The Ontario Livestock Exchange (OLEX) is a well-known auction house in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. It is often regarded as a crucial point in the journey for many horses – even those from riding stables. Unfortunately, when these horses no longer serve the purpose of making money for their owners, they are sent to auctions, where their fate hangs in the balance. Many wind up in the hands of “kill buyers”—people who purchase horses for slaughter.
Horses that have spent their lives in riding lessons or as trail horses are often elderly, injured, or suffering from chronic health conditions by the time they are discarded. These animals are left vulnerable – despite the fact that they have given their bodies and souls to the benefit of others. This sad reality is all too common for horses like Abby, my second blind mare who was rescued from OLEX in terrible condition.
Abby’s Story: From Riding School to Auction House
Abby is a sweet and gentle mare who I strongly suspect spent her earlier years teaching children how to ride. She has what I call “riding horse vibes” in that she’s calm, patient and almost nothing phases her. I’m pretty sure a bomb could go off next to her and she’d say “hmm – I wonder what that was?” Unfortunately, I think Abby’s fate took a turn because she was no longer financially viable for her owner. By the time she ended up at OLEX, Abby was blind in both eyes due to a condition called chronic uveitis. Although this condition is very painful while it’s in its active phase (my first blind horse Apple actually had her eye removed because we could not manage her pain) eventually if left untreated, the eyes shrink up and stop being painful. This is the state Abby was found in. Both eyes were small and shrunken and she was totally blind in both. Abby was clearly in a vulnerable position and instead of being offered love in her twilight years, she was sent to auction and put at risk of being purchased by a kill buyer.
OLEX: A Pipeline to Slaughter
OLEX is often considered a “pipeline” to slaughter for many horses. As a central auction for the region, it attracts various buyers, including those looking for horses to send to slaughter. Rescue groups across Ontario try their best to monitor OLEX to rescue horses from such a fate, but the demand for saving horses outweighs the resources available. Horses like Abby often arrive severely malnourished and in desperate need of medical attention.
“Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.”
— Bill Watterson
A Connection Between the Blind Ladies
I was contacted regarding Abby by the group who rescued her and 2 other horses from OLEX. They knew I already had a blind mare (Apple) so they asked me if I would be willing to adopt Abby. I jumped at the opportunity in part because I knew Apple was having trouble bonding with the “meanies” in my herd (aka Billy and Taz). As luck would have it, the connection between Abby and Apple was essentially immediate. When Abby arrived, Apple immediately sensed her and was naturally drawn to her. In fact, Apple and Abby became inseparable. It was as though the two blind mares knew they were kindred spirits.
The Deserved Retirement of a Lifelong Teacher
Abby’s story is a reminder of the many horses who are discarded when they are no longer needed. These horses, many of whom have spent their entire lives helping children build confidence, form connections with the animal kingdom, and experience the joy of riding, often end up at auction houses where they face a tragic future. It is crucial that as a society, we remember the service these horses have provided and recognize the need for them to have dignified and happy retirements.
Watching Abby live out her twilight years in safety and comfort, alongside her companion Apple, has been a joy. Abby now gets to enjoy her life without the stress of work or the pressure of making money for others. After all, she has more than earned it financially.