At the moment, the New York Carriage Horses are the eye of the storm in the deepening culture war between the people who call themselves animal rights supporters and the people who choose a life of loving and living with animals. For centuries, people have been drawn to working animals because they exist in connection with human beings and their lives. That ancient and historic idea is being challenged, all kinds of animals – horses, ponies, donkeys, chickens, elephants, goats – are being driven from living and working with human beings in the name of giving them their rights.

Pam Rickenback and Paul Moshimer, who run the Blue-Star Equiculture farm,  are gracious and generous – their love for their rescued and old horses is palpable, in their eyes, the way they treat the people who work for them, and in the actions and  demeanor and trust of their horses. But I sat across from them at a lunch table today and the tension and concern in their eyes was also evident. They have done nothing wrong, broken no laws, are committed to the rescue and good care of 32 draft horses, yet their lives are a battlefield, shrouded in anger and conflict and uncertainty.

They are accused of wanton abuse and cruelty almost every day, their donors are threatened and harassed, people have come to the farm in the night to cut their fences and release their stallions, who were nearly killed. They live in constant fear and tension, it is evident how exhausting and wearing it is to them, and to the students, interns and volunteers who accept almost continuous threats and abuse just to  help care for the horses.

This is an injustice, and a mad and irrational one. Pam talked about her strong connection to Native-American culture, her sense of the spirituality of the horses, she draws from it to remain grounded and calm. She is an environmental and peace activist as well as a horse rescuer, yet she is often treated as a criminal and a monster, she cannot hide the pain in her eyes. People tell  her almost  every day that they are afraid to support her work or help the horses in her car. She and Paul have suffered greatly in their lives and come together just a few years ago, they have a powerful connection with one another, and they give one another strength to continue their work.

I could really not imagine why running a farm that rescues and re-homes and cares for aging horses should be the subject of so much hate and abuse and accusation.  Nor can I imagine how rational people who love animals can believe it is a crime for animals to work. They are driving the animals from our world, people like Pam and Paul are working to keep them with us. It is, I told them, a sickness in our world, I believe the horses are calling out for us to help  heal this ugly wound. These two do not need my advice, but I decided to give it. The challenge is to tell the true story of the horses and their mission and trust in the wisdom and compassion of most people. I believe it is there, the horses in New York are finding it, I wish for Pam and Paul that they find it as well.

You cannot, I said, love animals and hate people. They are both the same. But I think they already knew this. I wish them peace and compassion, life in the eye of the storm is a hard place to be.