Caution: There are some phrases and graphics that may be disturbing to many horse lovers!
(These are certainly not all of them!)
These horses are abused by being used in hot weather, pulling too heavy of a load, or not being given enough food or water during work. Asphault surfaces are not natural for horses, and there are currently (to my knowledge) NO restrictions for weight on each animal! If they pull near traffic, the exhaust fumes hour after hour can cause health problems. The next time you see a carriage horse, feel between his/her front legs and see if it is hot or sweaty (maybe both) If it is, I advise you not to support this business and tell your friends the same, by not riding in the carriage. If you are the brave type who want to help these horses, ask the driver if they know their horse is very hot and needs a rest. This will probably alert other people around who may have heard you that these horses are not under fair conditions. If you would like to take action, please write to your local government and ask them to restrict laws for carriage horses so they pull a minimal amount of weight.
"Carriage Horse is Electrocuted On Street" In January 1999 in New York City, a carriage horse stepped on an electrically charged manhole cover and was shocked to death.
"Vigil Held for Horse Carriage Casualties" August 1994 in New York City, two carriage horses collapsed and died on New York City streets during the same 16 day period.
"Bolting Carriage Horses Hurt 2" August 6, 1999 in New York City
"Hansom Horse Dies on Street" August 1996, New York City
Although all of the above happened in New York City, there are many other carriage horses being used in other parts of the USA and the world.
The horse on the left was fortunate to have padding, but was blindfolded, so he can't escape from the bull!
I offer my prayer ...
Feed me, water and care for me, and when the days work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean dry bed and a stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
Always be kind to me. Talk to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill.
Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to understand you. Watch me; and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is wrong with my harness or feet.
I cannot tell you when I am thirsty so give me clean, cool water often. I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me, not when I am working, but when standing in the cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.
I try to carry you and your burdens without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes fall on the hard pavements which I have often prayed might be of such nature as to give me a safe and sure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.
And finally, O MASTER, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured or starved to death; but do thou, my MASTER, take my life in the kindest way. And your GOD will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of HIM, who was born in a stable.
AMEN
