The
horses Thompson’s rescue group saved are known as PMU horses.
PMU stands for pregnant mare’s urine, used to produce estrogen
for the most popular drug in the United States to treat menopausal
symptoms–Premarin.
To
capture mares’ urine for production of the drug, thousands
of mares stand in narrow stalls for months on end with collection
devices strapped to them. The stalls are deliberately narrow
to
prevent the pregnant mares from turning or lying down and
detaching the collection cups. Water intake may be restricted
to concentrate the estrogen in their urine, which can lead
to swollen legs, sore hooves and other health problems.
Many
of these mares get little or no exercise for the six months
they are forced to stand in the barns. And once they deliver
their foals, they get a brief turnout to pasture with a stallion
to get pregnant
again.
In
recent years, publicity about the terrible conditions these
horses endure has brought about some change within the drug
industry. New drugs made from plants are becoming more popular,
and many PMU production facilities are being closed down.
The result, however, is a larger than usual inventory of PMU
horses on the market, and to date thousands have gone to slaughter.
Thompson
said each rescued horse “cost about $600 to ship plus between
$500 and $1000 to
purchase, depending on age and condition.”
Some
are registered Quarter Horses. Most have good breeding lines
on their papers, stated Thompson. “The owners got smart about
breeding horses people would want so they could sell the foals,”
she explained.
Her
goal is to gentle these horses to the point they can be put
into good homes.
“Most
are going to be pretty wild when we get them. They haven’t
ever been ridden and will need some time to be gentled to
the point they can be handled,” she said. “We’re not looking
to
make a profit when we sell these horses, but just recoup what
we have invested so we can continue
to rescue more horses.”
Thompson
has been rescuing horses, birds and dogs for the last five
years.
“Just
this last year we got nonprofit status to allow us to get
tax deductible donations. We could sure use some donations
to keep these horses fed,” she related.
“We
are also looking for volunteers to help out with watering,
grooming, and walking the babies. I tend to do the feeding
myself, as I want to keep a close handle on what these horses
are getting so as to keep them healthy,” said Thompson. “Anyone
who loves horses has to be touched by the lives these mares
have endured. We just want to give them a happy life now.”
The
ranch is located off New River Road near 15th Avenue. For
more information or to assist,
call (623) 910‑6530.
