Do you feel there is a growing amount of unwanted horses in the United States? Why? How do you think this problem can be or should be solved?

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In a true free market system the overpopulation of horses will correct itself. The timing of the slaughterhouse closings was unfortunate and has really hindered this correction. I believe I can see some movement to correct the glut of unwanted horses. I see more broodmares coming through the auction sales. Fewer marginal quality animals are being kept for reproduction. This is a step in the right direction. The removal of the slaughter market could not have come at a worse time. The truth is that many of these animals are still being slaughtered in Mexico and Canada. The only difference is that the United States horse owner is not receiving the economic benefit of these sales. The money is mostly spent on shipping and commissions. Any time the rules and laws affecting the horse industry are made by people with only an emotional interest, the choices will usually be wrong!