The horse is a highly respected animal in United States culture. It has been worshipped and paid tribute to through art, books (Misty of Chincoteague, Black Stallion), movies (Black Beauty, Spirit), and television shows (Mr. Ed).  The horse industry is huge in the United States, encompassing everything from rodeos and racing to horses owned for purely pleasure.  There have been statues erected of famous racehorses, as well as museums devoted entirely to equines.  "Horse culture" is a huge part of American culture. The slaughter of horses for human consumption does not seem to fit into that culture.  However, despite initial reservations, many Americans may agree that the slaughter of horses is better than alternatives.

In the United States there are two ways that horses are turned into meat.  One is for horses to be euthanized by a veterinarian, or die of natural causes...