Prayers for horses

The cruelty inflicted on animals by humans seems without limit.   Today we focus on horses – noble animals who are sensitive, intelligent and beautiful.   They build up rewarding and enduring relationships with people, they are vegetarians and do not cause injury or act with malice to any other species.

In their natural state they like only to be left alone, to live their lives in peace.

That so many are killed worldwide in such cruel and shocking conditions is a shame on the human race.  If we cannot treat our fellow creatures with respect and kindness what does it say about us?

Yet the focus of the news is not on the suffering involved or the terror these poor horses feel, but on whether the supermarkets should label their minced up meat burgers differently.  Why would anyone want to eat moshed up animal flesh from an unknown origin and that has been manufactured in a factory?   How could it be wholesome?  The horsemeat is said to have come from all over the world.   Such suffering is involved and it ends up plastic wrapped in a hyped-up package in a supermarket freezer.

The scandal, according to the news, is that the burgers have been wrongly described!!!   The scandal is that horses, who have been the saviour and companion of mankind for thousands of years, should be so cruelly treated.

If anyone wants to eat a burger, why not buy a small piece of meat from a local butcher, where you can see exactly what it is and find out where it has come from – locally is best.  To mince it, mix with breadcrumbs, herbs and spices and sizzle it in a pan, only takes a few minutes.   Straightforward food.   We would rather not eat dead animals, the world is full of delicious alternative food of vegetable origin.  Better for you too.

But it’s time to say our prayers for the poor horses, who die in such a horrific manner.   Please let us focus on the thought that eating horses is unacceptable ….. that horses should be treated with kindness and respect ….. that they are never sold for meat …… that more horses are able to lead a natural life.

Let’s pray that more people learn to appreciate their desire for freedom, their spirit, their gentleness and beauty …… to have a horse for a friend is one of life’s great gifts.