I am beginning to see that allot of people posting here have never frequented the horse auctions and do not realize what shape most of these animals arrive in. Most are neglected, abused, underweight, and have infections whether interal or external. Not what I would call quality food. I grew up eating horse meat on occasion so I do not have a problem with that, but now that I am older and understand that all food should be treated humanely and be well taken care of up to the point of slaughter. I use to raise Black Angus and they had all the pasture they could eat. This is how I want my dinner to start out, healthy, happy and free. I have a problem because I know that this is not the way these horses were treated that find their way to auctions. I buy local meats as much as possible. I go to the local farmers and buy pork, beef, etc. I raise my own chickens for eggs. I want to know that my food was healthy and happy and not sick or mistreated.