end, and rebuttal about every statement Jim made.  However, that would turn into a novel. 

 The "fit for sale" guide lines were revised, and surprise, surprise,  Dr.Holt was one of the individuals who assisted in creating a clearer image of these said guide lines.  Dr.Holt's memory must be slipping, or is it selective?

There have been numerous cases of "fake" coggins, half heaped health certificates, not to mention the number of horses that were not fit for sale being allowed to walk or hobble down the aisle way of New Holland Sales Stables.

Mondays will continue to come, and horses will continue to be unfit for sale, and Dr.Holt will continue to collect those dollars.  "Rescues" will continue to ensure there is a market for these unfit horses for sale.  In true typical fashion of the hustlers and scum, laughing the whole way to the bank.

Before I choose not to let sleeping dogs lie.  I am overly thrilled to know that LAPS is there on a weekly basis, collecting unfit horses, they must of started checking that voice mail box more then twice a day.  Bravo.

As Dr.Jim Holt so wisely stated "You pick your road and keep going."

He is right, after all Karma is two way road.

Beep. Beep.

A rule that can be bent will certainly be broken.

In true typical fashion of the hustlers, and haulers at New Holland it's hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.  It's a accumulation of hustle, lies, and being egotistical enough to admit to no wrong doing, despite the obvious atrocities that happened, and the boundless evidence that is laid out.  Of course, and if you happen to accidentally push a colleague under the bus, it's ok, all is fair in the horse trading world.  After all, the dollars aren't steady, now are they?

So, who pushed Arlow under the bus?  Google Arlow Khiel, he has a rich and colorful history in the slaughter industry, and horse trading.  It's generally his Watertown, NY pit that the rejects from Rotz and Moore's loads get dumped at, sometimes to heal up and reshipped, sometimes just to be resold to some unsuspecting fool.  We all know there is no limit of those out there.



However, it seems as if good ole' Arlow is the victim of a unsuspecting push from a colleague.

Two different agencies, with the same exact enforcement abilities, one acts, and one has this to say.

Maybe we need to school you.

After all, this horse was a clear, cut and dry example of neglect.

There was a initial report filed on this horse.  But, of course after Phil Shirk giving that proverbial push under the bus, there was never a follow up.  Must of been checking on that Oxford Barn that got in the way.  

Actions speak louder than words.

Let Them Eat Cake

Every now again a marionette is subject to having their strings snipped.  As most marionette's manipulate the strings to their puppets, there is a always a audience watching, and always that one pundit in attendance.  

I have to wonder at times the amount of schlemiels that find time to make silly facebook videos, signs, posts, babbling nothing more than shit ton of ludicrous out rage over the heated debate of Broker Programs.  Some of these very individuals should mind just what they put out there into Internet land.  I say this grace, because some do work with the public, and not to mention in the private sector where it truly is all about relationships and representation of oneself as a Representative of a company, and or a authority type of figure.  

In our world it is simplistic, black and white, backed by investigations, FOIA, and hours of dredging threw pens, lots, and even trucks.   As we prepare for the large sale at New Holland Sales Stable, I wonder just how many will truly be paying attention to the ongoings of the surroundings.  Horses tied out with no food or water, the temperature, signs of communicable illness, lameness, BCS, evidence of drugs, over crowded pens, or will they be simply busy justifying the ends to the means.  

With such tumultuous words and insults tossed around, do these people really pay attention to what is going on around them?  Or better yet who is around them?  Who is watching them?  Of course not, because "it's all about the horses".   Or should I say all about the dollars.  

As some step past the obvious violations, and ignore clear disregard for laws put forth, we shall not.  After all you have a job to do, and so do I.  It's formidable that we are on two very different sides, one driven by money, and one driven by compassion.  

After all "to greed, all nature is insufficient."

See you gentlemen Monday.  
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.  

                                    

           

The Truck is Coming!

Since the truck is coming, we thought over here in Tornado Land that some pictures that would help you in the quest to determine just what truck is right for you.  

Cheers. 

The Moore Fleet.  

The Rotz Fleet.

(just a partial side note, this is a small sampling of what is to come.  choose wisely, as we know that not all paths lead to that yellow brick road.)

Follow the Dollar Signs

 Following the dollar signs is like the yellow brick road of horse dealing.  The question is, what Wizard does it lead you to?  Rotz?  Moore?  Carper?  Andio?  

         It appears that the word has finally gotten out about the dealers in the business, I mean "rescues" a term that I loosely use for obvious reasons.  It seems some have gotten their panties in a bunch, while others sent their minions into battle in a lame effort to advocate for their horse flipping ways, or justify lining the pockets of the kill buyers.  According to them, logic is faulty, math is wrong, and others are well nothing more than horse haters that just sit behind a screen all day, and bash the do gooders of the dealing business, sorry, Horse Rescue.  I wasn't aware that the only way to call yourself a do good er was to just donate sums of money to shady rescues, and cross post horses that are at inflated prices, and get various personal messages from a certain "do gooder" stating that "slander is costly".   Of course and the other obvious messages "I save horses what do you do?!?"  While all of this brings a chuckle to me, and a head scratch, it makes me wonder if this type of knee jerk reaction is a effort to justify the means.  Seeing as a couple suffer from low self esteem, and need the constant reassurance of others that they are angels, and no one has a heart as big as theirs, and blah, blah, blah.

  Rescue is thankless, people don't say thank you, I try to remember to say thank you when assisting with various cases, and in most cases I do remember, and I always say "if no one else says thank you, let me be the first to do it".  These cases are not inflated priced, non shipping, OH MY GOD THE TRUCK IS COMING !!!!!! horses, these are bad cases from the auction, the ten dollars, the twenty dollars, the hospice, and the ones that would never be good cash cows, not broke, semi feral, aggressive types.  The type you never see end up in a broker program 90 percent of the time.  Of course some of those types do end up on the broker pages, but they are simply described as "green", needs more handling, a little nervous, you get the picture.   These are horses that end up just hanging out until rainbow bridge, they get to be pasture puffs, and while in some cases they never leave, they are fed, loved for who they are, and live in peace.  

          I have written time and time again about the flippers, shakers, movers of all things in the "truck is coming saga", I have made clear enemies, and sneaky people attempting to identify me, and those just looking for information.  One thing is clear, that despite what the do gooders, and minions think, there are a lot of people just like me, out there in the thick of it, drudging threw the pens, watching, listening, and learning.  And exposing, holding those accountable for cruelty, and neglect, being a voice for the voiceless, advocating for better enforcement, stricter laws, uncovering loop holes, and I can tell you, we don't get a thank you, and we sure as hell don't get paid to do it.  Just some food for thought, for all those pointing fingers declaring we sit behind computers all day judging.  However I would like to leave you with this until next time.....
             
   The Ethics Of Equine Rescue posted  "The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions."  Something more to think about when handing over your dollars, or advocating for those that chose to enable the industry.  

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.  

Lip Service

     If you get anything from the racing industry, chances are it's nothing more than just lip service.  Turn a blind eye, a deaf ear, and keep racking in that cash.

           Over the years there have been reported cases of abuse and neglect, dumping, slaughter, hidden ownerships, all in one industry, the racing industry.  Despite the proof set forth, and witness accounts, the Jockey Club, including the State Commissions and the tracks seem to resort to hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.  Apparently denial is not just another river in Egypt.  

         Despite the rules and regulations set forth by the tracks, there always seem to be hundreds, upon hundreds of horses slipping threw the cracks.  Public out cry, and demanding that policies be enforced seem to fall on deaf ears, or some bullshit public statement to pacify those that don't really know what is going on.  

          Here we have our latest tragedy down in Louisiana, I present to you the Ryder Ridge River Farm saga.  Look for yourself.  Lip service, not just from the track, but also from the local police.  Well, these pictures seem to paint a different story now don't they?

    Each track has their own set of policies, and regulations that need to be upheld, and those do vary from state.  But, this is unacceptable.  However this is the wonderful statement that ;
                                            Delta Downs has received a number of comments in the past several days from individuals concerned about the care of horses. We want all of our Facebook friends, and the community at large to know we are totally committed to supporting humane policies and practices regarding the treatment of horses, especially those in the care of individuals holding a license to race. We have conveyed your concerns to the State Racing Commission, and will continue to do whatever we can to support these authorities and their commitment to the responsible, effective, and humane regulation of racing in Louisiana.

           There have been numerous rumors of neglect over a period of time, and this is what they have to offer up.  I mean isn't this bad for business?  Why would you continue to let someone like this run horses at your track?  And where is the humane society in all of this?   Why did it get to this point?  How did the authorities allow it to come to this?  Apparently in a interview, the local sheriff had been monitoring the situation?  From his car, just driving by?  Or just a phone call?   Call me silly here, but I am fairly sure doing a drive by is not sufficient, or taking the word of a person is not either.  

      Of course we all know that there is two sides to every story, but I do believe in this case there is only one side, and that side is pretty damn evident.  Wouldn't you agree?

       This would of been shoved under the rug, pushed aside, and remained rumors had it not been for Remember Me.  Any assistance they have offered to help the equines has been rejected.  

              What happens now?  More horses starve death,  more shallow graves, more lip service?  Once again Equine Welfare put to the side, not just here, but everywhere.  This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Equine Welfare.