Those of us who love horses are under attack from various groups who claim to love ‘the horse’ but whose actions will actually result in its extinction.

I love the thoroughbred. They are bred to race. They love to race. Most have amazing lives. Some do pay the ultimate cost for being of their breed. But of the 90,000 runners each year in the UK approximately 99.8% come home safe and sound.

But this is not just about the thoroughbred. Horses play a massively important part in giving many humans inspiration - in charities like Horseback.Uk and the Ebony Horse Club.

 Horses do best when they are loved. Those who work with them in the vast majority of cases care for them like they would a member of their family.
  Animal activist movements tend to have a stated aim of compelling government action towards animal rights.

At face value this seems a perfect world. But dig deeper, and you find the activists don’t even want a horse to be ridden. For some breeds, it will simply mean the end.

Wild horses are not in utopia. Wild horses suffer like any animal left to fend for itself. Domesticated horses actually receive the real care.

That’s thanks to vets, and in the case of many racehorses they enjoy swimming pools, solariums, the best food, individual attention and regular blood testing. At the hint of a cough or cold they are catered for by professionals.

  This is not about horse welfare. This is about the end of the horse.

  If the horse goes, we damage society. Thousands of jobs are lost. Millions of pounds are thrown away that can be used by Government for good causes. Hundreds of years of history dispensed with forever.

  But most importantly an animal that is truly adored by so many and cared for like few others will become extinct.

Everyone has the right to protest, but let’s counter misinformation. Let’s call for an education program from those in power so at least people are fed the truth. To those people who are reasonable, who are willing to learn and listen, let’s give them the information that is readily available to justify one of the most beautiful animals on the planet.

  Be counted people. Let’s appeal in a calm way but louder than those who cause mayhem via extremism.

Love the horse. Allow your children, and your children’s children to enjoy and savour the equine form.