Mans history is littered with the exploitation of horses and it still happens even in the most 'noble' of places and families. I have rescued many close to death through ignorance or exploitation for economic gain - a very sad situation in rich western country. I am more able to cope with this issue when there are few alternatives in third world countries. I support the Brooke Hospitals who do a marvelous job in care and education there.

And every one said, 'If we only live,
We too will go to sea in a Sieve,---
To the hills of the Chankly Bore!'
Far and few, far and few, Are the lands where the Jumblies live;
Their heads are green, and their hands are blue, And they went to sea in a Sieve.

Edward Lear
http://www.nonsenselit.org/Lear/ns/jumblies.html