When I was doing the research on the Pony Express for my latest novel, Expressly Yours, Samantha, I was appalled at how little value the horses had who were a part of this page in American history. They were literally ridden into the ground, as the riders attempted to meet the ten-day cross-country deadlines. Those horses who did survive were barely able to walk again, let alone be useful. I referred to the harsh treatment in the book in order to be historically accurate, not because I wanted to dwell on the practice. In fact, my dedication of the book is to those brave horses who were part of the Pony Express.While writing the story, I thought I'd like to find a horse rescue operation to which I could donate a portion of my earnings from this book. It seemed the right thing to do. I investigated several operations in the west, but none of them felt right. Then, Grace Burrowes, a fellow historical romance author, posted on her Facebook page about a non-profit called the Last Chance Corral.
The Last Chance Corral opened my eyes to the present-day abuse of horses. Mares who are not thoroughbred material are impregnated in order to bring them into milk. The thoroughbred mares drop their foals, who are then carted off to these wet-nurses while the thoroughbred mare is once again immediately impregnated. The foals of the wet nurses are cast aside, of no further use to the breeder. Fortunately, some of them make it to the Last Chance Corral in Athens, OH, where they are adopted out. You can find out more about the operation here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Last-Chance-Corral/45502380989?ref=br_tf
This is a perfect charity for my donations, and the fact it's in Ohio is icing on the cake. I plan to give a portion of each royalty statement from the sales of Expressly Yours, Samantha, to this noble cause. If it saves only one foal, my money will have been well spent.
Yes, the plight of the horse of history and our mistreatment of them now, for various personal gain is widespread. I shall not stand on my soapbox, except to say I take my hat off to salute your for the dedication in your book and for your contribution to a worthy charity. There are so many. Just as there are so many unsavory ways people hurt/mistreat/ abuse and kill animals.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ryan Jo, for your comments. I guess I should have known if a person can abuse a dog they could also abuse a larger animal. Lack of proper food and care I can understand even if I can't justify it. It just never entered my head that people could be so cruel.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to portray historical accuracy and not gloss over the seamier side of life. You have a way of dealing with these facts in a way that the info is integrated into your story and not just an info dump. Good job again Becky.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barb, for your kind words. I think if you're going to write historicals, they should be as accurate as they can be, seamy sides and all.
DeleteI am dismayed and sickened by the abuse and neglect dealt to these beautiful animals. I had no idea of the deliberately cruel practices against horses as you described. Thank heavens there are good, caring and committed people at Last Chance who take up the challenge to rehabilitate and place these horses in loving homes. Becky, thanks for calling attention to it.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea either, Christy, but like you, I'm glad there are people who call attention to it and try to do something to change things.
DeleteThank you Becky for calling attention to this cause. Best of luck with sales.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne. One horse at a time.
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