The website http://www.texashorsehunts.com has outraged horse lovers worldwide. But are they “beating a dead horse”? Because the site is a joke.
Hunting horses with sticks, cross bows or firearms! The website http://www.texashorsehunts.com has sparked outrage across the U.S. by its promise to offer big game horse hunters the chance to bag themselves some equines.
More than 5,000 signatures were gathered on a petition to stop this inhumane practice. Some of the comments include:
“This is absolutely disgusting”
“Just how mentally ill are these people?!”
“This is so cruel and barbaric! God help those beautiful animal. And an even bigger prayer for those glorifying killing them….pathetic humans!”
Most of the website has been taken down. I’ve reconstructed some of it below.
From the Home page
The photo on the home page, which was the catalyst for much of the outrage, is indeed a photo of a dead horse. But it was taken from the blog Rogues Gallery Kennel Blog, a chronicle of life with sled dogs. The horse died of natural causes and was butchered as food for the dogs. This was posted back in 2009 and it was used without the permission of the rightful owner.
If you’ve dreamed of big game horse hunting in Texas and are interested in a superior, top quality, exciting and successful horse hunting experience, join Texas Horse Hunt Expeditions,LLC and Master Guide Tom D. Welderman IV on your next horse hunt adventure.
You’ll enjoy some of the most dynamic and beautiful wilderness in the world! We guide areas within National Wildlife Refuges and receive the finest guiding expertise, personal service and attention to detail found anywhere.
I’m a guide because I love horse hunting, Texas, the outdoors and because I enjoy sharing these things with other humans who appreciate what horse hunts have to offer. Our goal, aside from helping you harvest a magnificent trophy horse, is to share with you this incredible state and all that it has to offer. When you leave one of our camps as a friend, we want you to take home fond lifetime memories of your horse hunt experience. The quality of your horse and your whole experience is my primary concern. We are not narcissistic; your hunt with us is not about us but about you and your horse. This is your horse hunt and we want to help fulfill all of your expectations.
Our horses are some of the finest equine specimens imported from all over the world or from local breeders. Many are organic and grass-fed. You will have the option of killing your horse traditionally (with a stick) by cross bow or by firearm of your choice. All horse meats will be processed at our facilites, so you will never get horse blood on your hands (unless otherwise desired) and that is A HORSE HUNT GUARANTEE!
The History of Horse Hunting
Horse hunting has a long and storied tradition. Its roots can be traced back to the middle ages when horses were believed to be unlucky and to spread disease. Over time the stigma was lifted and horse hunting became a favorite pass-time activity for many European elites. With the expansion of the British empire, horse hunting was spread as a tradition throughout the world. King Henry the VIII was well renowned for his enthusiasm of horse hunting. He thought horse hunting by traditional means (like sword and crossbow) as too easy and instituted a policy of horse hunting exclusively by club. Many contemporary horse hunters still uphold this tradition. King Henry VIII is often depicted beating a horse to death with a stick, deriving the idiom “beating a dead horse” (shown above). Horse hunting was stopped during WWII as horse meat was used as rations in the war effort. It is estimated that as much as 6 million pounds of horse meat was consumed by allied and axis troops between 1939 and 1945. Horse hunting declined in popularity during the latter half of the 20th century due to unfair criticism by the counterculture movement of the 1960’s and was even outlawed in some states. During the 1980’s horse hunting began to regain popularity due mainly to the “Back to the Future” films who’s lead actor was a vocal supporter of the sport. Today horse hunting continues to be enjoyed by big game hunters and families alike. It is an honor and privilege to bring the tradition of horse hunting to you!
So, while there certainly are plenty of horse-related issues that are worth the outrage, this is not one of them. Save your anger for the BLM horse round ups . . . the people who sell emaciated and/or old horses on Craig’s list, and the pseudo horse rescues who are scamming well-meaning horse lovers. After all, there’s no point in beating a dead horse.
2 thoughts on “Texas “Horse Hunts” debunked as a prank”
Stories like this make it hard to hit the “like” button, even though I like that you are reporting on it, and that it is an untrue story. Strikes me as very sick people, to have put this up as true, on a site. Scary world at times.
Stories like this make it hard to hit the “like” button, even though I like that you are reporting on it, and that it is an untrue story. Strikes me as very sick people, to have put this up as true, on a site. Scary world at times.
Yea! I came to your site after comming accross the dead horse pic.Found it distubing!