Help! Our school is planning pony rides!

[Guest guest]

Regarding pony rides, the PETA website states:

"Once they are no longer useful, these exhausted ponies, who have been dominated and deprived their entire lives, are typically sent to slaughter or abandoned."

Bonnie Knight, San Francisco

 

In a message dated 10/26/2009 9:07:10 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, skfuhs writes:

Hi everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementary school has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher's just emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, not believing in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'big money maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board (who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also been reassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would be MUCH appreciated! Thank you so much,Sarah---..................................................................................................................: BAY AREA VEGETARIANS BayAreaVeg.org : : Charter/Post Guidelines http://bayareaveg.org/charter :: Events Calendar - http://bayareaveg.org/events :: Newsletter - http://bayareaveg.org/news :: Ultimate Guide - http://bayareaveg.org/ug :: Veg Food Finder - http://bayareaveg.org/finder :: Volunteer - http://bayareaveg.org/volunteer.htm :..................................................................................................................

[Guest guest]

my comments are below in red

In a message dated 10/26/09 10:29:58 PM, Elchanan writes:

 

 

 

Hi Sarah,

 

I sympathize with your situation, and I'd like to offer another perspective.

Simply put, not everything we do with an animal constitutes exploitation of

that animal.

 

Do you have any children? Ever give them a piggyback ride, put them up on

your shoulders and carry them around, lift them up over your head and

pretend you couldn't find them, only to say "Boo!" or whatever a moment

later? Does this make you an exploited human? I think not.

 

Elchanan, The difference here is that humans have a choice and ponies do not. They are forced to do whatever the owners make them do. Horses are herd animals, who naturally associate with large numbers of other horses, graze in meadows, trot great distances, play, and court. Domestication has certainly not benefited horses, as they've long been exploited as beasts of burden and are kept constantly constrained and only allowed to move about at the will of others. Horses would be better off if we left them wild. Considering that someone is profiting from using these ponies makes me skeptical that the best interests of the ponies come first. My guess is that they probably would rather be running free than being forced to walk in a circle with various children on their back all day long after being shipped from place to place in a small confined space.

I wish I could give Sarah more advice on how to change their minds but all I can say is that maybe someone else on this list will have more info. I hope you do change their minds.

 

Warren

 

If a man, woman, or child approaches a wild horse, in the wild, in the

proper manner, after awhile that horse will approach the person, it will

allow contact, it will allow itself to be ridden. This is not exploitation,

this is a profound reflection of our own species' capacity to connect with

all life. And the fact that people are willing to pay for the honor of so

connecting does not make it exploitation.

 

Now, if we mistreat the animals, if we ride them into the ground, feed them

improperly, or the like, then it's not just exploitation but also torture.

But you've given no reason to suppose this is the case here.

 

Is the point of view I express here "right"? How should I know, it's just a

point of view. So is the point of view you seem to express.

 

My point is simply this: it's possible for us to get so wrapped up in an

absolutist mentality that we disconnect ourselves from the world, from life,

from other people and other creatures. I surely hope that is not anyone's

intent.

 

Best regards,

Elchanan

 

 

@sfba [@sfba] On Behalf Of

sarah_rwc

Monday, October 26, 2009 8:54 PM

@sfba

Help! Our school is planning pony rides!

 

Hi everyone,

 

I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementary

school has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher's

just emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already

expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, not

believing in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'big

money maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school

board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board

(who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also been

reassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but

have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would be

MUCH appreciated!

 

Thank you so much,

 

Sarah

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementary school

has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher's just

emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already expressed

my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, not believing in the

exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'big money maker' - which

I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school board, I know how much we

need the money. And lots of people on the Board (who will be voting on this)

think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also been reassured that these ponies are

well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but have my doubts of course). Any

ideas for how to dissuade the group would be MUCH appreciated!

 

Thank you so much,

 

Sarah

[Guest guest]

Hi Sarah,

 

I sympathize with your situation, and I'd like to offer another perspective.

Simply put, not everything we do with an animal constitutes exploitation of

that animal.

 

Do you have any children? Ever give them a piggyback ride, put them up on

your shoulders and carry them around, lift them up over your head and

pretend you couldn't find them, only to say " Boo! " or whatever a moment

later? Does this make you an exploited human? I think not.

 

If a man, woman, or child approaches a wild horse, in the wild, in the

proper manner, after awhile that horse will approach the person, it will

allow contact, it will allow itself to be ridden. This is not exploitation,

this is a profound reflection of our own species' capacity to connect with

all life. And the fact that people are willing to pay for the honor of so

connecting does not make it exploitation.

 

Now, if we mistreat the animals, if we ride them into the ground, feed them

improperly, or the like, then it's not just exploitation but also torture.

But you've given no reason to suppose this is the case here.

 

Is the point of view I express here " right " ? How should I know, it's just a

point of view. So is the point of view you seem to express.

 

My point is simply this: it's possible for us to get so wrapped up in an

absolutist mentality that we disconnect ourselves from the world, from life,

from other people and other creatures. I surely hope that is not anyone's

intent.

 

Best regards,

Elchanan

 

 

On Behalf Of

sarah_rwc

Monday, October 26, 2009 8:54 PM

 

Help! Our school is planning pony rides!

 

Hi everyone,

 

I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementary

school has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher's

just emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already

expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, not

believing in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'big

money maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school

board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board

(who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also been

reassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but

have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would be

MUCH appreciated!

 

Thank you so much,

 

Sarah

[Guest guest]

While I agree with you that all use of animals is not exploitation (and vegans are way more prone to absurd overreaction than average people are), in my experience "pony rides" often do constitute inhumane treatment of the animals involved.As a case in point, my wife and I recently happened upon some kind of open air food event in Redwood City (I think it was a "salsa festival" or something like that). A couple of streets downtown were blocked off and there were tents set up with stuff for sale and a lot of unhealthy food. In one little dead-end street near a parking garage they had a "petting zoo" and pony rides. On the street they had set up a couple of fences. In one they had spread some hay and had a few goats and other similar animals.Inside the other fence, they had four or five small horses strapped to long metal poles arranged around a center spindle. It was a very sunny day and quite hot. The ponies were standing in the sun on the asphalt until someone paid the fee and then they walked around in a small circle (being forced along by the poles) while being ridden by a child.We first passed by on our way to lunch. After lunch at a nearby restaurant we walked around the festival and checked out some local shops. When we walked back by, it had been at least three hours and they were still standing there on the asphalt in the sun. I guess they were out there all day with no rest and no shade being forced to walk in a circle on asphalt and I assume they were at least given water, but I didn't see it.In my opinion, those horses were being mistreated. It would be silly to argue that the ponies volunteered for such a fate in the same way one volunteers to give a piggy-back ride to a child.wpOn Oct 26, 2009, at 9:14 PM, Elchanan wrote:

 

 

Hi Sarah,

 

I sympathize with your situation, and I'd like to offer another perspective.

Simply put, not everything we do with an animal constitutes exploitation of

that animal.

 

Do you have any children? Ever give them a piggyback ride, put them up on

your shoulders and carry them around, lift them up over your head and

pretend you couldn't find them, only to say "Boo!" or whatever a moment

later? Does this make you an exploited human? I think not.

 

If a man, woman, or child approaches a wild horse, in the wild, in the

proper manner, after awhile that horse will approach the person, it will

allow contact, it will allow itself to be ridden. This is not exploitation,

this is a profound reflection of our own species' capacity to connect with

all life. And the fact that people are willing to pay for the honor of so

connecting does not make it exploitation.

 

Now, if we mistreat the animals, if we ride them into the ground, feed them

improperly, or the like, then it's not just exploitation but also torture.

But you've given no reason to suppose this is the case here.

 

Is the point of view I express here "right"? How should I know, it's just a

point of view. So is the point of view you seem to express.

 

My point is simply this: it's possible for us to get so wrapped up in an

absolutist mentality that we disconnect ourselves from the world, from life,

from other people and other creatures. I surely hope that is not anyone's

intent.

 

Best regards,

Elchanan

 

 

On Behalf Of

sarah_rwc

Monday, October 26, 2009 8:54 PM

 

Help! Our school is planning pony rides!

 

Hi everyone,

 

I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementary

school has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher's

just emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already

expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, not

believing in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'big

money maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school

board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board

(who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also been

reassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but

have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would be

MUCH appreciated!

 

Thank you so much,

 

Sarah

[Guest guest]

On the other hand: exposure to non-domestic pets, like ponies,

cows, pigs, goats, etc. is a valuable learning lesson for

young kids. Once you've petted a little billy goat, or a

cute calf, it's harder to look at meat the same way.

 

If the ponies are treated humanely, how are they any different

from cats and dogs? You should give the vendor a chance, but

your mind is already made up ( " I don't know this vendor, but

have my doubts " ). Enquire about his/her practices, observe

how the ponies are treated, and then make up your mind.

 

Ajay

 

sarah_rwc wrote:

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementary

> school has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the

> teacher's just emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides!

> I've already expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the

> animals, not believing in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being

> posed as a 'big money maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As

> part of the school board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of

> people on the Board (who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute

> idea'! I've also been reassured that these ponies are well cared for (I

> don't know the vendor, but have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how

> to dissuade the group would be MUCH appreciated!

>

> Thank you so much,

>

> Sarah

[Guest guest]

Hi,

 

Ajay, I completely agree that children should be exposed to animals,

and that it helps build compassion. My concern come in when people

profit - quite literally - off the backs of animals. I think generally

people who do so consider their animals as a commodity rather than a

pet, and therefore are more concerned about capitalizing off of them

than their health and well being.

 

Elchanan, I do see your perspective, however I have considered it and

feel that most animals that are used for the financial benefit of

others are abused. There are many, many cases of such a thing

happening with pony entertainers. You are right - one on one, for

someone who owns, cares for, and connects with an animal is not

exploitation. A commercial business is not likely to be in line with

this, however.

 

Thank you so much to those who spoke to the posed question.

 

Sarah

 

 

On Tue, Oct 27, 2009 at 10:07 AM, Ajay <ajayboots wrote:

> On the other hand: exposure to non-domestic pets, like ponies,

> cows, pigs, goats, etc. is a valuable learning lesson for

> young kids. Once you've petted a little billy goat, or a

> cute calf, it's harder to look at meat the same way.

>

> If the ponies are treated humanely, how are they any different

> from cats and dogs? You should give the vendor a chance, but

> your mind is already made up ( " I don't know this vendor, but

> have my doubts " ). Enquire about his/her practices, observe

> how the ponies are treated, and then make up your mind.

>

> Ajay

>

> sarah_rwc wrote:

>>

>> Hi everyone,

>>

>> I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementary

>> school has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher's

>> just emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already

>> expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, not

>> believing in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'big

>> money maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school

>> board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board

>> (who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also been

>> reassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but

>> have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would be

>> MUCH appreciated!

>>

>> Thank you so much,

>>

>> Sarah

>

[Guest guest]

I understand where you're coming from.

But it is not cheap to care for animals.

Who will pay for the animals' upkeep?

Many times these animals are actually rescue animals, rescued

from circuses, etc. So even though they have to work, at

least they're being taken care of. The alternative? Put them

down.

 

Ajay

 

Sarah Fuhs wrote:

> Hi,

>

> Ajay, I completely agree that children should be exposed to animals,

> and that it helps build compassion. My concern come in when people

> profit - quite literally - off the backs of animals. I think generally

> people who do so consider their animals as a commodity rather than a

> pet, and therefore are more concerned about capitalizing off of them

> than their health and well being.

>

> Elchanan, I do see your perspective, however I have considered it and

> feel that most animals that are used for the financial benefit of

> others are abused. There are many, many cases of such a thing

> happening with pony entertainers. You are right - one on one, for

> someone who owns, cares for, and connects with an animal is not

> exploitation. A commercial business is not likely to be in line with

> this, however.

>

> Thank you so much to those who spoke to the posed question.

>

> Sarah

[Guest guest]

As a vegan who has educated herself about a large variety of animal issues, I now see things differently

than I used to.  I now see cruelty in all kinds of places where I never saw it before.  For example, in the past, I saw ice cream as a yummy treat, now when I see ( dairy) ice cream, I see the cruelty inflicted on mother cows and their babies.  We vegans see cruelty that is invisible to most people because we have learned what goes on behind the scenes, things most people are unaware of. I don't feel that we are " prone to absurd overreaction " , although it can seem that way if you haven't looked into the issue.

 

As a child, I rode on pony rides, went to the circus, etc. I loved animals but didn't know about their plight. I remember noticing circus elephants rocking  and bobing their heads. I didn't know that this is a sign of stress and neurosis. As you observed, the pony used in rides are subject to inhumane treatment. Many people may not see that.  To reiterate, I don't think that we vegans overrect, we are merely sensitized to the hidden cruelty that is inflicted on animals.

 

 

 

On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 10:54 PM, Wayne Packard <wpackard wrote:

 

 

 

 

While I agree with you that all use of animals is not exploitation (and vegans are way more prone to absurd overreaction than average people are), in my experience " pony rides " often do constitute inhumane treatment of the animals involved.

As a case in point, my wife and I recently happened upon some kind of open air food event in Redwood City (I think it was a " salsa festival " or something like that). A couple of streets downtown were blocked off and there were tents set up with stuff for sale and a lot of unhealthy food.  In one little dead-end street near a parking garage they had a " petting zoo " and pony rides. On the street they had set up a couple of fences. In one they had spread some hay and had a few goats and other similar animals.

Inside the other fence, they had four or five small horses strapped to long metal poles arranged around a center spindle. It was a very sunny day and quite hot.  The ponies were standing in the sun on the asphalt until someone paid the fee and then they walked around in a small circle (being forced along by the poles) while being ridden by a child.

 

We first passed by on our way to lunch. After lunch at a nearby restaurant we walked around the festival and checked out some local shops.  When we walked back by, it had been at least three hours and they were still standing there on the asphalt in the sun. I guess they were out there all day with no rest and no shade being forced to walk in a circle on asphalt and I assume they were at least given water, but I didn't see it.

 

In my opinion, those horses were being mistreated. It would be silly to argue that the ponies volunteered for such a fate in the same way one volunteers to give a piggy-back ride to a child.

 

wp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Oct 26, 2009, at 9:14 PM, Elchanan wrote:

 

 

Hi Sarah,I sympathize with your situation, and I'd like to offer another perspective.Simply put, not everything we do with an animal constitutes exploitation ofthat animal.Do you have any children? Ever give them a piggyback ride, put them up on

your shoulders and carry them around, lift them up over your head andpretend you couldn't find them, only to say " Boo! " or whatever a momentlater? Does this make you an exploited human? I think not.

If a man, woman, or child approaches a wild horse, in the wild, in theproper manner, after awhile that horse will approach the person, it willallow contact, it will allow itself to be ridden. This is not exploitation,

this is a profound reflection of our own species' capacity to connect withall life. And the fact that people are willing to pay for the honor of soconnecting does not make it exploitation.Now, if we mistreat the animals, if we ride them into the ground, feed them

improperly, or the like, then it's not just exploitation but also torture.But you've given no reason to suppose this is the case here. Is the point of view I express here " right " ? How should I know, it's just a

point of view. So is the point of view you seem to express. My point is simply this: it's possible for us to get so wrapped up in anabsolutist mentality that we disconnect ourselves from the world, from life,

from other people and other creatures. I surely hope that is not anyone'sintent.Best regards,Elchanan On Behalf Of

sarah_rwcMonday, October 26, 2009 8:54 PM Subject: Help! Our school is planning pony rides!Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementaryschool has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher'sjust emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already

expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, notbelieving in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'bigmoney maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school

board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board(who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also beenreassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but

have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would beMUCH appreciated! Thank you so much,Sarah

 

-- " The thinking (person) must oppose all cruel customs, no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo.  When we have a choice, we must avoid bringing torment and injury into the life of another. "

   Albert Schweitzer

[Guest guest]

 

On Tue, Oct 27, 2009 at 4:28 PM, Nettie Schwager <nettierose wrote:

 

As a vegan who has educated herself about a large variety of animal issues, I now see things differently

than I used to.  I now see cruelty in all kinds of places where I never saw it before.  For example, in the past, I saw ice cream as a yummy treat, now when I see ( dairy) ice cream, I see the cruelty inflicted on mother cows and their babies.  We vegans see cruelty that is invisible to most people because we have learned what goes on behind the scenes, things most people are unaware of. I don't feel that we are " prone to absurd overreaction " , although it can seem that way if you haven't looked into the issue.

 

As a child, I rode on pony rides, went to the circus, etc. I loved animals but didn't know about their plight. I remember noticing circus elephants rocking  and bobing their heads. I didn't know that this is a sign of stress and neurosis. As you observed, the pony used in rides are subject to inhumane treatment. Many people may not see that.  To reiterate, I don't think that we vegans overrect, we are merely sensitized to the hidden cruelty that is inflicted on animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 10:54 PM, Wayne Packard <wpackard wrote:

 

 

 

 

While I agree with you that all use of animals is not exploitation (and vegans are way more prone to absurd overreaction than average people are), in my experience " pony rides " often do constitute inhumane treatment of the animals involved.

As a case in point, my wife and I recently happened upon some kind of open air food event in Redwood City (I think it was a " salsa festival " or something like that). A couple of streets downtown were blocked off and there were tents set up with stuff for sale and a lot of unhealthy food.  In one little dead-end street near a parking garage they had a " petting zoo " and pony rides. On the street they had set up a couple of fences. In one they had spread some hay and had a few goats and other similar animals.

Inside the other fence, they had four or five small horses strapped to long metal poles arranged around a center spindle. It was a very sunny day and quite hot.  The ponies were standing in the sun on the asphalt until someone paid the fee and then they walked around in a small circle (being forced along by the poles) while being ridden by a child.

 

We first passed by on our way to lunch. After lunch at a nearby restaurant we walked around the festival and checked out some local shops.  When we walked back by, it had been at least three hours and they were still standing there on the asphalt in the sun. I guess they were out there all day with no rest and no shade being forced to walk in a circle on asphalt and I assume they were at least given water, but I didn't see it.

 

In my opinion, those horses were being mistreated. It would be silly to argue that the ponies volunteered for such a fate in the same way one volunteers to give a piggy-back ride to a child.

 

wp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Oct 26, 2009, at 9:14 PM, Elchanan wrote:

 

 

Hi Sarah,I sympathize with your situation, and I'd like to offer another perspective.Simply put, not everything we do with an animal constitutes exploitation ofthat animal.Do you have any children? Ever give them a piggyback ride, put them up on

your shoulders and carry them around, lift them up over your head andpretend you couldn't find them, only to say " Boo! " or whatever a momentlater? Does this make you an exploited human? I think not.

If a man, woman, or child approaches a wild horse, in the wild, in theproper manner, after awhile that horse will approach the person, it willallow contact, it will allow itself to be ridden. This is not exploitation,

this is a profound reflection of our own species' capacity to connect withall life. And the fact that people are willing to pay for the honor of soconnecting does not make it exploitation.Now, if we mistreat the animals, if we ride them into the ground, feed them

improperly, or the like, then it's not just exploitation but also torture.But you've given no reason to suppose this is the case here. Is the point of view I express here " right " ? How should I know, it's just a

point of view. So is the point of view you seem to express. My point is simply this: it's possible for us to get so wrapped up in anabsolutist mentality that we disconnect ourselves from the world, from life,

from other people and other creatures. I surely hope that is not anyone'sintent.Best regards,Elchanan On Behalf Of

sarah_rwcMonday, October 26, 2009 8:54 PM Subject: Help! Our school is planning pony rides!Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementaryschool has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher'sjust emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already

expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, notbelieving in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'bigmoney maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school

board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board(who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also beenreassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but

have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would beMUCH appreciated! Thank you so much,Sarah

 

 

-- " The thinking (person) must oppose all cruel customs, no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo.  When we have a choice, we must avoid bringing torment and injury into the life of another. "

   Albert Schweitzer-- " The thinking (person) must oppose all cruel customs, no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo.  When we have a choice, we must avoid bringing torment and injury into the life of another. "

   Albert Schweitzer

[Guest guest]

I have read some of the posts regarding this issue, and strongly feel that pony rides are a form of animal exploitation. Unlike a mother who "for fun" carries her kids on her back, the ponies have not consented. For childrens' rides, ponies are often

not watered or fed all day to prevent them from urinating or

defecating in the circle as they walk endlessly around and around.

Animals in petting zoos spend their lives being roughly handled by an

unending series of sometimes ignorant and unsupervised youngsters. I have two children of my own, and although we love animals, would never visit them under these circumstances.On this subject, I found the following excerpt from a PETA brochure."Ponies and horses are notprotected by the federalAnimal Welfare Act, makingit possible for pony rideoperators to drive themuntil they drop.Overworked ponies become sickand injured, and they suffer in ways that areachingly painful and prolonged when theirowners and operators refuse to shell out thecash to treat them or feed them properly.NO WALK IN THE PARKIn between and on their way to appearances atchurch bazaars, parties, or town festivals, poniesoften live in overcrowded and poorly ventilatedtrailers.At each event, ponies are handled and riddenby a number of different and often totallyinexperienced riders. As a result, the poniesbecome confused, frightened, mishandled,

andmistreated.PONY RIDES GONE BADIn 1998, eight severely malnourished poniesused for pony rides by Sterling & Reid Circuswere confiscated by authorities from a filthytrailer. The operators were charged with crueltyto animals.In 2000, the owner of a pony ride operationand petting zoo was charged with 39 counts ofcruelty to animals after more than 300 animals,including two horses who were in such aweakened state that they had to be euthanized,were seized from his New York home.That same year, St.Tammany Parish, Louisiana,authorities found 10 horses, who had been usedfor pony rides at parties, abandoned withoutwater, food, or shelter and in need of veterinarycare. One horse had recently died and anotherhad been “reduced to skeletal remains,â€according to authorities.ONE LAST RIDE—TO THESLAUGHTERHOUSEOnce they are no longer useful, theseexhausted

ponies, who have been dominatedtheir entire lives, are typically sent to slaughteror abandoned.YOU CAN HELP Next time you’re at an event where a ponyis being used for rides, urge people to getout of line and explain why. If you pass by an event offering pony rides,take down the name of the business,church, or organization and write aneducational letter or make a polite,concerned phone call. If you see a pony in distress, contact yourlocal animal control or police departmentofficers and ask them to investigate."Regards,Cay--- On Tue, 10/27/09, Nettie Schwager <nettierose wrote:Nettie Schwager <nettieroseRe: Help! Our school is planning pony rides!"Wayne Packard"

<wpackardCc: "Elchanan" <Elchanan, Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 4:33 PM

 

 

 

On Tue, Oct 27, 2009 at 4:28 PM, Nettie Schwager <nettierose (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:

 

As a vegan who has educated herself about a large variety of animal issues, I now see things differently

than I used to. I now see cruelty in all kinds of places where I never saw it before. For example, in the past, I saw ice cream as a yummy treat, now when I see ( dairy) ice cream, I see the cruelty inflicted on mother cows and their babies. We vegans see cruelty that is invisible to most people because we have learned what goes on behind the scenes, things most people are unaware of. I don't feel that we are "prone to absurd overreaction", although it can seem that way if you haven't looked into the issue.

 

As a child, I rode on pony rides, went to the circus, etc. I loved animals but didn't know about their plight. I remember noticing circus elephants rocking and bobing their heads. I didn't know that this is a sign of stress and neurosis. As you observed, the pony used in rides are subject to inhumane treatment. Many people may not see that. To reiterate, I don't think that we vegans overrect, we are merely sensitized to the hidden cruelty that is inflicted on animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 10:54 PM, Wayne Packard <wpackard (AT) mac (DOT) com> wrote:

 

 

 

While I agree with you that all use of animals is not exploitation (and vegans are way more prone to absurd overreaction than average people are), in my experience "pony rides" often do constitute inhumane treatment of the animals involved.

As a case in point, my wife and I recently happened upon some kind of open air food event in Redwood City (I think it was a "salsa festival" or something like that). A couple of streets downtown were blocked off and there were tents set up with stuff for sale and a lot of unhealthy food. In one little dead-end street near a parking garage they had a "petting zoo" and pony rides. On the street they had set up a couple of fences. In one they had spread some hay and had a few goats and other similar animals.

Inside the other fence, they had four or five small horses strapped to long metal poles arranged around a center spindle. It was a very sunny day and quite hot. The ponies were standing in the sun on the asphalt until someone paid the fee and then they walked around in a small circle (being forced along by the poles) while being ridden by a child.

 

We first passed by on our way to lunch. After lunch at a nearby restaurant we walked around the festival and checked out some local shops. When we walked back by, it had been at least three hours and they were still standing there on the asphalt in the sun. I guess they were out there all day with no rest and no shade being forced to walk in a circle on asphalt and I assume they were at least given water, but I didn't see it.

 

In my opinion, those horses were being mistreated. It would be silly to argue that the ponies volunteered for such a fate in the same way one volunteers to give a piggy-back ride to a child.

 

wp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Oct 26, 2009, at 9:14 PM, Elchanan wrote:

 

Hi Sarah,I sympathize with your situation, and I'd like to offer another perspective.Simply put, not everything we do with an animal constitutes exploitation ofthat animal.Do you have any children? Ever give them a piggyback ride, put them up on

your shoulders and carry them around, lift them up over your head andpretend you couldn't find them, only to say "Boo!" or whatever a momentlater? Does this make you an exploited human? I think not.

If a man, woman, or child approaches a wild horse, in the wild, in theproper manner, after awhile that horse will approach the person, it willallow contact, it will allow itself to be ridden. This is not exploitation,

this is a profound reflection of our own species' capacity to connect withall life. And the fact that people are willing to pay for the honor of soconnecting does not make it exploitation.Now, if we mistreat the animals, if we ride them into the ground, feed them

improperly, or the like, then it's not just exploitation but also torture.But you've given no reason to suppose this is the case here. Is the point of view I express here "right"? How should I know, it's just a

point of view. So is the point of view you seem to express. My point is simply this: it's possible for us to get so wrapped up in anabsolutist mentality that we disconnect ourselves from the world, from life,

from other people and other creatures. I surely hope that is not anyone'sintent.Best regards,Elchanan @ .com [@ .com] On Behalf Of

sarah_rwcMonday, October 26, 2009 8:54 PM@ .com Help! Our school is planning pony rides!Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can help me argue against pony rides. Our elementaryschool has a Halloween Carnival fundraiser planned, and one of the teacher'sjust emailed stating that she's looked into having pony rides! I've already

expressed my heartache about this matter, concern for the animals, notbelieving in the exploitation of them, etc. but it's being posed as a 'bigmoney maker' - which I'm sad to say, likely will be. As part of the school

board, I know how much we need the money. And lots of people on the Board(who will be voting on this) think it's 'such a cute idea'! I've also beenreassured that these ponies are well cared for (I don't know the vendor, but

have my doubts of course). Any ideas for how to dissuade the group would beMUCH appreciated! Thank you so much,Sarah

 

 

-- "The thinking (person) must oppose all cruel customs, no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo. When we have a choice, we must avoid bringing torment and injury into the life of another."

Albert Schweitzer-- "The thinking (person) must oppose all cruel customs, no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo. When we have a choice, we must avoid bringing torment and injury into the life of another."

Albert Schweitzer