DR. BEROZA SPEAKS TO NASSAU-SUFFOLK HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
“The Good, the Bad and the Controversial” was the subject matter discussed by Dr. Gregory A. Beroza at a Nassau-Suffolk Horsemen’s Association meeting Nov. 2, 2011 at Old Bethpage Village. Dr. Beroza, founder and Director of the Long Island Equine Medical Center in Huntington Station, N.Y., set aside medical topics in favor of discussing current issues that affect horse lovers both on Long Island and nationwide. His views reflected the goals of the N.S.H.A., a 501C charitable, educational and service organization dedicated to addressing the concerns of local horsemen since 1967.
- 2011-11.02 NSHA President Denise Speizio and Dr. G. Beroza
The “Good” is the fact that horses are now living longer and healthier lives. The “Bad” elements are the lack of mutual support amongst members of local equestrian communities and the subsequent disservice often done by well-meaning horse owners, such as taking their horses to the veterinarian too late; a problem that Dr. Beroza has sadly experienced in his practice.
The “Controversial” centered on topics recently addressed by Dr. Beroza in articles and blogs co-authored with Paula Rodenas, a well respected equestrian journalist, and including the Carriage Horses of New York City and the disposition of unwanted or aging horses. As there are no longer slaughter houses in the United States, horses are subsequently being shipped to Mexico and Canada, often under terrible conditions. With retirement facilities overflowing and philanthropic funds becoming scarce, Dr. Beroza noted that humane euthanasia is more often becoming the best solution and is the responsibility of the owner.
Although Mayor Bloomberg is in favor of keeping carriage horses inManhattan, many animal activists have launched protests. TV personality Bob Barker recently went to Washington, D.C. to argue for abolishing the use of all exotic animals in traveling circuses. Rodeo has also been criticized; yet carriage and rodeo horses provide income for their owners in keeping with the horse’s long history as a working animal.
During a lively discussion period, education, conservation and promotion were emphasized, as well as the need for horsemen of multiple disciplinary interests to work together. “We should all bond together to help each other stay in business and support the horse industry,” said Dr. Beroza. Among the people in the audience were Denise Speizio (NSHA President); Frank Bradford (NSHA Past-President & Troop Commander of the Rough Rider Calvary Mounted Unit); Kathleen Kleinman, President of the Muttontown Horsemen’s Association; Jerry Trapani, President of the Paumonak Driving Club; Susan Harvey, District Commissioner of the Meadowbrook Hounds Pony Club; and, many other enthusiastic horse and stable owners, and NSHA committee members.
To learn more about some of the “Controversial” issues in Dr. Beroza’s lecture and see other related articles and YouTube videos, please visit the Blogsite of the website www.HorseDoc.com or contact Dr. Beroza via Email horsedoc@horsedoc.com or call 631/427-2213. For information about the Nassau Suffolk Horsemen’s Association, visit www.nshaonline.org. For information about the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, call 516-572-8400.
-see accompanying photo of Denise Speizio, NSHA President & Dr. Gregory Beroza
Posted in General Interest
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November 22nd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Recently traveled to L.I. north fork on a wine tasting tour and happened upon a winery that is also involved in saving horses from needless slaughter. They talked about the number of horses sent to Mexico and Canada for slaughter and how they are desperately trying to save them. I think it was the Johnson Winery, but am not sure. I’m so happy to hear you are fighting the good fight for these innocent and beautiful creatures. Also hope all is well with your family. Have a great Thanksgiving.
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Thanks for your thoughtful, caring, humanistic concerns and generous comments. The welfare of horses is my primary interest and that of my readers. The subject is complex in that horses can live a potential average of 30 something years, and they don’t function at optimal athletic levels toward the second 1/2 or 1/3 of those years. Owners should seriously recognize the longevity of their commitment to these magnificent animals. It is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in these trying economic times, to secure philanthropic support to properly fund our presently over-subscribed adoption facilities. Furthermore, since slaughter of horses has been banned from this country, the only relief left is to send these horses to neighboring Mexico and Canada where slaughter is still allowed. Therefore, humane destruction by necessity has become a more appropriate option. There is no perfect solution and the passionate debate continues…. Thanks for your sincere comments. Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family & all the readers!
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:31 pm
Thanks for your thoughtful, caring, humanistic concerns and generous comments. The welfare of horses is my primary interest and that of my readers. The subject is complex in that horses can live a potential average of 30 something years, and they don’t function at optimal athletic levels toward the second 1/2 or 1/3 of those years. Owners should seriously recognize the longevity of their commitment to these magnificent animals. It is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in these trying economic times, to secure philanthropic support to properly fund our presently over-subscribed adoption facilities. Furthermore, since slaughter of horses has been banned from this country, the only relief left is to send these horses to neighboring Mexico and Canada where slaughter is still allowed. Therefore, humane destruction by necessity has become a more appropriate option. There is no perfect solution and the passionate debate continues…. Thanks for your sincere comments. Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family & all the readers!