Horse Auction Barn

Went to our local auction barn last night. This is something we do just about every week. A place to socialize with like minded folks. This is our "night out", so to speak. Unlike a club or whatever, the barn has an entire mix of people. Young, old, rich (relatively) and poor. Everyone interacts with everyone else. Other than teens, groups mix readily and well.
Vendors sell new and used items. From boots to blue jeans. Reins, saddles, wormer and household bric-a-brac. Then there is the livestock.
Some weeks the horses and livestock, look good. Even great. Pride in ownership, is apparent. Sale prices are more than fair. Everyone goes home happy.
Then there are nights when all of the livestock appear to be sick, mistreated, near death or all of the above!
Sometimes the sellers know that they just need to "get rid" of their animals. They give them away for free, or next to nothing. Other times, these owners (and I use that term loosely) will be asking ridiculous prices for mistreated livestock. They may "ace" their animals, so that they are more sell-able, a horse trader trick.
Hmmm...I believe that I own one of the animals that had been "aced". You can see her picture here, as my guard mule. I love her for what she is. Loaded with personality and intelligence, but also, can be mean as a snake.
Last night, there was a mix of animals. I saw a few horses, one donkey and a pygmy billy goat, that were outstanding examples of animals that had been taken well care of. Then, there was a sick colt. He kept going down, apparently of colic. A set of donkeys that were all scarred up and timid and a jenny that had horribly overgrown hooves. I am a sucker for the "hoof problem". The last time a donkey showed up at this auction with very bad feet, I talked the rescue into buying her. They worked for months, attempting to correct the overgrowth and related infection. Unfortunately, Rosetta, eventually had to be put down. One foot just was not fixable. Last night, I recognized the problem, and passed this poor jenny by. Money is tighter right now. I could not afford vet bills for an animal that may not survive.
I am going to appeal to people again. Take care of your livestock. If not, give them to someone who will or have them put down! Out of their misery. It is far more humane than letting them starve to death, live in pain or both! Consider donating time, money or feed to a local rescue. My choice out here is, New Beginnings Animal Rescue. You can reach them by the link provided farther down on my blog.