by Raymond Alexander Kukkee

Created on: August 21, 2008   Last Updated: April 19, 2010

Free Horses Run like the Wind

There are two essential species in this world, creatures that have accompanied mankind throughout the ages beneficially and without question. Horses belong in that category, as do man's best friend, the canine. To be offered an opportunity to take either a stray dog or a free horse is a gift that should be welcomed by anyone even remotely interested in the welfare of animals. The old saying "never look a gift horse in the mouth" is especially applicable in an offer of a free horse if you have any love for horses at all.

One simple caveat does apply to this question. If you are not a horse person, or have little or no experience, it is important to take the time to seek out, learn from, and respect the opinion of a person that does have substantial experience with horses and their potential difficulties. It may be irksome to do so, but the rewards in the world of horses are endless.
It also takes time and an ongoing commitment to care for a horse. Feed, necessary veterinary care and room to accommodate a horse reasonably are also required and these requirements should not be taken lightly.

In spite of potential equine health or conduct problems that may be unseen or undisclosed by a person giving away a horse, most horses are intelligent, personable characters, individuals that can be communicated with and dealt with by any person that cares for, has patience with, and understands horses. Sadly, at times, all problem horses really need is a new home and owners that actually care.

A long-time friend of mine, Harry, a gentle, kind and wise horseman, a teacher of science and a virtual guru of the horse world, once commented " If there are no horses and dogs in heaven, I don't want to go there". His fondness for horses and concern for all animals is worthy of admiration and a goal to be achieved. I have to agree with him, for both dogs and horses are special; our personal lives have been changed irrevocably for the better because of them.

Anecdotal evidence may be the ultimate persuasion in consideration of the complexities involved in handling the responsibility of taking a free horse. Offered a young Arabian filly years ago, we were struggling with life, barely equipped to handle any pets, and eternally busy, but we took her because the owner was moving and had few other choices.

The little Arabian had been too stable-confined; she had weak ankles, she was untrained, excitable, high-strung, and was definitely not a riding' horse

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