Health is Not Just for Humans

May 30, 2012 | Leslie Kollar | Health Musings
Health is Not Just for Humans

image by: Seth Zeigler

Our animals trust us. We owe them a healthy life and protection from harm and abuse

I write this blog through tears after viewing the ABC investigative report on the training abuse inflicted on Tennessee Walking Horses. Why this abuse? Why else – for the sake of the almighty dollar.

I have had horses for over 20 years, along with other assorted cats, dogs and small farm animals. I have known the peace, the grace, the friendship, the loyalty, and most importantly the trust of not just one but several beautiful, graceful, gentle equine souls.

COME ON PEOPLE, this expose is disturbing at best, and not news at worst. For years I personally have heard of the horrible abuse suffered by Tennessee Walkers at the hands of their money hungry owners, trainers and handlers.

Abuse in the equine industry exists all around us. I have seen the most beautiful Grand Prix Jumper bleeding from an abusive ‘professional’ rider. I have seen graceful cutting horses bleeding from the mouth as a result of a heavy handed ‘professional’  trainer, and on such an occasion told to ‘mind my own business’  when I dared to question the blood.

Equally abuse exists in other aspects of the animal world where their human counterparts stand to profit from their performance – whatever the type of animal and whatever the discipline. Does that mean that all animal trainers are abusive? Certainly not – but certainly many professionals are aware of the abuses that exist in their industry. Why are we so afraid to stand up and say Stop!

I have looked into the deep, dark brown eyes of horse who trusts me, and depends on me for his clean living space, his food, his water, and in return I have been rewarded with loyalty and the joy that comes with the feeling of freedom one gets when riding through the crashing waves on a beautiful horse.

If profit is the motivator, don’t attend; if abuse occurs in your presence, speak up.  Health, a life without abuse, we expect it for ourselves, shouldn’t we dare to provide it for our animals as well? Some lines can be fine, some not so much –  you know the difference.


Leslie Kollar has over 20 years of experience in the health care field in both the U.S. and Canada. She has worked professionally in medical offices and hospital administration, using her BA in Communications/Public Relations and MBA in Marketing. She has also seen the other side of the health care coin as a 15 year cancer survivor. As a survivor she is passionate that each and every person is and should be responsible for their own health - and with this passion she hopes to inspire, inform and educate through HealthWorldNet.

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