Save A Weanling This Fall: Adopt A Premarin Foal Or Just Get The Word Out:
Save A Weanling This Fall: Adopt A Premarin Foal Or Just Get The Word Out:

Posted by Alice S.

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I've been doing research on Premarin Foals, and of the 50,000 or so bred each year, probably less than 1% avoid slaughter. Most are sold to feedlots, where they are fattened up for the slaughterhouse. Because of the lower bone to meat ratio in TBs, they are the sire of choice of the meat industry, and used to breed most of the premarin foals. And because of the large amounts of urine produced (from which can be produced the prescription drug Premarin), draft mares are the mare of choice for the industry.

In the U.S. the United Pegasus Foundation is the largest rescuer, and is backed by the ASPCA. Each year, weanlings (3-5 months old) are purchased the week of September 1st, vetted and shipped to the U.S. They layover for a week, to be vetted again, to be treated for any exhaustion or other health issues, and to rest before being transported right to your door, virtually anywhere in the U.S. The total cost (including shipping) ranges from $600 - $700. Most foals are draft/TB crosses, although some are QH/TB's. Rescuers are professional horsepersons, and they work to ensure you receive the healthy, happy youngster you want. They try to match up a foal to your request in terms of breeding, conformation, gender and color. Although an exact match isn't always possible, they pride themselves on facilitating happy and succesful adoptions.

United Pegasus Foundation could use some help. They are looking not only for folks wanting to adopt, but for others across the U.S. who will help with this whole process by getting the word out, etc. Last year, a total of 79 foals were rescued by the United Pegasus Foundation, T.R.A.C.S. (The Responsible Animal Care society of BC, Canada), the A.S.P.C.A. and the Ipswich (MA) Equine Rescue. It would be nice to increase that number in 1998.

FYI - The rest of the year, United Pegasus rescues, rehabilitates and re-trains ex-racehorses. So they always have some horses available to good homes as well.

For more information contact:
Helen Meredith (626)279-1306;
Priscilla Clark (805)823-0307;
Fax (626)279-8620;
Email: cruthird@msn.com.

United Pegasus Foundation
120 S. First Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006

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