With hay prices sky-rocketing this year, especially in some of our eastern provinces, many more horses than normal are at risk of being shipped to feedlots due to horse owners not being able to afford these high prices.

Even in our beautiful Lower Mainland area of BC, drastic measures have been taken due to the lack of funds available to maintain our horse population. More and more sound and serviceable horses are finding themselves at auctions while the biggest buyers today of these horses are 'meat buyers" for horse-eating countries around the world.

Is it not yet time that we put a stop to the inhumane killing of our horses? I believe in being optimistic, and that horse lovers from our own communities can help make a difference.

Not long ago, I came across a situation where a number of horses no longer were able to be provided for. Within just one week, all of these horses had either been sold or adopted out to new and loving homes. The solution? Networking with people within friend and family circles had saved all of them from going to the auction.

Having witnessed the power firsthand of a few compassionate people networking has inspired me to learn about what I can do to help assist in placing horses that no longer can be provided for.

With a background in equine health and rehabilitation, I've researched credible horse rescue centers in the Lower Mainland area to find out if I could in any way help to assist horses that may be in need of massage or other therapies. The response has been positive!

Knowing that there are so many horses (and their people) that may be needing help inspires me to appeal to others that may also want to lend a helping hand. Even just sending someone this message alone could help make a difference.

We have so much to be proud of in the Fraser Valley on the beautiful west coast of BC. We are known as the Horse Capital of British Columbia as we have over 400 farms in our area that have produced well over 5,000 horses - more than any other community in BC.

To keep up this strong reputation, I ask individuals that are interested in making a difference for horses at risk, what it is you could do to help?

Perhaps it is to volunteer at a horse rescue centre or even take the required training to become a volunteer for a disabled riding association. If you are an experienced equine therapist, your skills would be welcomed with open arms!

Have you ever enjoyed horse racing? Consider sponsoring a horse or supporting one of the several retirement foundations we have in the Fraser Valley for ex-racehorses, both standardbred and thoroughbreds. These horses worked very hard but broke down because their bodies could not endure the heavy training and racing. Often times, these fine athletes are retired at such an age that they are not even yet fully matured as a horse. It should not mean that their lives are over because they can no longer race.

Perhaps you are able to take in a horse that is in need of a new home or you may feel the conviction within yourself to contact your local MP and tell them you do not support our Canadian government for the inhumane killing of both our horses by permitting horse slaughterhouses to exist (while the US does not).

Another way you can help our horses is if you do see a malnourished and or neglected horse, please report this to the SPCA and let them determine the situation for the horse.  Do not let it continue to suffer further. 

Horses have enhanced many lives, and not just for those that have enjoyed equestrian events as spectators or riders. Working with horses as part of therapy has proved to help both children and adults overcome their physical and mental disabilities. Horses today have become valuable assets and teachers in equine facilitated therapies, even in the corporate world. And of course we all recall the recent Canadian gold and silver medals won at the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong that Ian Millar and Lauren Barwick brought home. This shows the ultimate in teamwork between horse and rider and much more.

Take a moment and remember Seabiscuit, the little race horse that rocked the hearts of so many in the midst of a depression. The joy and hope he brought to so many is the same joy and hope that our horses of today wish to bring to us.

Is it not yet the time to give back to these humbling animals? I know we can't save them all, but whatever YOU can do to help, you can be sure that our most faithful and trusted equine companions will be forever thankful, for helping out some of their own kind, in their time of desperate need.

For more information on how you can make a difference, please visit the voiceforthehorse.com web site.

While Yvonne Allen has focused on making contributions in her community, the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, she is appealing to others in their own communities to also put thought into how they too can make a difference, in B.C and other provinces across Canada. www.voiceforthehorse.com

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