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Saturday, March 30, 2013

Thrifty Yankee Girl: Perhaps It's Not Just A Stereotype...

Hello, all! It's been quite a while since I've done an outfit post, hasn't it? I can only blame it on the fact that I'm lazy, which has resulted in lazy outfits and no pictures of the good outfits. :) Plus I been feeling a bit style/wardrobe drained lately. I've not been clothes shopping since last November, and honestly I think I only bought a camisole and an awesome (but rather hard to wear...) lace blazer. Hopefully with spring on it's way, though, I'll get more motivated to get out and shop!

Thanks to my brother, AJ, for taking the pictures!
I may be fulfilling a stereotype here, but I've got to tell you: Yankee girls love a bargain. And not in a, 'Well, I love getting something cheap!' sort of way, but rather a, 'What? I'm not paying that!' sort of way. I've come to the point where most of the clothing I actually like (not to mention the majority of my wardrobe in general) has come from thrift shops. I'm actually rather proud of that. :) Of course, thrift store shopping has it's drawbacks. Aside from the obvious issue of maybe not finding exactly what you want, there's also the problem of indecision. This is usually in the form of me worrying about wasting money on an article of clothing I'm only so-so about. Which in the end turns out to be quite hilarious, because usually the 'expensive' item I'm worrying about is $4-$6. But maybe that's just me. :P


Pink Sweater-Thrifted-$1
Black Short Sleeved Blouse-Thrifted-$1
Toile Pencil Skirt-Thrifted-$3 (I think...)
Big Black Belt-Came With Another Dress-Free
Nylons-Probably Walmart
Black Flats-Payless

I wore this outfit to church last Sunday. It's insanely comfortable, because the pencil skirt is very stretchy. May I just take a moment and talk about the shoes, though? As much as I love heels, I've gotta admit; I swear by these black flats. I've had them for years, and they get worn several times every week. They work with everything. While I'm still a firm believer in heels, I think flats are the ultimate power-shoe. Name one thing a girl can't do with flats, hmmm???

I'm going to be linking up with Plane Pretty tomorrow. :) 

Also, don't forget about the 30 Day Disney Challenge! It's starting in just two days! Once again, there's no minimum of days to participate....just stop by and do what you can! We can't wait to see you guys. :)

Thanks for reading, and Happy Easter, everyone!

Your Thoughts?: How many of you frequent thrift shops? Got any funny stereotypes about us Yankee girls you'd like to share? What are your plans for Easter?

Thursday, March 28, 2013

I ♥ Thursday...Volume 3

Well, it's already time for another I <3 Thursday Post! Things have been busy this week, mainly some 4-H things and getting ready for the spring skating show. :) Maybe I'll post a video of my routine sometime....

So what have I been <3-ing this week?

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I just love this!! So, so much....it's great.

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Three very important things to be. :)

Please, please, please tell me you remember this show...probably the number one thing I miss from being little. I might just have to re-watch episodes on Youtube. :)

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I'm seriously going to make this mug. :)

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So stinkin' useful!!! Figure skaters will understand that this is a major life saver. :) GAH, so happy I found this!!! :D

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Just a side effect... :)

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Just devour. Devour art and taste and thoughts.

That's it for today! Don't forget about 30 Day Disney Challenge! Hope to see you all there! :)

Linking up to Bramblewood Fashion.

Your Thoughts?: What are you <3-ing this week? How many fellow Liberty's Kids fans are out there? Did anyone devour anything good recently?

Thanks for reading! :)

Monday, March 25, 2013

Heroes Every Young Woman Should Know

"Boys: They're better in books." Sound familiar? If you're on Pinterest, it's a message you've probably noticed popping up a lot. While it's sometimes fun to lament that you need a Mr. Darcy, honestly, do we really think that the only good guys are in books? I believe that if someone was able to sit down and create a perfectly wonderful male character, they must have had inspiration from somewhere, and therefore someone like that character must exist. There are lots of great guys out there; reading books with strong male characters have just given us high standards. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

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I've recently read three posts (herehere, and here), where the blog authors do a great job of expressing how much they dislike Twilight. Both of them primarily focus on Bella, and what a weak female character she is. Each of them lists heroines from books that every girl should know, before reading about Bella.

But what about Edward and Jacob? Yes, Bella might be a terrible role model, but what about the guys? First off, there's Edward: creepy, 100 year-old guy who falls in love with Bella's smell. Then breaks up with her. Then there's Jacob: Stalker. Won't take no for an answer. Instead of being disappointed and moving on, he never relents and makes life miserable for the woman he supposedly loves. What with all the teen-heart-throb-hype centering around them, girls can come away thinking that that's what a truly great guy is supposed to be like! Do they sound like the type of gentlemen you'd want to be with? I don't think so.

Well, here I am throwing my 'hating Twilight' post into the mix. Edward and Jacob are teaching young women all the wrong things on what to expect from guys. What's even worse is that often it's younger, impressionable girls that are reading this stuff. So here's my list of heroes that every young woman should know. Not before she reads Twilight, but instead of Twilight. 

Faramir, Sam, and Eomer from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Faramir remains obedient to his father and continues to love his brother, even though he is demeaned by his father. He knows what it is to sacrifice, and his love for Eowyn is pure and true. Sam gives up his comfortable life in the Shire for the greater good of destroying the ring, but also because he knows his best friend, Frodo, needs him. His love for Rosie never wavers. Eomer stands up for what's right and best for Rohan, even when it comes to his possessed uncle banishing him. He is the truest brother, and protects and loves his sister, Eowyn.

Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. Though he loves Marianne, he realizes that she loves Willoughby, and even though he knows Willoughby's true character, doesn't try to demean him to get to her. He also cares for his ward after she is wronged by Willoughby, enduring what people say about him to avoid slandering another.

Jehu Schudder from Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm. Though a rough sailor, Jehu cares for Jane since she is alone in the wilderness. He not only loves but respects her, and though he sometimes reprimands her, he does so in a kindly way that's meant to make her better, not bring her down.

Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Though he is proud and vain, it's clear he has been raised a true gentleman. When he first proposes to Lizzy, they become mad at each other and start arguing. Even though he is angry, he still bows and wishes her 'good day' when he leaves. Also, he takes it upon himself to deal with Whitcomb after he and Lydia elope. Though he wants Lizzy to fall in love with him, he doesn't tell her about what he does.

Finn from The Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale. Quiet, loyal, hard-working Finn is a constant friend. He hides Isi, even though she cannot tell him why; and he protects, cares for, and supports Enna when she burns. He remains a constant friend and advisor to King Derek and Razo, as well as caring for his mother in the forest.

Fili, Kili, and Thorin from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Fili and Kili are strong, have faith in their quest and king, and never want to turn back. Thorin is a strong leader, wanting what's best for his people, and believes in his family's heritage and right to the mountain. "Fili and Kili had fallen, defending him with shield and body, for he was their mother's elder brother." The Heirs of Durin, though they are warriors, have a deep and genuine love for family.

Shane from Shane by Jack Schaeffer. He works hard, is quiet, but has strength and a great mind. He doesn't want to fight, but does so for the Starett's. He respects Mr. Starett, and will never let any of them down. He knows when to act and when to lie low.

These are just my thoughts. There are so many more book characters that are true men, and even though they have faults, remain gentleman. These should be the favorites, the heart-throbs. Not Edward and Jacob. Even if you feel the need to read Twilight, please also become acquainted with these and other true gentlemen. Most of all, realize that just because some books may leave us with high standards when it comes to guys, it doesn't mean that those guys don't exist.

Your Thoughts?: What is your opinion of Jacob and Edward, or Twilight in general? What makes the men I've listed 'true gentlemen' in your mind? Who would you add to the list?

Also, don't forget to be back for the 30 Day Disney Challenge, beginning April 1!

Thanks for reading! :)









Sunday, March 24, 2013

30 Day Disney Challenge!

Hello! Recently while browsing around Pinterest, I stumbled across this...:

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Doesn't it look like fun? It was originally used on a Pinterest board, here. My super awesome friends Deanna  and Mikaela loved the idea, so together we're going to do it as a blog series!! You're welcome to join, of course, just leave a link in the comments to your posts. :) Make sure to spread the word! It will be so much fun to see everyone's favorites. :)

First off, the rules:

  • There will be one topic a day, from April 1-April 30. 
  • In your post, include your favorite, first runner up, and least favorite. 
  • Pictures are optional, but very much appreciated!!
  • Leave a link to you in the comments. Please remember to link to the specific post, not your blog!
  • Please remember to include links to all three of us...
Which brings me to...who exactly is hosting this?? Let me introduce you to...

Mikaela from The Mixed Up Skier. We became friends while she was still homeschooling here in NH and we still hang out as much as we can. :) Mikka is a biathlon and nordic skier, lover of Star Wars, and high school senior.

and.....

Deanna from Time Lady Geek. We've known each other for ages (neither of us can remember how long...), and we love doing 4H and tons of other things together. Dia enjoys acting, writing, reading, playing the harp, cats, sewing, and tons of other things, as well as fandoms like Harry Potter, Sherlock, Star Wars, and Doctor Who. :)

These girls are the best, and I couldn't live a day without 'em. :) We're all very excited to be hosting this together! Even if you can't do all the days, we'd love to see you pop in for a few! Also, if you don't have a blog, make sure to tell us your favorites in the comments!

Thanks for reading! :)


Thursday, March 21, 2013

I ♥ Thursday...Volume 2

I'm back with another I <3 Thursday post!! I'm loving this link-up. :) So what's new with me? Mostly doing my best to crank out school work, skate a lot, and read late into the night. Also, one of my best friends is home from boarding school, so I'm going over to another friend's for a catch-up sleepover!

So, what have I been <3-ing this week??

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This list from sarahbessey.com of the 10 books she finds herself reading over and over again. :) All of these are great picks!

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Possibly the best prompt ever?? Someday, I will write about this!

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Though I love my long denim skirt, I'm usually stuck for ways to wear it...so I love this outfit! I think I could rather easily recreate it, too...

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This list from A Butcher, A Baker, A Candlestick Maker on her dream cast for The Scarlet Pimpernel. It's pretty awesome. Let me just say: Sherlock, Loki, Gollum, and Mathew (yup, from Downton!) all in the same movie...what could be better??

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The mug, the cake, the worn notebook....makings of a lovely afternoon.

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I am so looking forward to summertime outfits...isn't this vintage-inspired beach wear adorable? I love the shorts. :)

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This is my future home. :) It looks like a Hobbit library. I'm perfectly in love with everything in it.

Your Thoughts? What are you <3-ing this week? How about your favorite books, summer looks, or interiors? Anyone got any cool writing prompts?

Thanks for reading! :)

Monday, March 18, 2013

The Search for the Perfect Western: The Showdown Begins!!

Come on, admit it; at some point in time, everybody has been infatuated with the old west. Even if it just lasted a couple days, at some point we've all wanted our share of cowboys, adventure, and grit and guts living. Most of the time this comes from television. I know it's sort of weird, but I still love to watch Bonanza (Adam is my favorite Cartwright, just in case anyone was wondering), and don't even get me started on spaghetti westerns (Call Me Trinity. Yes, it's the best...).

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But what about books?? For some reason or other, good western novels have always eluded me. Which is especially sad, as someday I'd like to write my own novels with a western theme. The only westerns I've ever read have either been vulgar to the point of my not finishing them, or just plain boring. Unoriginal. With uninteresting characters.

Which brings me to this new 'reading challenge'. Now, unlike the others I've done, this isn't a 'must read all these fantastic books by a certain date for my own betterment.' Nope, this is just a relaxed, easy going list I want to work my way through. I want to find the 'perfect' western novel, that I can recommend to people and re-read each summer. I'm searching for a great plot, deep characters, excitement, perhaps a little romance, and a morally decent book. By the way, I apologize for the cheesy title. It was an attempt at being clever, which sort of flopped, but I liked the result anyway. :)

Below is a list of recommendations I've gleaned from friends, family, librarians, and the ever useful Goodreads. :) I've also included a mini description of what I believe it's about. All links lead back to fuller descriptions on Goodreads. (Will update this post with cross-outs for the ones I've read).

Shane by Jack Schaefer: Told from the viewpoint of a young boy on a western farm, Shane tells the story of a mysterious worker on the farm, and the subsequent tension in town. (here).

Faith by Lori Copeland: The first in the Brides of the West series. The series follows the stories of three sisters who become mail-order brides. (here).

The Peacemaker by Lori Copeland: The first in the Men of the Saddle series. Tells the story of a revengeful bride and her hunt to shoot down the man who left her at the alter and stole her money. She just might find love, however, as she head of on an adventure with his brother...(here).

Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey: The romantic story of Jane, daughter of a Mormon leader, who must be courageous during the arguments between the Mormons and the Gentiles. (here).

The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel: What first caught my eye about this novel is that it's set in WWII era west, rather than 'pioneer days'. Rather exciting to me, as one of the ideas for my novels is a 30's or 40's era western! This book tells the story of Olivia, who is banished to be a bride at a Colorado Outpost after she becomes pregnant. Later she unwittingly helps in a crime, and then faces betrayal. (here).

Going Postal by Terry Pratchet: To avoid being hanged, a swindler must get the post office running again and sort through decades of mail. 'For once in his wretched life Moist is going to fight. And if the bold and impossible are what's called for, he'll do it - in order to move the mail, continue breathing, get the girl, and specially deliver that invaluable commodity that every human being (not to mention troll, dwarf, and, yes, even golem) requires: hope' (here). 

God of Her Fathers by Alicia A. Willis: When Ellen's husband dies suddenly, she finds herself alone, scared, and struggling to survive in the harsh prairie. When a stranger comes into the picture, who just might be an outlaw, she must decide whether to struggle alone or accept his help. (here). 

This is certainly not a complete list...just a couple of ideas that have been floating around lately! If any of you have read and enjoyed a western, please leave a comment! I'd love to check it out! And yes, I've already started in on Shane. I'm only two chapters in, but I've already fallen in love with yet another fictional character. *sigh*

Your Thoughts?: Is anyone planning on trying any of these reads? What's your favorite picks for western novels? And I'm sorry, I've gotta ask...who's your favorite Cartwright?

Thanks for reading! :)


Saturday, March 16, 2013

'For the Betterment of her Mind', Book Review: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

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Remember the 'For the Betterment of her Mind' reading challenge I decided to create for myself way back in December? Well, I've been steadily working through my list of classic reads to complete before September! You wouldn't have guessed that from this blog though, would you?? I finished my first pick, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, way back in January! Long story short, one thing led to another and I hadn't sat down to put together a post about the book until now. Better late than never, though, eh?

**From here down it's free of spoilers, so read at ease!**

Plot Summary:
Sense and Sensibility tells the story of two sisters, Marianne and Elanor Dashwood. Following the death of their father, and their brother's inheriting of their house, they move with their mother and younger sister to a comfortable cottage owned by their cousin Sir John. While they settle into their life, an accident involving Marianne brings Mr. Willoughby suddenly (and valiantly) into their lives. As Willoughby and Marianne quickly fall in love, Elanor becomes of aware of Colonel Brandon and his infatuation with her sister. Colonel Brandon, both because of Willoughby and his own age, suffers from a distance as he grows to love Marianne more and more. Gone away on urgent business, Colonel Brandon eventually returns to the scene with shocking news concerning Willoughby's character. As Elanor works steadily to care for and comfort the many players, as well as protect her sister, she must also deal with the uncertain love between her and a certain Mr. Ferrars. 


Major Themes:
Though technically a romance novel, one of the major focuses is the relationship between the two sisters. I suppose one theme would be the different types of love.


Favorite Quote:
True to from, Miss Austen peppered the book with many witty comments! I believe I liked this one the best, though: "As a house, Barton Cottage, though small, was comfortable and compact; but as a cottage it was defective, for the building was regular, the roof tiled, the window shutters were not painted green, nor were the walls covered with honeysuckles." -Chapter 6

A Peek at the Author:
Jane Austen lived from December 16 (we are 'birthday twins'!), 1775,  to July 18, 1817. She was the seventh child and only the second daughter in her family. At the age of 8, Jane along with her elder sister Cassandra were sent to Boarding school. The atmosphere in the Austen household was friendly and warm. Most of Jane's early writing centered around creating skits for her family, or funny stories to read aloud. When Jane first penned Sense and Sensibility under the original title of Elanor and Marianne, she would read her novel aloud to the family. Sense and Sensibility was first published in 1811, but gave no name as to the author. It wasn't until after Jane's death in July 1817 that her brother wrote a touching letter, telling the public who the author of their beloved works was. 


Overall Thoughts:
Sense and Sensibility didn't disappoint. The witty dialogue, complex characters, and rather sarcastic writing style made for a novel that couldn't be put down. Though different in so many ways, you come away loving Marianne and Elanor even for their faults. This was my first Austen, and I can't wait to pick up another!! If you're in the mood for charm, wit, simpler times and great plot, pick up Sense and Sensibility!

I was SUPER excited to see that you can read a full version of Sense and Sensibility online! 

**You know how I can't write anything without spoilers? Well, this is no exception....read from here down with caution!**

Quick discussion point for those of you who've read it: Was anyone else super surprised by Mr. Willoughby and Colonel Brandon's ward?? And what about Mr. Ferrars and Miss Lucy Steele? Got to admit, I didn't see it coming!!

via...This is totally so you don't have to look at my above spoiler! :P
Your Thoughts?: How many of you have read Sense and Sensibility? For pleasure or for school? Have any of you been joining me on this reading challenge? What's your favorite of Austen's works? For film, which version of Sense and Sensibility is your favorite?

Thursday, March 14, 2013

I ♥ Thursday...Volume 1

Ello, dolls! Fellow readers of Bramblewood Fashion will realize that it's I <3 Thursday time! This super fun link-up is something I've been thinking of trying for awhile, and I'm so excited to start! I <3 Thursday is all about sharing your weekly favorites; whether that's quotes, books, movies, clothes, pictures, literally whatever you like! 

So, what have I been <3-ing this week?


Disney Medley by Doo Wop Shop! I found this on Pinterest and seriously laughed the entire time. :) So worth the watch! These guys are hilarious. I'm smiling now just thinking about it.

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I'm just loving this look right now!! Green? Upturned collar? Bangle bracelets? Yes!

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This article from Nerd Machine on why Roger from 101 Dalmatians is the best Disney male character; even though he isn't a prince! Yay Roger! :)

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This quote is great....it says it all about skating. So many days it's hard, and you get stuck, or feel like you're no good. Some people take it as a reason to quit, but for the ones who keep going, those hard days turn into one of the reasons you love this sport.

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Double Chocolate Zuccinni Muffins!!! These are amazing. :) So moist and gooey! I mixed the dry ingredients together early in the week, than saved them in a mason jar so I could easily put them together before school. :) I'm so making these again!!

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10 Reasons to keep learning (and reading!) once you're done with school. It's so important to keep your mind alive and thinking!

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Edit ruthlessly! I'm trying to get better about how I edit my writing, and making sure I 'show' and don't 'tell'!

That's it for today. I hope everyone has enjoyed this quick collection of favorites!

Your Thoughts?: What are you <3-ing this week? Anyone want to gush about Doo-Wop Shop? Are you ready to get out those spring-time clothes? What about Roger? For skaters you athletes out there, what are some motivational quotes that keep you going? Be honest now...is there such a thing as DISLIKING chocolate in your muffins? Why do YOU keep reading? Do you find editing your writing to be hard?

Thanks for reading! :)

Thursday, March 7, 2013

What's The Beef?: Why Domestic Horse Slaughter Should be Seen as a Humane Option

Fellow 4-Hers will know that County Activities Day time is just around the corner! This Saturday our county will be coming together for demonstrations, speeches, action exhibits, and interpretive readings. It's a lot of fun, and marks the first of the qualifying 4-H events of the year. I know everyone in our club always looks forward to hanging out with friends and supporting others.

This year, I'll be doing a speech on a rather controversial topic: horse slaughter. Yes, I own horses, but I am firmly pro-horse slaughter! I feel very strongly about this issue, and am so excited to finally be presenting it! I feel the issue provides a lot of food-for-thought, so I thought you guys might be interested in reading what I have to say! This week for my multi-genre writing class we had to write persuasive pieces, so I sort of killed two birds with one stone during this project. What I'm technically showing you is the essay portion, but the speech will be almost exactly the same. :)

So without further ado....

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What's The Beef?:
Why Domestic Horse Slaughter Should be Seen as a Humane Option

When asked if they've ever eaten horse meat, most Americans would reply, "Of course not!". Due to a recent scandal concerning Ikea's Swedish Meatballs substituting horse meat for beef, however, you may not want to be so sure. After an inspection in the Czech Republic, traces of horse DNA were found in the frozen meatballs intended for Ikea's in-store cafeterias and sale. Following the discover, meatballs were taken off the shelves in most European countries, including France, Hungary, Britain, and the Netherlands. it is presumed that slaughter houses, and perhaps even the manufacturers themselves, have been switching out beef for the cheaper option of horse meat. Don't worry, however, as there is no evidence that U.S. Ikea chains have been selling anything other than 100% beef.

While there's no denying that masquearading meat is a scary thought, many have taken this as an opportunity to attack the horse slaughter industry in general. Horse lovers and animal rights activists alike talk about the majesty of the horse, and demand a stop to this 'grisly practice'. Should horses be considered 'above' other livestock? Is horse slaughter really inhumane? Or ar people's opinions ruled by their emotions, rather than what is best for the horse industry?

Contrary to popular belief, horse slaughter in the U.S. has been practiced until just recently. In 2006, Congress placed a ban on the use of federal funds for inspect of horse's meat for slaughter. In effect, this ban ended the practice. In November of 2011, President Obama lifted the ban, essentially allowing the practice to start again. When acquainted with the true facts behind horse slaughter in the U.S., it's easy to see how not only individual equines but the horse industry as a whole will benefit with the legalization of horse slaughter.

The 70% of Americans who oppose horse slaughter like to argue their side with one main point:
"A symbol of grace and beauty, horses have contributed greatly to our society throughout history. They have carried us into battle, plowed our fields, and served as endless sources of inspiration. Americans hold horses in high esteem and believe they deserve respect and dignity." (HSUS, www.humanesociety.org, January 24, 2013).
As a fellow horse owner, I agree that equines are graceful, athletic creatures that we should respect and cherish. However, the thinking that horses are 'above' other species of livestock is ridiculous. Just because our society has used horses as a source of transportation and recreation, rather than a source of food, doesn't make them any more essential than beef cows or swine. 

The practice of horse slaughter in the U.S. would provide another humane option to horse owners  When it comes time for an elderly horse to be put down, most owners are forced to turn to euthanizing. Vet bills, not to mention excavating costs, can easily reach over $1,000 dollars. Selling a horse to a slaughter plant would not only relieve owners of the cost, but enable all of the horse to be used instead of wasted int he ground. Furthermore, horse slaughter also provides a place for unwanted horses, whose owners are unable to care for them during this economic downturn. According to a report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in June of 2011, state and local governments as well as animal welfare organizations have reported a rise in the number of horse-related investigations since 2007. In Colorado, the investigations increased from 975 in 2005 to 1,588 in 2009. That is an increase of roughly 600 investigations. Many western states have also eluded to rise in the number of abandoned horses. If horse slaughter is provided as an option for horse owners, there will be a decline in the number of abandonment and neglect cases. 

It's important to realize that once the ban was created, it didn't stop American horses from being sent to slaughter. Many were simply transported over the botder to Canada and Mexico, where slaughter houses are more prevalent and, in many cases, undergo less inspection. According to the GAO, live horse exporting for slaughter increased by 148% to Canada and 660% to Mexico between the years of 2006 and 2010. In the same report, the GAO notes that roughly the same amount of American horses--138,00--were slaughtered abroad in 2010, as there were on American soil before the ban. In other words, the same number of horses were slaughtered; the only thing that changed was where. In her article Horse Slaughter in the U.S., published in The Chronicle, Leigh Ix puts into words the real effect of horse slaughter;
"Banning slaughter has not improved the quality of life for horses, nor has it helped deal with the thousands of un-cared for horses. Suffering was not decreased under the ban; it was simply moved to another country with less regulation."
In both Canada and Mexico, slaughter houses often are found to be using inhumane practices as well as failing to inspect the horse's meat for human consumption. Stockyards, feeding lotss, and assembly points also often fail to be inspected. Transport across the border--which can sometimes last the entire length of the country--is crowded and stressful. Often, horses must endure high temperatures and insufficient food and water. The fact is, if you want to talk about what is humane for the horse, domestic horse slaughter does more good than a ban ever will. No horses lived as a result of the ban. Often, they just went through more stress, and endured real inhumane practices, as there were slaughtered across the border.

Though the ban has been lifted since 2011, the actual practice of horse slaughter is still small in the U.S. In many places, individual states are still deciding where or not they want it practiced. Unfortunately, even in states where it is legal, animal rights activists are continuing to put up a fight. At the moment, New Mexico and Oklahoma are probably facing the most controversy. Rockville, a Missouri town of about 150 people, is hoping to open the first U.S. slaughter house since the ban. There is widespread support for the plant int he town, as it will create 50 new jobs. 

In the state of New Hampshire, horse slaughter is rather at a stand still. In 2011, bill H.B. 339 was introduced, which would provide a meat inspection program for all livestock species including equines. Many New Hampshire citizens worked against the bill, primarily as an effort to show that they did not support the federal government's lifting of the ban. As a result, a new bill, H.B. 1446, was introduced in 2012. This bill would provide an inspection program for all livestock, excluding equines. Currently, H.B. 1446 is under the status 'inexpedient to legislate', which means it may die in committee. 

Throughout history, Americans have valued and loved their horses. I firmly believe that horses are incredible creatures that have stood beside us during the building of our country. However, we must realize that a ban on horse slaughter does nothing to help the species. If we truly want what's best for our horses, we need to stop elevating them above other livestock. Domestic horse slaughter will give another option for elderly and un-cared for horses, will provide jobs for American people, and prove more humane than slaughter currently practiced across the border.
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Resources:
If you're interested in further reading on horse slaughter, take a look at these:


Your Thoughts?: What is your opinion on horse slaughter? Would you send your own horse to slaughter and/or eat horse meat? Do you believe equines to be 'above' other species of livestock, or should we simply view them as farm animals like beef cows or swine? If you're a 4-Her, what are you doing for CAD?

If you'd like to chat, please leave a comment or email me (regardless of your opinion!). Just please keep replies tasteful and polite. Thanks for reading! :)