Let me try to explain Killer market & horse prices as I see/saw it! Back when there was a killer market, horse meat went for lets say .50/.75 to $1.00 a lb which brought the price of a killer horse from 500 to $1000 according to the weight & that drove the pleasure horse prices up just because there was a killer market.... I'm sure a lot of good horses went to market but as you say, people that had emotions invested in a horse would not take a horse to slaughter but after you sell one, you have no control & I'd rather my horse go to slaughter than go to some riders! Anyway the killer market kept the prices of horses up & pleasure horse riders paid but now there is no competition & prices have dropped... Don't know the answer & hope I explained it RIGHT but that's the way I see it & BTW In all fields there is a market for a good horse but just so many!