I felt sick to my stomach watching the RTE Investigates programme. It is just horrendous what is happening to the unwanted horses in our country. Our country that is known as ‘The Land of the Horse’. Ireland is a complete mockery when it comes to animal welfare. As much as myself, and other fellow equestrians want to think it is a small minority of people responsible – I am afraid the statistics on the programme tell otherwise. Over 20,000 horses per year go ‘missing’. The overall support from the community was overwhelming, but 20,000 is also an overwhelming number.

The programme showed absolute inhumane and unnecessary suffering to horses during the last moments of their life, and probably the most vulnerable time of their life. Horses are fight or flight animals, installed by natural instinct. They had no option of fight or flight at any stage during the documentary. Cornered, slipping on a blood bath trench in the middle of the barn, unable to get to their feet again. Some were left for hours, suffering alone. It was extremely distressing to watch.

As hard as it was to watch the suffering these poor horses endured – something else was quite alarming. The vast number of horses that end up at Shannonside Foods, are technically used for meat/human consumption in European countries. One example of this, RTÉ Investigates had identified 75 Irish-registered horses slaughtered in Italy among the records released by the Italian authorities.

The majority of these horses were thoroughbreds – bred for racing careers – and a third of those had been declared unfit for human consumption before they left Ireland. The tampering of passports and paperwork was also shocking as it was stated on the documentary that any equine who had a trace of Phenylbutazone (Bute), which is a NSAID, was not fit for human consumption. This is deeply concerning for public health and safety. I can’t think of one horse I know or have worked with, that has never had bute, for one thing or another.

Did you feel that was a fair representation of how you mind your horses? If not? Why not?

This programme was not aired to show how the general population of equestrians keep their horses. However, I know I am extremely passionate and want the world to know my horses aren’t kept in such a way. Any true horse lover and owner I know, would go to the ends of the earth to make sure their horse would never end up in such a place to begin with. I know I definitely would.

I can speak for myself and say my horses are truly the apple of my eye, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for those horses. After all, I own them; I am completely responsible for their overall care, physical/mental wellbeing and husbandry. It is my duty as a responsible owner to make any decision for them, that will only benefit their welfare, or end any suffering.

Humans are responsible no matter what the circumstance, to ensure that horses have freedom from hunger and thirst. Freedom from pain, injury and disease. Freedom from distress, fear, and discomfort, and freedom to express natural behaviour. 

It seems not one of the five freedoms were adhered to as shown in the documentary.

My own horse is a 29 year old mare, who is retired for many years now. Sure – I could of got rid of her when she was finished her job as a riding horse. I could have saved some money, had more free time etc, but this is a livelihood for me. This is a responsibility I chose to take on many many years ago and I have put my heart and soul into it. It will never change for me. My horses will be with me for the end of their days and there will never be a question about it.

Why were ye there Saturday? Why was it important for you?

It was hugely important for me to attend the protest at Shannonside Foods. I went because I am actively involved in this industry for work and leisure, and there was no doubt in my mind I wouldn’t stand with My Lovely Horse Rescue (MLHR) for this. The more people who shout, get heard. We are the voice for these horses.

Show up for the protests, sign the petitions, share the media posts. Never let this be forgotten. As a writer and part of the Grassroots Gazette team – who are actively seeking for change. I have a Grassroots crew T-shirt at home with “Be the Change” branded on the back of it. There has never been a more fitting time for the industry to pull together, than now.

I was as shocked and disgusted as the rest of the community, but equally saddened that Ireland as a nation – have massively let our horses down. Our 5* horses. Our duty free derby winning horses. Our broodmares that can no longer breed. The foal that was bred to be the next big star, but never made it. There are so many questions here that must be asked. Not next week, not next month, now. We cannot wait any longer.

We need legislation to be reviewed and enforced immediately. We require dedicated and appropriate welfare officers, compliance audits carried out, health and safety overhaul, the list goes on. There must be justice, and those accountable must be held responsible.

Who else is responsible? Owners, breeders, trainers – absolutely need to do better for their horses. We are their voice after all. Be the change.