I find this an interesting thread, as I have experienced
being on the receiving end of the horses with no financial support.
Let me back up a bit...About 7 years ago, I was selling horses, trying to get my
herd down to a manageable number, as I had experienced several life changes
(husband dieing, etc) that made it harder for me to have a large herd. I
was doing a good job at it, too....had my horse count down to about 7 (from 12
or so).
Then my mom took a call from a friend. Short
story....bone cancer, husband had left her, no brothers, sisters, children or
relatives....and she had 22 horses!!! We ended up taking 11 of
them. So my horse herd went right back up to 18 in one days
time! Most of the new horses had not been touched in several years
and were in various stages from half broke to completely wild. I
spent the next five years gentling, breaking, training and finding homes for
most of them. I am NOW back down to just 6 horses
total (and may sell one or two more). I WISH the lady had left me
some money as well as the horses to cover their expenses (not to mention my time
and effort!).
My question is: How would you determine a reasonable
amount to set aside for the care of your critters after your death?
Would you just be looking at 1 or 2 years worth of care for X number of animals,
assuming that the caretaker would find homes in a reasonable time for
them? Or would you want to do an actuarial type thing...I have X
number of horses that will live from 5 to 25 years at $X per
year.
Barb McGann
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Karen
Everhart Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 14:39 To: Dyane
Smith; Jennifer Adam Cc: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject:
[RC] euthanization
I beg to disagree that the "key" is finding people with the finances and
facilities, etc....
I believe the "key" is to provide for your own horses (and other animals)
after your death. If you had a dependent child, who could not support
itself, you would be certain that the person providing care has all the
resources needed to do the very best for your child. Or, your child would
be cared for through state or federal programs.
Our animals can not care for themselves - so we must do it for
them. I do not think it fair or reasonable to "expect" to find others to
pay to care for my animals. Hence, I have documents in place which
designate, through a trust, where the animals go, and the resources to care for
them.
If you are fortunate to find someone who is willing to do so, then by all
means take advantage of their gracious offer. But before your "time,"
please try to assess the expectations you are placing on these generous friends
and perhaps designate funds from life insurance or property sales, etc.
Your relatives, for the most part, can support themselves, so any money you
may have directed to them, give it to those who have agreed to take care of your
animals.
Karen Everhart MEd President Rainbow Meadows Rescue and Retirement,
Inc. www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com 620-725-3402
Owner/Operator Horse Calls - Equine Management Solutions Centered Riding
Instructor Distance Horse Conditioning and Training www.horsecalls.com 316-648-5082
