New-York tribune., 1900-09-02
A HOME FOR AGED HORSES.
THE EorJINE PROVIDENT SOCIETY'S
BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION AT
NORTHPORT

working days. The society was formed and
duly incorporated only few weeks ago by IL
c. Karpenstein, a well known Brooklyn real
estate DEALER with him associated Charles
Schroeder and other men. The society has pur-
chased the Wheeler estate at Northport, Long
Island, for its farm which old horses are to
Craze out their lives in comfort. The grounds
cover forty-five acres and are In every way
suited for the purpose. There is plenty OF
grass, running water and shade. The buildings
are large and comfortable, and will be added to
as the number of horses increases. Students OF
the subject say that the horse likes to look at
a pleasant landscape, and the farm Will oner
sufficient opportunity for that. commanding, as
# does from its uphill slope. a fine view of the
Sound. 1t would be a desirable place for more
fastdOus lovers of landscape than horses. over
all this George Bishop has charge. This man
knows all that can possibly be required about
a horse in its normal condition. For the animals
when they are sick there will be medical atten-
tion which Mr.. Schroeder has volunteered to
give free OF charge.
Mr.. Karpenstein has always had to do with
horses, and has for them sincere affection
and sympathy. He realizes the unfortunate con-
dition of the majority of horses when they be-
come too old to be of service to their masters.
One of two fates awaits them. They are either
sold to some one who will not, in ali probability,
give them the attention to which they have
been accustomed or they are taken out and shot.
The latter course is, a rule. the more merci-
ful of the two but It is not that is willingly
adopted Most people feel, and rightly, that II
a horse has been a faithful servant he should
not be cast aside as soon as his value begins to
decline. But there is. for city people, the prob
lem of what to do with the old friend. To board
him will cost probably not less than $40
month in a livery stable and even so the animal
is hardly we'll placed. An old horse needs grass
and sunshine and freedom, and under present
conditions it is practically impossible for city
people Of ordinary means to give him these
benefits no matter how willing the owner may
be- There are many horses, and Mr.. Karpen-
stein knows more than one. which have been
good racehorses in their day and have won
good deal of money for their owners. but.
breaking down. as racehorses will after some
years on the track they have been sold first,
perhaps for driving. then for hard work. and,
finally, they end their useful days in a pitable
condition of neglect. Such cases as these arouse
pity and Indignation, and they are by no means
uncommon. 1t is the aim of the Equine Provi-
dent Society to provide place where such ami
mails shall receive the attention they need. The
fate Of the Old carthorse, too. is equally pa
thetic, and the farm at Northport is as much
for him for the worn out thoroughbred.
The aim OF the society is to provide free care
for all horses sent to Northport, the owners
paying merely the railway charges. To do this
will require the raising OF a considerable sum
Of money, and toward this end the society is
now turning all it's efforts. Eventually it is
hoped that the farm will become firmly estab-
lished that it flourish the proceeds of a
sinking fund, which it is the societys desire to
start at once; but at present the sinking fund
is in the future. 1t is estimated that during the
summer $5 a month will be sufficient for the
board Of each horse but in the winter $S will be
required. This estimate includes all the expenses
connected with running the farm and represents
the lowest sum at which the animals be
properly cared for The attendance of the
is not included in the estimate. The stipulation
is that, if after a certain time the owner shall
desire to take back his horse. he shall pay a
tain sum for the period during which the ami
NAL has been boarded. This is designed to pre-
vent mercenary persons from taking advantage
needs a rest. Any who desires to give his
horse a vacation send it to the farm, but
It must be paid for. while the animals turned
out to spend a peaceful old age on the grass
will be taken free of charge.
There is doubt that many horses are in
jured by constant travelling over city pave
ments The stones must hurt their feet to a GER
tain extent. For these the farm may be not
a last and best home, but a cure Perhaps if