However, individual owners aren’t the only ones contributing to the problem of unwanted horses. The over breeding of horses has helped produce this oversupply, as well as the commercial programs involving mares and foals. There are many responsible breeders who pay strict attention to the genetic qualities they want to pass on to their foals, and these breeders generally produce healthy horses that live long, productive lives.
       Unfortunately, there are also breeders who produce genetically weak animals that are harder to sell and have very little value other than being a family pet. There are many breeders of competitive horses – racehorses, jumpers, cutting horses, etc. - whose goal is to produce the next champion of their sport. Inevitably, some of these fall short of greatness and are unknowingly sent to auctions from where they end up killed.
       The mistreatment of mares used for surrogates and the foals they must abandon (Nurse Mare Foals) causes great concern among horse lovers. Other mares are kept pregnant so their urine can be harvested for the drug companies, and their foals (PMU Foals) add to the population of unwanted horses. So while it may be easy to blame amateur horse owners for our overpopulation problem, professionals also play their part.

       Horse auctions are a vital piece of the industry, and many people have been served well by buying and selling horses in this manner. The history of the horse in America is rich with stories and experiences from different auctions, and many today – such as the Keeneland yearling sale - are significant events in the industry.
       However, auctions are the major suppliers for kill buyers, and many horses sold at auction end up being loaded into stock trailers and driven straight to the slaughterhouse. It is important that horse owners clearly understand what might happen to a horse sold at auction, and also to understand that there are better ways to find another home for an unwanted horse.