'The abandoned horse' is a phrase used to describe horses that are considered no longer useful or required by their owner. Few horse owners are either dispassionate or not capable of providing care for their horses physically. But many horse owners are feeling the economic pinch. Hay and grain prices have sky rocketed over the last year. The abandoned horse is not a new crisis; but today's economy is making it a quickly growing concern in our society.

So what happens to all these neglected horses? Throughout the United States, horse rescue agencies are working hard trying to save as many of these animals as they can, and are struggling to raise funds to provide food and care for them. Although there are many horse rescue agencies, the fact is that they do not begin to meet the needs of the huge number of unwanted horses. The economy and rising costs of caring for rescued horses are causing many rescues to close their doors. As more rescues are forced to close, the number of horses in need increase rapidly. Add the 100,000 horses that will be saved from slaughter in 2008 and you have a real nightmare.

Last year over 100,000 horses from the United States were slaughtered and shipped overseas for human consumption. New statistics say that 93% of the 100,000 horses were considered healthy, but were still slaughtered.

So what can you as a horse owner do to solve this disaster? If you are a horse owner, take the responsibility for your animal and do everything possibly you can to make sure that it is properly cared for. Find out how to handle and care for your horse, providing the best nutrition, health care and guidance possible. Your aim should be to have a healthy horse that will give you many years of enjoyment. Along with this you can enjoy your life with these wonderful animals.

If you do not own a horse, volunteering your time and energy to help rescues care for neglected, abused and abandoned horses in your area is always appreciated. This is one of the most priceless and valuable thing which you can do to offer a second life to unwanted horses. If you are unable to help physically then you can help rescues financially by joining horse rescue agencies.

So by joining our hands together, let us take a pledge to save these neglected horses and build an equine friendly society.