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Drought presents challenges for southern U.S. horse owners

The past few years have been challenging for many horse owners, what with a depressed economy, high hay prices and low demand for horses.  And the situation seems to be even tougher this year, especially in the southern U.S., which is experiencing one of its worst droughts on record.

Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension equine specialist Dave Freeman says hay supplies are available in many parts of Oklahoma, but finding it and affording it are two different issues.  He says transportation costs to move hay into the state from northern and eastern states easily double the cost of hay from its value in the field in those states.

Freeman says many horse owners face tough decisions—but he admits there are no easy answers.

AUDIO: Dave Freeman (3:00 MP3)

  • This couldn’t happen at a worse time. So many people having trouble caring for their horses and it only makes it worse. Hard to think of how many horses – and people – are suffering.

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