They Shoot Horses, Don't They? by kjer_99
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Well, yeah, sometimes they do. The National Park Service calls it "culling" and says it's good for the horses. Horses are often slaughtered and turned into pet food, too. However, what really gets me are people who say they love their horses, but they never feed them grain (which horses do need to stay healthy); bring in fresh hay when their usually inadequate pasture is chewed down to mostly dirt; leave the horses' watering troughs with water so stale it is covered with thick pond scum--that is, when they even remember to give them water! They'll never take them to a veterinarian, when obviously injured or sick. Shelter is inadequate or non-existant. You probably won't see much in the way of shade in their pasture either.
In this case, the old barn looks like it would be okay for the horses, but if you were to step inside, you'd find the stalls filled with a thick muck of rotting hay, feces, and urine. Still, the guy who owns these two animals will claim to the authorities that he loves his horses and doesn't want to part with them even for their own good.
The owner doesn't even know yet that, for the Apaloosa in the background, there will be no rescue. Yesterday, she died from starvation, dehydration, and disease. Yet what really killed her was severe neglect. If the authorities arrive today, the Dun might make it and get a chance at a wonderful new life. The ASPCA veterinarians would probably rate this gelding at a 1, or possibably, a 2 on a 10-point scale. The Dun is so starved that its body is canibalizing its own body mass and internal organs to keep the animal going.
Still, the guy that owes him loves him. Just ask him; he'll tell you that he does.
In fairness, many people get horses only to find that to properly maintain one is more expensive than their budgets can manage. Some may have the means, but discover that their busy lives don't allow them the time to curry and take care of their pets. What I don't understand is why they don't willingly give or sell them to someone who CAN meet the horse's needs.
There is something that you can do, however. First, learn what horses need to maintain happy, healthy lives. Be aware. If you see cases of obvious neglect, get involved. Report it to the proper authorities or your local humane society.
And, while I'm on my soapbox, let me also say that the same goes for cats and dogs and other animals.
I'll consider this a good render if it makes you even half as upset as I get when I see these sorts of things.
As always, thanks for looking--and in this case, listening--and for your comments and encouragement.
Jeremy
CREDITS:
Vue 7 Pro Studio.
Building: "Old Barn" by Gary Miller (Cornucopia3d).
Horses: "Adhorse" by adh3d, using his "Squalid" morph (Renderosity).
Sumac: Modualz (RNDA).
Ecosystem: Plants from "GB ECO Grass" (Cornucopia3d).

Comments (26)
I just want to add that literally thousands of these unfortunate cases occur in the U.S. alone. All are unnecessary. If God does judge us, I think how we treat our planet and animals in it will be a major factor in his decision.
I hear about them all the time, as well as dogs and cats - not to mention children. Good render. I hope it gets a lot of people angry!
people kill one another without abandon , so horses and animals in general suffers a sad fate
Yeah, a good reminder on pets in general. Not a happy message, but a true one.
too realistic!!
When talking about the mantra "Go big, or go home..." You certainly know how to do it with this one Jeremy. I know it happens out there; and not just in the US, but in Canada and other countries too. Like you, I too have a pet. I just can't fathom how people can live with themselves to put their pets and animals through such careless neglect. Then again, people like those truly aren't pet owners. Its like you say - they don't know anything about caring for an animal, so they're blind and deaf to an animals needs. I don't want to hijack your comments / responses; though having spent half my life growing up on a farm - on a farm which all the animals were cared properly for (no horses, but cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, cats, and dogs)... See'ing a render like this is a saddening, and certainly does evoke quite a few emotions and feelings. Well done Jeremy.
Most effective visual representation of the issue!!! Super work!!!
A powerful image to back up your words my friend...a point of view I,for one,share whole-heartedly!
Powerful! For some love is the desire to possess. This kind of love often tends to neglect. You see it not only with animals but directed toward people, young and old, and it is the worse kind of love - if indeed it can truly be called love.
so sad scene Jeremy...but ...you are right...we need to care of our pets..they are living creatures ...not objects...great message here!
A powerful image Jeremy and oh so sadly true, It gets me mad seeing someone doing this to an anmial whatever kind it is, as it get me mad to see and read about the killing of wild horses or other wild animals, because they take their naturally assigned place and room and won't respect the fencing someone did for his benefit...
Dude! You get on your soapbox.. I have been saying for ages, man does not care as a whole for this planet. Its doomed, no matter how much people preach they are doing good, its to late and way not enough.. From your example here, to that, so bad its beyond words, of a catastrophe in the U.S. and the Oil companies.. (Note I don't say B.P. Because, yes they owned the rights etc, but they were not the ones who were running the rigs, designing the platforms, recruiting the men.. need I go on.. Those were other Company's.. Including, U.S. ones..) But a powerful picture, Jeremy... Extremely well done here.. Rob
A very sad, but powerful lesson you've depicted with word & picture!
One of your best Jeremy!
An excellent image to tell about a terrible "human" true.
the owner of those two horses should be taken out and shot for the way they are. i can not stand anyone that hurts any kind of animal. my animals are part of the family and get better care than i give to my self.
special ligth.. great image
Sometimes standing on a soapbox seems the only way, your words are strong, your image stronger.I think what really brings this home is that it is NOT a photograph.That you took the time to create this shows a commitment and belief in your words that could be lost in a photograph.This is disturbing, but in the best possible cause.Excellent work Jeremy.
My cat gives you two thumbs up (er paws). Soap box or no.
Wonderfully done - and a poignant right-on message too. Nice work Jeremy.
Very beautiful work!
Nothing wrong with standing on your soapbox Jeremy as we sometimes need a shock to see what's going on around us. You bring up many valid points as do those who have commented. Depressing as it is we seem to live in a world dominated by greed and money. I may not be a millionaire but in lucky enough to live near enough to the countryside to appreciate it's beauty.
sad, but interesting work and message!
Exceptionally thought provoking. How terribly right you are. Only thing is that you are preaching to the choir with renderosity folks. Preach on my friend.
Too true...but love does not allways mean proper care is taken that goes for human relationships as well...... Sometimes that "I want to have...." feeling is mistaken for beeing love
poor horsey - great scene and composition on a rather sad topic!