https://filmthreat.com/reviews/throw-away-horses/ 

MOVIE REVIEW

In Throw Away Horses, director Theresa Demarest exposes the grim reality of how horses in America—whether racehorses, show horses, or family companions—are too often treated as disposable once they outlive their usefulness. She shows how thousands of aging, injured, or unwanted horses are abandoned. Others wind up at livestock auctions that serve as pipelines to slaughterhouses in Mexico, Canada, or other countries. Demarest speaks with rescuers, veterinarians, and animal welfare advocates, revealing a heartbreaking system fueled by neglect, greed, and an absence of legal protection for these horses.

Demarest takes us to various farms, rodeos, stables, and rescue centers across the country. Each stop uncovers a new layer of the problem—owners unable or unwilling to care for their horses and breeders producing more horses than they can responsibly manage. Her camera also captures moments of quiet compassion as volunteers and true horse lovers intervene to save animals on the brink of death and offer the comfort a horse has not felt in months. Rescuers often pose as buyers at auctions to save doomed horses.

The film shines a light on organizations like Sound Equine Options, the Animal Welfare Institute, and Colorado Horse Rescue that take on the most severe cases—horses suffering from starvation, untreated injuries, or trauma from abuse. Their efforts show that recovery, while slow and difficult, is possible. By giving these horses a second chance at life, these rescuers embody the film’s core message: compassion and responsibility can transform even the most desperate stories into ones of hope.

“Thousands of aging, injured, or unwanted horses are abandoned every year.”

I’ve had the pleasure of growing up in communities that offer homes and amenities for horses and horse owners, including stables, corrals, and trails. As much as I would have loved to own a horse, Throw Away Horses is a must-see documentary for anyone, particularly novices, who are thinking about taking in a horse. It’s not a how-to, but an eye-opening piece that gives current and potential owners some much-needed clarity on the subject.

As a film, Throw Away Horses is clearly a low-budget documentary—not exactly HBO budget—but what it lacks in the crisp, clean polish of mainstream productions, it makes up for in passion and honesty. The film tells the truth about what it takes to own and raise a horse, and the suffering, trauma, and rampant abuse many others face when they are reduced to mere tools of farming or racing. They are not seen as animals with souls and personalities, but toys or equipment that are thrown away when they are broken or useless.

Throw Away Horses is an eye-opening and educational documentary that delivers vital insight into the realities of horse ownership and neglect. Theresa Demarest’s film is packed with essential information, offering much-needed clarity for anyone considering taking in or caring for a horse. Honest, passionate, and deeply informative, it’s a must-see for audiences who believe compassion begins with understanding.

Throw Away Horses screened at the 2025 Awareness Film Festival.