By: W.C. Reader

Our first association with horses (and let's include mules and donkey's also) came when we were a pre-schooler living on a small farm North of Kenedy. They were a very important part of farm operations at the time, because tractors still were years away. The farmer had to look to these strong, handy animals for the power to pull their plows, planters, cultivators, harrows and the like. They also had an important role in furnishing transportation for us rural folks, but we'll touch on that later on.

The first time we ever rode a horse was at the old Karnes County Fair in the 1920's, and that set off a love affair between us and these gentle peace-loving animals that has extended right down to the present day. We always have looked upon them as creatures of God, just like you and we, and they should be treated just like you and we want to be treated.

Thus now, you probably can better understand why we have become "riled up" in recent days when area newspapers carried stories about the mistreatment of animals, a couple of which occurred in neighboring areas. One pertained to horses who were shut up in pastures where the grazing was inadequate in these drought-ridden days. There was evidence of neglect in the areas of feed, water, and shelter, along with lack of proper medical attention. The gaunt look on their faces, their thin, emaciated bodies, and insect-infested sores gave sufficient evidence of the mistreatment they had to endure. Fortunately, some thoughtful, caring person came upon this scene and reported the owner to proper legal authorities. They seized the animals, placed then in the hands of attentive folks, and filed charges against the guilty person. But this came too late for some for these horses. They were dead!

Now a question for you old retired farmers who still are around. How did you treat your farm animals who helped you till the soil, and transported your family and farm products by pulling wagons, buggies, carriages, carts, and the like. Well, first of all, you probably had horse stalls attached to the barn so they would have shelter in the summer, and shelter from the cold weather in the winter. You always kept on hand an adequate supply of grain and hay to make certain they could be properly fed. The water trough was kept filled with water, and no doubt you set aside a certain amount of acreage where you animals could supplement their diet by grazing on the vegetation.

Grooming was not overlooked either. If you prowl around in old abandoned barns, you probably still will come upon some of the old items such as curry combs, brushes, shears, etc., which their owners used to keep the animals healthy, clean, and free of insects.

In those days past, it was just as important to have healthy, strong farm animals, as it is today to have tractors that are mechanically sound. Each group furnished the horsepower, which was - and is - so vital in feeding and clothing the nation.

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