Why do we have such an aversion to horse meat? What makes eating a cow different from eating a horse?

One might answer this question stating: Horses are used for recreational purposes, while cows are used to feed us whether it be milk or beef. Horse meat is the now not-so-secret ingredient found in processed food products throughout Europe. Recently, the well-known furniture store, Ikea, pulled their meatballs out of the shelf because horsemeat has been found in it. Although traces of horsemeat have not been found in America yet, people are starting to get worried. But as with many food taboos, theres no settled explanation for why most Americans are perfectly willing to eat cows, pigs, and chickens but turn their noses up at horse. In this speech, I am going to argue that eating horse meat OKAY! People will argue that horses are cute and their children ride them. We eat lamb chops dont we? And nothing is cuter than a lamb but yet we love our chops. The difference between horses and cattle is in the value of a young animal. A young horse has much greater value as a working animal then it does as food, a cow or sheep doesn't. The useful working life of a horse is about 30 years, at the end of that time its meat gets rubbery which is why we regard horse meat as only fit for dogs. The idea of eating dog food might qualify as "disgusting" but that's because it's such low grade food. Horse meat is also cheaper than beef. Back in the day a lot of butchers in Europe were selling only horse meat. The number went down with time, but you can still find a few of them. Horse was more appreciated after World War II when there was no abundance of food until the sixties when people could afford to get better meats. People consider horses as pets, but they are not pets. They are expensive to keep when healthy and even more expensive to keep when unhealthy... Horse slaughter is sensible and a way out for those who can't afford to keep them.... and that is where we can get our horse meat from.
Comment [A4]: Explain why they arent pets. Expense doesnt prevent people from keeping animals in many situations, think of pure bred show dogs or a tiger like I the hangover (a movie, but you understand my point) Comment [A2]: If sticking with a speech, maybe broaden your audience and speak at a restaurant conference or maybe to emerging chefs in America/ Europe? Comment [A3]: Maybe instead of a speech make it a debate, since it is such a controversial topic and you could easily manipulate it to have your opinion seem the better one. Comment [A1]: And widely accepted?

The problem people have been having with it lately is the mislabeling. Not the horse meat itself. People are freaking out because they believed that what theyre eating is beef, but in reality it wasnt. That is where the issue is coming from. In France, Belgium and Sweden horse meat is more popular today than mutton and lamb. Those who eat it say it tastes slightly sweeter than beef but is more tender. Heres how horse meat compares in the nutrition department: 1.Lower in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than sirloin steak or pork. 2.No risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). 3.Twice as much iron as beef. 4.More than twice as much vitamin B12. 5.Almost five times more heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Comment [A6]: Really like how you throw those stats in there, makes it credible. Dont forget to cite! Comment [A5]: Could be worded prettier.

I want to end this speech by saying, we are hypocrites. Who are we to say no to horses but yes to chicken, pig, lamb, deer, etc. A horse is just another type of animal that humans can consume. In a few years were going to see horses on our dinner tables soon whether you like it or not. It will soon be a social norm and acceptable to eat.
Comment [A7]: ? Comment [A8]: Unneeded word