Unwanted

Discover the hidden world behind America's horse population crisis—and the brave efforts to save the ones left behind. In Unwanted: The Causes and Effects of America’s Horse Population Crisis, equestrian journalist and lifelong horsewoman Christina Keim delivers a compassionate, fact-based investigation into one of the most complex and divisive issues facing the equine world today. Every year, tens of thousands of horses—racehorses past their prime, foals who didn’t meet expectations, elderly Amish cart horses, and backyard companions—become “unwanted.” Their stories differ, but their fate is often the same: auction houses, neglect, or slaughter pipelines leading to Canada, Mexico, and beyond. With firsthand reporting and poignant storytelling, Keim takes readers to the front lines of the crisis: livestock auctions, rescue operations, and therapy centers where horses get a second chance. She interviews veterinarians, shelter leaders, lawmakers, and welfare advocates to separate myth from reality, challenging us to examine the cultural and economic forces behind overbreeding, poor rehoming practices, and widespread resource shortages. Most of all, she amplifies the voices of those working tirelessly to reshape how we view and care for these extraordinary animals. Inside you'll discover: Real-world insights from rescues, auctions, and equine therapy centers across the U.S.The truth behind the slaughter pipeline—and the horses who fall into it The devastating toll of overbreeding and economic neglect Interviews with experts and advocates on the front lines of equine welfare A compelling call to reimagine the horse’s role in modern America Any horse, but for a change in circumstance, can become unwanted. This is their story—and ours.