Here in Norway, people gang up in two different camps on eating horses. I have enjoyed a few horse steaks myself, and see only rights and no wrongs in that. How about you AR forumists, what do yoy think about horse for main course, and do you have any good tricks in store for tendering the meat?

The zebra I've had was excellent. doubt I could find a butcher to do a horse for me.

Most of those that I'd have relegated to slaughter were so sorry, ornery, and tough that I feel sure whoever did try to consume them probably choked.

It is a good point though. In most countries, when they get a POS, they eat it. Here, if it's a mare, we breed it instead. Especially now that the slaughter ban is in effect.

can you have a horse,and eat it ,too?

Not this cowboy. Probably get me divorced, if I even suggested it. My concern with eating horse meat is that, unlike most animals destined for the dinner table, horses end up there, as a sideline, which means the regulations concerning medication residues are meaningless and a lot of medications used on horses are not intended for animals, consumed as human food. A lot of thes animals have unknown histories, so there's no way to know
Grizz

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Adams:
Not this cowboy. Probably get me divorced, if I even suggested it. My concern with eating horse meat is that, unlike most animals destined for the dinner table, horses end up there, as a sideline, which means the regulations concerning medication residues are meaningless and a lot of medications used on horses are not intended for animals, consumed as human food. A lot of thes animals have unknown histories, so there's no way to know
Grizz

That's a point I would have never considered. (I meant the meds, not the divorce )Very interesting point for American (and Canadian) animals I guess...

From time to time I've suggested to my wife that we use the meat from our horses rather than send them to slaughter but she'll have no part of it. I've even suggested that the meat could be used for dog food - again, just a stern glare from my wife. Also, I think horsehide would make great leather.

quote:

Originally posted by namibiahunter:
Also, I think horsehide would make great leather.

Plenty of WWII aviators would agree with you as Horsehide was the original A2 jacket material.

I've not eaten one of my horses but have tried it in restaurants outside the USA. Tastes like meat to me. I have no problem eating it.

We are cutting up another one tomorrow. We generally butcher 3-4 per year for our family's use.

Select your live horses as you would a beef. People are giving away good 2-3 year olds that are untrained. They just cannot afford the expensive hay for them. We get them for free, fatten them during the summer & fall on grass, then butcher them during the late fall & winter.

They make good hamburger, steaks, and roasts. We even process great sausage from them. The meat is perfect for jerky.

We are very glad so many of our friends still are within their "square box" mindset and we can get all we want for free.

The Europeans are right on this one when they declared it a delicacy. And it's free here instead of costing $15-18/pound.

Jerry

When I met my wife, on our second date she took me out to the barn where her horse was. She wanted to show off and headed out on the trail, with me walking behind, watching her ass on the horse's ass.

Little did I know that she'd never ridden the trail before. She's a show jumper, has ridden her whole life in arenas and only decided to head out on the trail to impress Mr. Outdoors.

About 45 min. later, with me continuing to bop along behind, paying attention to her butt and not paying any attention to where we were going, she pulls up and says "I don't know where we are..." It was coming onto dusk by that point.

I took a couple of minutes to reconnoiter, and said "The barn's thataway!" Problem was, thataway was straight through a mess of thornbushes and across some wire fences where we couldn't take the horse.

While I was getting our bearings, I said to her "I've got a lighter and a knife in my pocket. If worse comes to worse, and we have to spend the night, we can always eat the horse!"

I started backtracking and had us back at the barn in an hour. Of course, I was a hero, and she had to marry me then.

I'm not opposed to trying a horse steak. If I was in Europe and it was on the menu, I'd probably give it a try.

But I don't think I'd eat a horse that had been my companion on many a trail ride for past 10-15 years.

That said, I keep telling my wife that I have invested wisely in food storage on the hoof.

I'm not sure why Americans are so squemish when it comes to eating horse? I've traveled all over the world and eaten things I consider much worse than horse.

quote:

I'm not sure why Americans are so squemish when it comes to eating horse? I've traveled all over the world and eaten things I consider much worse than horse.

Because in recent times...we are being governed by idiots. It has not always been that way!

Have eaten horse meat and like many here;
many other meat varieties.

That said,
at the rate at which the persecution ( and prosecution ) of animal cruelty accusees is escalating;

I doubt you could find a commercial meat packing operation (in Texas at least) that would risk taking the job EVEN if the owner killed the horse.

Any inkling of involvement could have both financial and legal ramifcations.

Texas , not too long ago had several flourishing operations that sent meat overseas and made dog food for the domestic market.

No more.

We are even seeing variations in cruelty laws from county to county and prosecutor to prosecutor (and judge to judge.)

My family rasied many horses. We sold many and culled many . It was a way of life. It was a legitimate buisness that had the less
desirables utilized in a manner that at least if not profitable,minimzed loss.

Now you have huge fines and confiscations going on over "Horrible conditions" if a rib shows a bit or perfectly dry stalls are not found.

Collectively we have lost our way, our property rights and our liberty with respect to "pet" animals.



You almost cannot give away some horses and donkeys today.

Today--,
in the current climate,
If,
I killed an animal considered by many to be in the "pet" category

and butchered it or didn't butcher it (horse, mule donkey,monkey, dog, cat etc)

I would certainly not publicise that fact that I chose to kill myself:
rather than have it "put down" by a vet .


By the way have you read of the exodus of poultry farmers from Kalifornia due to the new regulations??


http://npaper-wehaa.com/wlj/kt...Dz62/#?article=86772

Had horse a couple times in the Western USA,, was pretty good

quote:

Originally posted by DuggaBoye:
Have eaten horse meat and like many here;
many other meat varieties.

That said,
at the rate at which the persecution ( and prosecution ) of animal cruelty accusees is escalating;

I doubt you could find a commercial meat packing operation (in Texas at least) that would risk taking the job EVEN if the owner killed the horse.

Any inkling of involvement could have both financial and legal ramifcations.

Texas , not too long ago had several flourishing operations that sent meat overseas and made dog food for the domestic market.

No more.

We are even seeing variations in cruelty laws from county to county and prosecutor to prosecutor (and judge to judge.)

My family rasied many horses. We sold many and culled many . It was a way of life. It was a legitimate buisness that had the less
desirables utilized in a manner that at least if not profitable,minimzed loss.

Now you have huge fines and confiscations going on over "Horrible conditions" if a rib shows a bit or perfectly dry stalls are not found.

Collectively we have lost our way, our property rights and our liberty with respect to "pet" animals.



You almost cannot give away some horses and donkeys today.

Today--,
in the current climate,
If,
I killed an animal considered by many to be in the "pet" category

and butchered it or didn't butcher it (horse, mule donkey,monkey, dog, cat etc)

I would certainly not publicise that fact that I chose to kill myself:
rather than have it "put down" by a vet .


By the way have you read of the exodus of poultry farmers from Kalifornia due to the new regulations??


http://npaper-wehaa.com/wlj/kt...Dz62/#?article=86772

It never ceases to amaze me how these animal rights douchebags are allowed to pick and choose which ones to protect. Wolves are better than the calves they rip to shreds, horses are better than the steer slaughtered to feed them at their conventions. They're the biggest hypocrites.....and most have psychotic tendencies.

I always ask the veg-heads why plants do better when they're spoken to.....and if that's the case then don't they have feelings too? Do they think about the lettuce's feelings when slashing through it with a knife?

And no, I've not had the chance to eat horse.

never have eat a horse but I wouldnt be above it.

The B.L.M. collects between 7500 and 12000 horses per year off public land here in the U.S. They sell a few each year for pets . The U.S. government has about 30,000 in holding pens that no one wonts and the laws do not allow them to be sold for food. It takes about 30 pounds of hay per day to feed each horse . WHAT A WASTE,when the horses could be processed for food

quote:

Originally posted by bracer:
The B.L.M. collects between 7500 and 12000 horses per year off public land here in the U.S. They sell a few each year for pets . The U.S. government has about 30,000 in holding pens that no one wonts and the laws do not allow them to be sold for food. It takes about 30 pounds of hay per day to feed each horse . WHAT A WASTE,when the horses could be processed for food

Years ago I participayed in BLM bounty hunts for wild Burros--

They were severely damaging the land where they were feral.

Just imagine the hue and cry now if that pratice were to be reinstituted!!!

Nope. Horses are for Riding or Working, not eating. However, in a Survival Situation, Yes, Absolutely. As I would my wife, Uncle, or anyone else, if I was HUNGRY enough. I'd always Feel Bad about it, though.
KY Jim

yup it taste great, and usually it is real tender and nice.
I just cant bring myself to eat my own stock though, but have no problem with eating other peoples horses.

best

peter

quote:

Originally posted by bracer:
The B.L.M. collects between 7500 and 12000 horses per year off public land here in the U.S. They sell a few each year for pets . The U.S. government has about 30,000 in holding pens that no one wonts and the laws do not allow them to be sold for food. It takes about 30 pounds of hay per day to feed each horse . WHAT A WASTE,when the horses could be processed for food

Anyone can explain the reason for the goverment ban the use of horse meat???

STIG

In the US, liberals and animal rights wackjobs emotionally look at horses as "pets" rather than livestock. My state Senator Mary Landrieu (though I hate having to claim her) added the slaughter ban to the Iraqi war funding bill 2 or 3 years back. Now they are shipped to Mexico instead (though that too may have been outlawed by now) where the slaughter conditions are of course much less sanitary and humane.... I've personally seen a video of them putting chains around a horses back legs while another guys slits the throat. They hoist and begin skinning the poor animal while it is still alive, but bleeding out. That is the solution to unwanted horses provided by those with "good intentions" and no sense.

As a person in the horse business, I can't tell you how badly this BS has hurt horses in general here, and the lower end ones the most. The slaughter price has always set the floor for the horse market. If a 1000 lb. horse was worth 60 cents/lb for slaughter, or $600, then one that was healthy and would ride even a little was certainly worth more. Now I'm seeing some go for less than $100. Now people who have always wanted a horse, but have no clue as to their needs or care can buy one very cheap and the animal deteriorates quickly. How much would you invest in feed and care for something you paid that little for? This is truly a bad situation for us and certainly for all the unwanted horses who are now lacking for food and care.

Stuff like ban on horse meat makes me wonder about the sanity on some people. It relay gets to me. how can they possible be so stupid. Not that I want to eat a lot of horse meat, but a ban just dont make sense.

STIG

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:

quote:

Originally posted by namibiahunter:
Also, I think horsehide would make great leather.

Plenty of WWII aviators would agree with you as Horsehide was the original A2 jacket material.

Similar in "Feel" and softness to goatskin but three times as thick and much more durable.
You CAN still get an A2 flight jacket in either material, but getting one in horsehide just about triples the price. (Avirex sells them)

As for eating a horse? I love all creatures great and small... if properly cooked.

You cannot buy horsemeat anywhere I know of in the US for human consumption, however those along the eastern end of the border with Canada
can drive into Quebec and get some...
I've actually seen it in a grocery store in Sherbrooke, I didn't get any to try only because I didn't have a cooler to transport it home in and also wasn't sure about taking it across the border....

AD

I've eaten some questionable beef in Mexico that I am sure was horse or worse.

Before the insanity over the "wild" horses...feral horses...we used to go out and pop a young mustang in the head and take out the lions and round. It was excellent and as good as most elk I have eaten.

My dad called it "long-tailed elk"...

I was taking to a BLM employee last week and also found info on the inter net : IT COSTING $ 100,000 per day to take care of the horses that no one wonts. The BLM is also takeing care of about 190 groups of feral horses in ten western states. There is a piolt program where the Feds will pay $ 500 to take a 4 Yr or older horse off teir hands.Visit www.wildhorseandburro.gov Per the 2009 National Adoption Schedule the BLM hauled feral horse to 67 diferent sites accros the US to get rid of about 3,500 horses. The BLMs last years budget for takeing care of horses was $ 64 million. Should you like to get more info call BLM 866-468-7826

No, and I don't eat my children either.

Rich

I've never eaten horse meat. Would I try it sometime? Sure. I've owned ALOT of horses, mostly rodeo or rope horses. Some I loved and could tell that they had an honest affection for me. BUT, there were some that I would have enjoyed tieing them to a tree, hamstring them, and watch the coyotes have fresh horse meat. JC

Rich, we have 100# of salami cooking/smoking at the moment. Will bring you down a small stick to try if you want it mid-month. Bet you couldn't tell it from any other meat if you didn't know ahead of time.

Jerry

Jerry,

Deal! Did I tell you I sold the RemBai 45-70 to partially finance a Sercy DR in .470 NE? Yep, and I just made a deal to trade my CZ 404J and some boot for a Chapuis 9,3x74R. When you coming down?

Rich

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Jerry brought me some equine salami and sausage last night. The salami was good!

I had Trigger's great-great-granddaughter for snacks...

Rich

Rich,

What an visit!!! Sid was dazzled by your 9.3x74R Chapuis. I have a feeling one is in her future sometime.

We are also eager to hear your report on the sausage.

Also starting to cure 39# of "equine" jerky. today. The lean red meat is perfect for it.

Will try to get some to you before your safari.

Thanks again for the hospitality!!
Jerry

Judge Jerry,
Just curious how you go about slaughtering and butchering. Is it an old gray mare, out behind your barn sort of thing, or have you found a place that'll take care of it for you?

I can buy thoroughbred rejects for less than $100 and donkeys for $10 right now. May just get one and stock the freezer. Would have to feed the TB for a bit and let all the stuff they pump 'em full of get out of their system first of course.
I think I'd get a helluva kick out of having a big BBQ and then telling everyone they had just feasted on burro.

On a related note, one of the cutting horse owners I know had some of his other big wig buddies over for some good Southern Vittles. He served them chitterlings as a joke, knowing that none of this crowd would have a clue what they were eating. After they finished eating he told them what it was. Keep in mind that his peer group are multi-multi-millionaires, and families who have major stakes in major corporations. As a kicker, he added whole kernel corn to the chitterlings.

and what did his friends say after he told them?

I can only imagine, but this guy is well known for his fun loving ways.

daniel77,

We live out in a pretty rural area in central Idaho, so have more flexibility than one living near people.

First of all, we select the horse for the purpose--the last two we butchered were a 3 & 4 year old in good "meaty" condition. One had a habit of rearing over backwards anytime he wanted to get his way. The other was a kicker and pretty dangerous to be around. These two were for our personal family & friends consumption.

Next, we slaughter them here on the place and use the tractor to hang & handle them. You can really keep them clean with the tractor. We will quarter and bag them, then let them hang under a shed for 7-10 days depending on the temperature to tenderize.

We bone the meat so we aren't tainting the flavor with bone grime. We also cut out all the fat. The meat doesn't marble like beef so the fat is easy to remove.

The tender cuts go to steaks, roasts. The other to hamburger.

Two ways to do the hamburger--10# lean meat to 1# beef fat; or the same ratio of lean to pork fat. We have also made gourmet burger by using 10# lean to 1-1.5# bacon ends/bits.

The sausage is generally the same ratio only with seasoning.

The salami is about 1.5-1.8# fat to 10# lean.

I am smoking 39# of jerky today. That is labor intensive. I use apple chips that we chipped from a Fugi apple tree for the jerky.

The meat is red and looks just like elk/moose. Once the hide is off you would never be able to distinguish it from any other lean red meated animal.

Commercial packing house are hesitant to get involved. To much potential negative pressures also some USDA restrictions.

We also take several "culls" and cut them up for dog food. Really supplements the commercial dog food well.

Like I said, we are rural. The wolves came into the field and cleaned up the entrails from the last one.

The idea isn't for everyone, but it all sure works for us. Some of our kids are out of work with the economy as it is, they love the opportunity to still eat well. My wife & I love the healthy aspect of controlling the fat and processing.

Wish you were closer and I could share some with you.

Jerry

Jerry,

cooked the sausage the next morning, and had about half of it thrown with a skillet of fresh grated hash browns and three scrambled eggs.
Marvelous!! Lorene and I had the rest today for an evening Sloppy Joe mix meal. She liked it, but I am afraid to tell her what it was. She's also been "nibbling" on the salami. Same result.
I think I'll wait until I get on the plane the 8th and then send her an Email. That'll give her two weeks to calm down before I get back!

If I die as a result of this, I am NOT! leaving you and Syd either of the Double Rifles in my will. But, Lorene is going to have one heckuva yard sale the next weekend...

Rich