What are PMU horses? and why do we care?

Posted by Kristen Cusato on February 16th, 2006 at 07:01:21 pm , 1057 views

Link: http://www.wtnh.com/global/Story.asp?s=4509747

There are thousands of horses that spend their entire lives in very small stalls, tied up, constantly pregnant, with a urine collection device attached to them. You see, the menopause drug Premarin, is made of PREgnant MARes urINe. These horses do not have nice lives...they do not get to keep their babies, the foals are a by-product of the process. The foals and the mares, when they are no longer of use (can't have any more babies), they are often auctioned off to slaughter houses.

Now, I don't consider myself an animal rights activist. (I did adopt a cat a year and a half ago, and my husband and I love her very much.) However, I will not throw fake blood on people who wear fur, and I don't see myself protesting at the circus. But when I met this woman from Bethany, and found out how she rescues PMU (Premarin) horses, and gives them a second chance at life, I HAD to do a story.

Kathleen always loved horses...but now, she saves horses. She has had a farm in Bethany for almost 5 years, and hundreds of horses have come through her place. Here's how it works: Kathleen actually buys PMU horses at auction (many of the auctions are in Canada because that's where many of the Premarin farms are), she competes against slaughterhouses...and she pays for these animals by the pound. She also pays for transport, ALL WITH HER OWN MONEY! She does hold fundraisers, but it does cost a lot to get these horses back into shape.

She feeds them, waters them, lets them run and socialize with other horses, gives them an amazing amount of attention...and then, she puts pictures up in the cafe that she owns (Duck's Soup in Hamden) and on the internet...in the hopes of finding them good homes. She and her husband, and friends and volunteers have done a fantastic job getting them adopted.

But it is her passion about these animals that really hit me. She feels so strongly about the cause, works so hard to give them "a second chance at life", and she gets attached to every one of them. It is her purpose to bring these shy, abused animals out of their shells...and get them to the point where they can become riding horses, therapy horses, or just companion horses for people. She's pretty amazing. She never tires...it seems. I'd ask her a question and she'd start to answer it, and then greet a horse that approached her, or kiss a horse she was standing next to.

So, the story I am working on for 2/16 is not really about the plight of PMU horses. Instead the story is about one woman's passion, to make a difference any way she can, in the lives of horses....that otherwise, would be in that big corral in the sky.

Kathleen would like women to realize there are synthetic options out there to treat menopausal symptoms....and ask their doctors about other possibilities. I just hope this story will make you think.

Filed under From the Street.

56 comments

Comment from: Lou [Visitor]

Kathleen should be proud of what she is doing. While I understand there may be a need to produce this drug, surely there are other methods that can be used.
Hope I have the opportunity to see the story.

02/15/06 @ 12:07

Comment from: Liz Soto [Visitor]

Hi Kristen:
Liz with the flowers at Crystal Mall here. Wow, first time visiting channel 8's blog page and of course the first thing I read is your touching article about the PMU horses. Leave it to you to bring this abuse to our attention and let us all be thankful for people like Kathleen. I will be watching for your story. Stuff like this makes it hard for me to even eat veal because of the inhumane treatment of calves to give us a different meat choice (not that I am an activist either - although I always encourage people to spay & neuter their pets and adopt from shelters rather than buy a pet from a pet store - how about this designer mutts craze? - ridiculous!!). Things have changed so much since before prescription meds and supermarkets hit the scene. Still, it would be a good thing to find a new solution to the miseries of menopause. Thanks for your great work and best wishes to Kathleen and her horses.
Regards, Liz from New London

02/15/06 @ 18:25

Comment from: Bob B. [Visitor]

Hi Kristen I was out tonight and did not see WTNH @ 5, 5:30, or 6. But, living the Amity district which includes Bethany I think it is very good of Kathaleen to do this. I hope you air this story.

Bob Brown

02/15/06 @ 21:10

Comment from: Kevin Fletcher [Visitor]

Hello Kristin,

Hey nice job on Saturdays, don't you miss the weekdays with darren??

Kristin good luck with this story I think it's a good idea to show what some people are doing to help these unwanted animals in a good way.

Kevin Fletcher

02/15/06 @ 22:10

Comment from: Judy Bosco [Visitor] · http://www.judybosco.smugmug.com

Bravo on this story!! My girlfriend in Fl also adopts PMU's and then finds homes for them. She has two of her own now, and will be adopting more this spring. Here are photos of some of her horses:
http://judybosco.smugmug.com/gallery/915046 Keep up the good work!!

02/15/06 @ 22:37

Comment from: Terri Miles [Visitor] · http://www.amityobserve.com

Hi Kristin,
I've known Kathleen for years, and as a journalist, I have written MANY stories about this cause.
She is an amazing woman, the way she "talks" to the animals and understands them.
They are tired, hungry, frightened and seemingly unsociable when they arrive at the farm, but with her special brand of loving care and understanding, they all come out of their shells and show just how special they are.
I'm glad you discovered Kathleen and the PMUs and I KNOW that YOUR coverage will bring even more attention to the cause and make people aware of the attrocious lives these horses have before they find their way to the peaceful paddocks of Locket's Meadow.
Thanks for listening!
Terri

02/16/06 @ 00:58

Comment from: dee [Visitor]

hello kristin from north carolina. i also am an avid animal lover and adopted six pmu foals in oct. 2005. they are amazing horses. keep up the great work and always, like i do, bring this to the attention to all to whom you come in contact with,as so many have never heard of the pmu farms nor what is in the premarin pill they are taking. thanks for caring.
dee

02/16/06 @ 06:47

Comment from: dee [Visitor]

02/16/06 @ 06:48

Comment from: Pattie M [Visitor]

I think that what's she's doing for these animals is a wonderful thing. It was suggested by my doctor to take this drug for my menopausal symtoms, but after reading this story, I will not.

02/16/06 @ 09:03

Comment from: Kris @ Serenity Acres [Visitor]

I think Kathleen should be commended for what she does. I recently purchased a pregnant 4 year old PMU mare from a rescue, and she is the sweetest, kindest animal - so it breaks my heart to think of all the other horses who don't get a 2nd chance. I think if more people were aware of where Premarin comes from, and the consequences of the farms -- there would be many more people boycotting its use.

02/16/06 @ 09:19

Comment from: Kim [Visitor]

I stopped taking a medication when I found out how it was made and how these animals were treated. Kathleen should be commended for her efforts.

02/16/06 @ 09:58

Comment from: Lauren Johnson [Visitor]

Kristin -
What Kathleen is doing is incredibly humanitarian and heartwarming, but by promoting and publicizing her work, you too are also helping save these horses. Your approach their plight is positive and constructive. Thank you for taking this story to heart and sharing it.
Lauren

02/16/06 @ 10:38

Comment from: Emily [Visitor]

What this woman is doing is awesome. These horses have been through so much, and they are rewarded by sending them to slaughter. They deserve so much more, and Kathleen is trying to make sure that happens!! I think that is incredible.

02/16/06 @ 12:05

Comment from: Kelly [Visitor]

Hi Kristin,

I'm happy to hear that Kathleen is rescuing these horses, and that you are doing this story. Although I'm not at a menopausal stage yet, but will be in several years, I'm going to remember this story and ask my doctor for another form of medication. Great job Kristin.

Kelly

02/16/06 @ 12:26

Comment from: Halide Caine [Visitor] · http://www.ctequinemassage.com

Bravo Kathleen, have heard only good things about your efforts. I am relentless (perhaps a bit pesty) to friends and acquaintances on the whole PMU issue..thanks WTNH for airing this story and thanks to people like Kathleen for giving so generously of themselves.

02/16/06 @ 13:37

Comment from: Terri Miles [Visitor] · http://www.amityobserver.com

When exactly is this going to be broadcast? 5 - 5:30 - 6 or just 11 p.m.????

For the history of Kathleen's amazing rescue efforts feel free to log onto www.amityobserver.com and look in the archives for PMU.
We even have the story of a teenager from Orange who adopted a PMU from slaughter.

Kathleen also has written wonderfully delightful columns that channel 8 viewers might enjoy.

The more you know, the better off we all will be ... including the horses.

02/16/06 @ 13:59

Comment from: Cathy J. P. [Visitor]

WOW.
I never knew that they made Premarin that way. Thank goodness I didn't take it when it was offered to me. I would have been saddened even more than I am now to know I had made a contribution to this atrocity. Bravo for bringing this story to light. I am sure I am not the only clueless person about this.
I am still in shock about it.
INHUMANE..................

02/16/06 @ 15:29

Comment from: Ron Gross [Visitor]

My wife JoAnn and I adopted 2 premarin babies two years ago, when they were 4 and 5 months old. They joined our 3 other horses, and are the loves of our lives - Kathleen, let us know if we can help. And keep up the good work!
Kristen, if kathleen needs our e-mail address, feel free to give it to her!
Ron Gross

02/16/06 @ 15:53

Comment from: Jessica [Visitor]

Thank you for bringing a story like this out for the public to read. I'd love to see more stories about animals that need our help...the more people know about abused animals the more likely they will help. I was wondering if Kathleen takes donations...and if so, how can i (and the rest of the public) send money to her?

02/16/06 @ 17:28

Comment from: Erica Saunders [Visitor]

Hi I just had to say Bravo!!!! I had a hystroctomy in 1993 and in 1996 I found out what my drug was made of and I stopped taking it that day I love horses with all my heart and If i could adopt one and had the money to do so I would I have not seen any changes from not taking my drug so i guess you really don't need it.

02/16/06 @ 18:05

Comment from: Judi [Visitor]

This story is really an eye-opener. I've been taking Premarin since 1993, when I had a hysterectomy. Although I knew it was made from horse urine, I never knew how the urine was collected or that horses that are no longer productive are sent to slaughter. I also didn't know there are alternatives to Premarin. After reading this article, I plan to ask my doctor about replacing my Premarin!

02/16/06 @ 18:29

Comment from: louise falcone [Visitor]

What a wonderful act of love and kindness towards these beautiful animals. I have been in love with horses since I was a toddler, and never had the opportunity to ever own one. My uncle was a blacksmith, and every time I visited was the best time of my life. It was the closest I ever got to them. I love to go riding, and have only rarely done that. I doubt I will ever have the land to own one, but they are still the love of my life and your work toward saving these horses both inspires me and makes me cry at the same time. I agree more should be done to prevent this type of medicine making. I, than God, have never used Premarin and wish more women would stop using this type of medication. Good luck and God Bless you! Louise

02/16/06 @ 18:37

Comment from: Kirk Varner, News Director [Member]

To answer those of you who have asked, Kristen's story will air tonight on Non-Stop News at 11pm and then will be available here on our website on Friday.

Thanks for all of your comments to us!

02/16/06 @ 19:14

Comment from: Lesley Fay Hanson [Visitor]

Hi Kristin!

I am a horse lover and I have never owned my own horse. When I heard who Kathleen Schumann is, the owner of Ducks Soup in Hamden, I just had to voice my opinion and tell you and her what a fantastic job both of you are doing for the cause; you for airing the program at 11:00pm on 2/16/06 and Kathleen who has the heart to fight for the Premarin horses and save them from slaughter. As a horse lover, I too, want to save all the horses from slaughter and keep them wild as they should be; the way they were meant to be in the past and future.

I look forward to seeing this wonderful program tonight on WTNH and again I congratulate you and Kathleen for a job that is well done and needs to be addressed more often both on programming and bought to the attention of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

02/16/06 @ 19:19

Comment from: Kathleen Schurman [Visitor]

I am overwhelmed by the response to this piece (before it even airs!) and I am so grateful to everyone for their kind words. I am slightly embarrassed by the attention as for the most part, we live very quiet and boring lives. We work, we work with the horses, and we fall asleep early every night so we can wake up and do it all again. That is NOT a complaint - it is exactly the life we want to live and we have the most amazing animal friends to share it with. It is a VERY GOOD LIFE and we would not trade it for any other. For those who want to help, we have a non-profit called FASTeam, Inc. (Foal Aid Support Team.) It is a 501 (c) 3 and all contributions are tax deductible. Every cent goes towards getting more horses out of Canada and into the states where we can find them good homes. Most of the hores are pre-adopted. Those that aren't, once they arrive here, my husband, David, and I cover all their expenses and work to find them new homes, unless, of course, we fall in love with them and they stay with us (which has happened a few times.) All of the members of our Locket's Meadow family work to socialize them and train them to have a job, and I believe it is the most rewarding thing any of us ever do. Not to sound corny, but we get far more back from these horses than we could ever give to them. I am also not alone in this work as there are many on our farm who volunteer their time and work just as hard for the PMUs, and I am so proud of everyone and grateful for their support. If you want to know more about us, please visit www.locketsmeadow.com, which could use some updating, but you'll get the idea. Also, visitors to our farm are encouraged as we love to show off our horses. They are incredibly special and beautiful, and we think you will agree with us. If you meet them and fall in love with them, as well, we hope you will carry their message everywhere you go. And thank you again for all of your support. I am truly humbled and grateful and you have brought me to tears numerous times already.
Sincerely,
Kathleen

02/16/06 @ 20:15

Comment from: Amy [Visitor]

Kathleen knows what it's all about. She serves humanity and loves every minute of it. May her higher spirit continue to bless her.

02/16/06 @ 21:45

Comment from: Judy Allen [Visitor]

KUDOS to Kathleen! I have to say I have never heard of PMU before. Thank you for doing a story on this, Kristen, for all of us to hear about and what is going on. I am a lover of animals, especially horses, as I used to own one, and I just cringe at what these poor horses have to go through. It seems to me that these companies will do ANYTHING for a buck. It truly makes me sick. God Bless Kathleen for doing what she is doing and I hope one of these days I can get to her place and see these beautiful animals. I do hope there may be a follow-up on this sometime so that we all are made aware of all the good Kathleen is doing.

02/16/06 @ 22:48

Comment from: Katie B [Visitor]

My daughter and I stopped taking Premarin (even though I have stock in Wyeth) and now take Estrodiol which is synthetic, because we learned of the plight of the mares and their foals. We are doing fine on the synthetic estrogen and wish more women would choose synthetic over premarin. How can we help support these women who help the mares?

02/16/06 @ 23:28

Comment from: Aimee [Visitor]

Kathleen- Bravo!Bravo! I know about your work with the PMU horses through the Locket's Meadow website and friends of mine. (I have been riding in Milford for about 18 years.) I am SO thankful for the work you are doing, and for the horses' lives you are saving every day! I am committing myself to letting people know about what these horses are going through just to produce a medicine, and to let people know about those who are working for the animals' good. I am an English rider and therefore horse-lover, and an animal lover in general. It makes me sick any time I hear that animals are being used, abused or mistreated for any reason. Thank you again for all that you are doing, and PLEASE know that you are making a difference.
Aimee G.
horserideramg@hotmail.com

02/16/06 @ 23:39

Comment from: Jackie S. [Visitor]

Thanks for making this story available on your websit. Being a horse owner, I rarely make 11:00. Kathleen you are amazing!

My dream would be to see this rescue expanded to a state level. I know that several years ago, an equine facility was built at taxpayers expense to allow inmates to work with horses that were confiscated from a neglectful environment. The horses flourished, the inmates loved working with the horses, and the horses were eventually rehabilitated and found homes. How lovely if we horse lovers could select a PMU, and for a fee have this horse taught basic manners, and be socialized so that we non-trainers could contemplate adoption.
Horse, inmate, and future owner could benefit, and the state could put an unused facility to a potentially profitable and worthy use.

02/17/06 @ 06:26

Comment from: Dr. Kim McClure [Visitor] · http://www.countrycompanionsvet.com

I have known Kathleen for years & she is truly a blessing to these horses & to the people she works with. Both she & her husband David are 2 of the most compassionate & passionate animal people I know. It is great to see them receive continued recognition & support for their efforts. Please help support them by supporting FAST ( see above)

02/17/06 @ 07:27

Comment from: Lisa Wiley [Visitor] · http://www.myturnabout.com/

Kristen,
Thank you for doing this story. I have never seen the truth about PMU horses told before. Loki sends kisses!

02/17/06 @ 07:57

Comment from: Diane Campbell [Visitor]

Kristen: What a wonderful and touching story! I am a bit weepy after watching it and now reasing this page just touched my heart. I do consider myself an animal activist- but not a violent one in any way. I just try to let people hear the truth about many unfortunate situations that animals are placed into. This is sincerely a emotional story and I will certainly do my part to educate many women about other choices for menopausal drugs. I am in the medicla profession and know I can at least spread this word to many men-women and doctors and if a handful listen I feel that I have helped Kathleen's love for horses. She is an amazing lady. I share her emotional attachment as Im a very big respector of animals of all shapes -sizes and kinds! Thank you for this beautiful story!

02/17/06 @ 18:03

Comment from: Diane Campbell [Visitor]

Kristen: What a wonderful and touching story! I am a bit weepy after watching it and now reading this page just touched my heart. I do consider myself an animal activist- but not a violent one in any way. I just try to let people hear the truth about many unfortunate situations that animals are placed into. This is sincerely a emotional story and I will certainly do my part to educate many women about other choices for menopausal drugs. I am in the medicla profession and know I can at least spread this word to many men-women and doctors and if a handful listen I feel that I have helped Kathleen's love for horses. She is an amazing lady. I share her emotional attachment as Im a very big respector of animals of all shapes -sizes and kinds! Thank you for this beautiful story!

02/17/06 @ 18:04

Comment from: Emily [Visitor]

Hi, my name is Emily, I'm 13-years-old and have wanted a horse for a really long time... my Mom and Dad say that it is possible they will agree to adopt a horse and my Mom and I saw this story on the news. I was just wondering if there is price to adopt these horses, and if so I wanted to know what the price is. I also wanted to know where in Connecitcut the farm was so that I could possibly go look to get a horse of my very own! Thanks so much for having this story on your station so I could even have this opportunity!
Thanks Again,
Emily

02/17/06 @ 18:04

Comment from: Emily Seppa [Visitor]

02/17/06 @ 18:06

Comment from: Emily Seppa [Visitor]

02/17/06 @ 18:10

Comment from: Nichole [Visitor]

Thank you, Kristin, for covering this topic. After hearing the recent news that hormone replacement therapy drugs arenâ€™t as dangerous as once believed, and may even be beneficial to younger women, I immediately thought how more women will probably be inclined to take it. I was going to contact WTNH to suggest they do a story on what Premarin is and how itâ€™s made. I thought if more women knew what is in it, what happens to the foals and how the mares are treated, that maybe more would seek synthetic solutions. I was thrilled last night and tonight to see the report on the wonderful work Kathleen is doing. The segment was an excellent overview for women and doctors who may have been unaware of the darkest side of Premarin.

02/17/06 @ 19:09

Comment from: Dawn [Visitor]

This is a very touching and moving story. I hope you'll do more stories like it!

02/17/06 @ 22:36

Comment from: Terri Miles [Visitor] · http://www.amityobserver.com

To Emily Seppa, you can get this information on the internet at www.amityobserver.com AND locketsmeadow.com.
Kathleen's farm is in Bethany, CT.
You might be interested in Brittany Fantarella's story. She was about your age when she adopted her PMU foal, Sunny.

02/17/06 @ 22:50

Comment from: Aimee [Visitor]

Emily- Definitely check out the Locket's Meadow website....it's WONDERFUL! You can read more about PMU horses and foals, learn about FASTeam and FASTeen programs at the barn, and even see pictures of some of the PMU horses they have rescued. I know several people who ride at Locket's Meadow, and they have nothing but wonderful things to say about the farm. Happy horse-hunting!! -Aimee
(horserideramg@hotmail.com)

02/18/06 @ 00:13

Comment from: Breck Sullivan-Carpenter [Visitor]

As a mom of one of the Locket's Meadow "barn rats" and as a friend of Kathleen for a very long time, all I can say is Way To Go!
Kathleen and David are the sort of people we need more of on this planet, I lose my daughter to them every weekend and in recent years almost all summer as well and I wouldn't have it any other way.
They care. They care for animals, they care for people, they just CARE.
Keep an eye out, read Locket's website (www.locketsmeadow.com) and watch the calender; they hold fundraisers which are always a great time and all the funds raised go back to the PMU cause.
Thank you for doing this story, it needs to be said and we need to be reminded.

02/18/06 @ 00:14

Comment from: vincent vaichus [Visitor]

Concerning the PMU horses. While I think that what this women is doing, "saving horses", is noble, yet frankly I am amazed at how 10% of a new broadcast (3 minutes) could be spent on such a topic when year after year millions of unborn are slaughtered before ever seeing the light of day and there is never a 3 minute story concerning those trying to save the unborn. Year after year hundreds of thousands gather in Washington DC and all we ever see of the march is a 10 second blurp from someone who is pro-life and the rest of the 30 seconds goes to the pro-death movement! One human life saved is more precious than all the horses, dogs, cats and every other story you plaster over the airwaves. If you want to do a story that will stir peoples soul and not their emotions, do a story on a crisis pregnancy shelter and talk to some girls who chose to give birth and "save a human" and then you'll have a "breaking story".

02/18/06 @ 00:35

Comment from: Audrey Dibbern [Visitor]

Hi
I've just seen the spot on Good Morning Connecticut about the premarin horses. Ofcourse, being a human being, I was delighted to hear of Karen's efforts on behalf of these beautiful horses. I was so moved by the story and now I'm concerned that this effort continue. How can I help Karen keep her program alive? Can you let me know?
Thank you.

02/18/06 @ 08:00

Comment from: SHARI [Visitor]

WHERE DO I BEGIN- I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO MEET KATHY LAST YEAR AT THE MILFORD OYSTER FEST- SHE HAD A BOOTH PROMOTING THE BABY PMU FOALS ADOPTION. I'M THE ONLY ONE I KNOW WHO WENT TO FEST AND BOUGHT A HORSE.IT TOOK MONTHS BUT ON 11/9/05THE BABIES ARRIVED AT LOCKETSMEADOW JUST AS KATH PREDICTED THE COLDEST,RAINEST DARKEST OF NIGHT. BY THE WAY I TRIED CONTACTING MR MAN ON THE MOVE (MATT SCOTT)TO BE THERE...HE DOESN'T RETURN E-MAILS- HE LOST OUT
BABIES ARRIVED FRIGHTENED AFTER THER 4 DAY JOURNEY FROM MID- CANADA. KATH WAS INCREDIBLE WITH SEPERATATING BABIES WHICH STAYED AND WHICH WERE GOING OFF TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. THE NEXT DAY I TRAILORED MY BABY HOME AND HE HAS BEEN THE LOVE OF MY LIFE . EACH DAY WE GO FOR WALKS . HE IS MORE CALM THAN MY 12 YR QUARTERHORSE.
GREAT JOB KRISTEN, PLEASE DO A FOLLOWUP AS YOU CAN SEE BY THE RESPONSE. SHARI

02/18/06 @ 08:18

Comment from: Donna [Visitor]

I am 37 and have always loved horses - dreaming of one day owning my own. After seeing a story like this just reaffirms the fact that my dream horse will come from a rescue group as was portrayed in this story. Right now, I enjoy my love of horses by collecting and painting equine figures as life hasn't put me in a way to have a horse of my own - yet. In general, people need to know that animals are feeling creatures too - they hurt just as we hurt - they just can't say so in a language we can understand - and I applaud those who step out of their box and try to hear the plight of Earth's other residents. Animals and plants, trees and fish, every single living thing on this planet deserves to be respected and not enslaved because we are under the impression we are so much more important than any other form of life. These creatures share this small planet with us and it saddens me ever so deeply to continue to see the abuse and cruel enslavement. I wonder if the people running these farms might like to be in the place of one of those mares - pregnant, unable to move, poorly treated - maybe that's the only way to get the message across - let these offenders experience that kind of life first hand. I can't say enough for people doing the wonderful good deeds they do on behalf of all the other creatures of this planet and I do hope that people will not look upon animal welfare folks as being lunatics - but as true humanitarians, environmentalists truly in tune to the planet as a whole, and as those not stuck in their little boxes where the new 'god' is pieces of paper or slabs of metal called 'dollars and cents' or whatever they may be addressed as in other countries. There is more to life than the senseless murders and abuse and cruelty towards our fellow man and beast and plant. People need to stop the hatred and cruelty - yes, I am against war of any sort - why can't we all learn to get along (and this includes with the other creatures of this planet)? This story was heart breaking yet enlightening and I am so happy to see another person who has taken up the banner of doing something so wonderful and for one of my favorite creatures - the majestic horse. Kudos to Kristen for doing this story - it was well done and got the point across and hopefully opened some eyes to where modern medicine is creating some of our drugs from - the cruelty of these farms - the throw away society we have - how an animal is just an expendible afterthought as long as they can make money -and to Kathleen for being such a saint and helping the PMU horses. Hopefully some day I will be in a position to adopt a horse or two myself - Kathleen, I hope I will make a suitable adoptive parent to a rescued horse or two some day.

Donna
www.geocities.com/dml2000AF/

02/18/06 @ 08:50

Comment from: SHARI [Visitor]

ADOPTION WEBSITE-

pmufoaladoption.org

RIGHT NOW THEY HAVE OLDER BABIES AND FOSTER BABIES AVAILABLE. IN MAY THE BABIES ARE DELIVERED SO THEY WILL HAVE THOSE PICT AVAIL AROUND JUNE???

THIS WEBSITE WILL EXPLAIN EVERYTHING USUALLY YOU CAN PICK YOUR FAVORITE COLOR, BREED HOW BIG THEY SHOULD GET. ALL THAT INFO

THE COST IS USUALLY AROUND $450.PLUS SHIPPING ABOUT $400. (VERY CHEAP)FROM CANADA
IF BOUGHT PRIVATELY THE AVERAGE GOOD HORSE CAN EASILY RUN 10,000.

AS ALWAYS ITS NOT THE PUCHASE PRICE IT IS THE MONTHLY UPKEEP.

02/18/06 @ 09:09

Comment from: Donna [Visitor]

Color or breed doesn't matter to me - just a good bond is all that should matter - unfortunately for myself I'm unemployed and currently back in college switching careers, I can only hope to work out something with someone to maybe do some volunteer work to at least learn the proper ways of keeping horses (feeding, grooming, brushing up on riding skills, etc.) - all important prerequisites to good horse care. I know about keeping animals - big and small - it is a life long commitment and should never be taken on without proper education.

Thank you for the information - I will keep the websites bookmarked and hopefully attend some of the events scheduled in the near future.

02/18/06 @ 10:02

Comment from: Rosalie [Visitor]

Thank you Kristen for this story.
I have never heard of PMU.
I have been taking premarin for 14 years
and never knew how it was made.
When I see my doctor next month I will
request an alternative.
Thank you again.

02/18/06 @ 13:28

Comment from: SHARI [Visitor]

premarin has been known to cause cancer and heart problems in women
YES THERE ARE PLANT BASED DRUGS AVAILABLE
call your doctor asap

02/18/06 @ 17:04

Comment from: Sharyn Wetmore [Visitor]

What a wonderful story! It is a great thing to know there are others out there as dedicated to animals as I am. I have a quarter horse "Sully" who has been my soulmate for 11 years. If you want to feel good about yourself, spend 1 full day with a horse. They can make you think what is really important in this crazy world. Thank you Kathleen for being in the equine world. I am sure you are rewarded everyday of your life.
I live in Hamden and am retired (early) if you need any help with shy horses or training, feel free to call on me. I just love to be amongst them.
Happy Trails....Shar

02/19/06 @ 17:55

Comment from: Kathleen Schurman [Visitor] · http://www.locketsmeadow.com

Thank you, everyone, for your kind words and offers of help. Please email me from our website, www.locketsmeadow.com and I will get back to you. We still have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time for many of these horses. My husband and I continue to be overwhelmed and awed by the response to Kristen's piece. We feel the positive energy generated by her efforts is going to bring us much closer to the conclusion of the production of this out-dated drug, and we look forward to seeing the very last trailer of PMUs pull into our driveway. It will be an amazing day. Thank you.
Kathleen

02/20/06 @ 06:49

Comment from: Samantha [Visitor]

Great work with the story. I hope that it captivated the hearts and interest of many people.

Kathleen, Ernie was absolutely gorgeous! He looked stunning in his new harness.

02/20/06 @ 19:00

Comment from: Kathy Monroe [Visitor]

What is a double shame to me is that these horses even need to be rescued from slaughter in the first place. There is legislation in some states that research animals cannot be summarily executed but that every attempt must be made to place them appropriately, e.g., dogs in companion homes. I think providing for these horses, if they are used in this way, should be required of the manufacturers. Will it make the drug cost more? Probably, but these mares are paying with their lives.

02/21/06 @ 17:25

Comment from: CAROL [Visitor] · http://VISITOR

When my mother was going through her menapause years ago. She took no drugs as many of the other old timers. Deal with it she said. When I experienced what she was going through I said if she can do it so can I. Women are strong creatures and they should try and deal with it, just like we have to deal with other setbacks and pain in life. So if more women deal with it, we won't need premarin or other drugs and we won't need to make poor innocent horses suffer for us.
Think about it ladies.
Thanks for having a blog so some of us can vent like this, CAROL
ps---- MARRIED LIFE MUST AGREE WITH YOU, LATELY YOU LOOK SO MUCH PRETTIER AND HAPPIER THAN BEFORE.

02/22/06 @ 14:37

Comment from: Julie Vasaturo [Visitor] · http://http:

Kristen: What a wonderful piece on the PMU horses. I have the joy of owning a 3 yr old PMU mare "Springing up Jazzmine" that my husband and daughter gave me for my birthday. I am a nurse and every opportunity I get, I tell women about the "dark side" of Premarin and have argued with my doctors because I will not write a prescription for it. I applaud Kathleen and her attempts to save these mares and foals and hope to have another PMU foal some day. Keep up the great work!

02/28/06 @ 16:44

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