It has been said that the equine is God’s gift to humankind. Humans certainly have found countless uses for that gift.
Workhorses have plowed fields, drawn carriages, delivered mail, transported cargo, performed tricks, graced parades, fought wars, entered competitions. An intricate horse culture has evolved throughout history so tightly woven into the social fabric that it would be difficult if not impossible to unravel. Untold numbers have been injured and killed in their service. And with the horses’ beauty and utility unparalleled in the animal kingdom, their use will never end.
Many are abused as slaves, but many are kept as pets or sources of livelihood and prosperity. Many are abandoned or sent to the slaughterhouse, but many are rescued. Many of the fallen disappear in death, but many are buried on lush horse farms. Many are forgotten, but many are remembered.
The moral question about using horses in dangerous sports is hard to answer but must be asked. Who has the answer? What if we were to ask the horses’ Creator: “What’s the right thing to do?”
Last night in a dream a voice was heard:
“Look deep in your own heart.”
