National Horse Protection Day

National Horse Protection Day is celebrated on March 1 every year. National Horse Protection Day was created to help abused, slaughtered and homeless horses worldwide. Horses have helped humans in many ways, they carry us and our luggage on their backs and go long distances, but unfortunately today a lot of cruelty happens to important animals. This day was created to solve these problems and protect the horses from atrocities that befell them.

History of National Horse Protection Day

For many centuries, horses have been a means of transporting us on our backs, pulled our carriages, fought in our wars, and tilled our fields and traveled miles and miles across our countries. They have been an important part of human civilization for over 5,000 years and are of cultural significance all over the world. In America, for example, the horse has legendary status as a symbol of the American spirit, a symbol of freedom in the West.

Although the advent of the automobile and many other technological advances have meant that these creatures are no longer often required on the road or at work, today horses are still a steadfast companion to animal lovers as well as equestrian fans. In addition to being great pets, they are also a beloved therapy animal, often assisting people with disabilities, assisting with important jobs such as police and ranching and have become an important part of our community.

However, despite the great loyalty and dedication of horses, they are frequently mistreated, exploited and abandoned.

National Horse Protection Day was first celebrated in 2005 when it was founded by pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist Colleen Paige. Raised around horses, Paige created the day to make others aware of the plight of unwanted and abandoned horses, which end up being slaughtered or served as food and those that end up being slaughtered and exploited. This day is intended to encourage the rescue, rehabilitation and molting of horses.

Although National Horse Protection Day first celebrated in the US, it has since spread and is celebrated in many other places - a testament to how taken seriously these animals are.

Why National Horse Protection Day?

National Horse Protection Day is recognized as an effort to promote awareness about the abuse and neglect of horses. Horses have appeared since time immemorial. They helped us in many ways, like drawing cars, carrying goods, etc.

Horses are considered as important and valuable animals for humans. Before the cycle, bicycles, cars, buses and trains, horses or chariots were the main sources of human transportation. There was a time, until the invention and popularization of motor vehicles, when every household owned a horse for transportation purposes. They can be purchased very easily and are readily available for use.

Horses not only carry people but also goods and agricultural products. Farmers use horses to carry produce to markets or buyers. Horses also carry luggage for travelers when moving cities or even countries. They are used on farms to manage livestock and other herd animals raised on farms. Owners of large estates and ranches have used horses for inspection as they can cover large unpaved areas without any trouble. People in many parts of the United States still use horses for farm purposes.

Horses are also entered into racing competitions, where they earn their owners lots of money and prizes. Horse racing became a popular form of entertainment from the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also many sporting activities such as polo, rodeo, dressage, vault, and more. Even today, equestrian sports are part of our entertainment and are incorporated into the Olympic Sports.

It is clear that horses have always been and still are an important part of our lives. However, humans often treat them without love, care, and respect that they deserve. They are often abandoned, starved and abused by their owners everywhere. Horses need plenty of space to lead a healthy life. However, many owners force these poor animals into small and tight spaces, which are overcrowded and not well maintained. This makes the horse sick and unhealthy. Sometimes when horses are old or too expensive to maintain, their owners sell them to slaughterhouses for meat. The purpose of National Horse Protection Day is to improve and raise human’s awareness about this lovely animal, and then treat them with higher respect.

Why do horses need our protection?

There are many reasons why horses around the world need our protection.

Because of the resources and costs required to care for them, horses are particularly at risk of poor quality of life, abandonment and neglect, even by well-intentioned but ignorant owners enough or simply falling on hard times. However, there are also many horse breeders and traders who are not concerned with the welfare of animals but are interested in making a profit. This can lead to large numbers of horses living in poor conditions and even being mistreated.

Although horse meat is consumed in many parts of the world and is generally considered a delicacy, there are also many who oppose the use of horses as a food source. Slaughtered horses usually come from auctions, but sometimes they are abandoned pets, retired working animals, purchased from private sellers or captured from wild herds.

With the horse seen as a symbol of America, the United States is particularly averse to horse meat - the sale or eating of horse meat in some states such as California is illegal and there is a movement to make this happen.

While sport can be a great way for people and horses to bond, horse health isn't always as prioritized as it should be. In sport, horses can sometimes be overworked, even mistreated and injured, sometimes even fatal, in the pursuit of glory.

And even wild horses (called mustangs in the US) need our protection. Finding a humane solution to America's overpopulation problem is a real challenge - while many consider the capture of wild horses cruel, with a few being bred but most living they spend the rest of their lives holding a pen, if their numbers are not handled properly this can lead to drought and starvation for thousands of people. Therefore, humane management is the key to their development.

How to celebrate National Horse Protection Day

National Horse Protection Day is a day to be mindful of the trials and tribulations of horses without homes, companions, and love. Horse lovers often say that these creatures are as much as our four-legged friends as dogs and cats - and if you've ever been lucky enough to know these gentle and timid animals, you'll love them and know this is true.

There are many ways you can observe National Horse Protection Day. Of course, not everyone has the space to house a horse and keep one to take care of, but if you live near a stable, helping out with the horses or dropping food and bedding will definitely help appreciated.

Perhaps you can think of supporting a horse through a charity or making a donation to your local horse sanctuary. By supporting such organizations, you will contribute to the full spectrum of activities that improve the lives of horses everywhere, from repair and rehabilitation to owner education and support owners and breeders. And if you spot a horse that appears to be abandoned or neglected, don't be afraid to call an animal welfare charity or horse sanctuary for help.

If you're particularly passionate, you could even get involved in lobbying efforts to improve animal rights legislation, pet protection, and responsible farming.

National Horse Protection Day is also a great opportunity to see and get knowledge about these animals. Why not take a trail ride or join a horse-related sport like polo or showjumping? You can also venture into the great outdoors to places where free-roaming wild horses can be found! However you decide to celebrate, be sure to spread the word on social media and remember to learn more about this important celebration by visiting the National Horse Protection Day website.