They found it hard to accustom themselves to the constant eye-watering reek of horse hair and human sweat.

ECONOMIST: The American West: A wild, wild place | The

Ginny leans into its solid skull, and the horse stares back at her with a huge watery eye.

NEWYORKER: M&M World

To the contemporary eye, that may make it sound as if horse meat is healthier than beef.

FORBES: Over Public Outcry, Governor Signs Horse Slaughter Bill

Four beef products sold by Bird's Eye, Taco Bell and catering supplier Brakes have been found to contain horse DNA, the Food Standards Agency says.

BBC: Horsemeat scandal: Four new products test positive

In late February, tests on Birds Eye spaghetti bolognese, 340g, and beef lasagne, 400g, were found to contain horse DNA. They were removed from the supermarket shelves.

BBC: Birds Eye identify Irish processor as horsemeat source

Birds Eye has withdrawn three beef ready meals from supermarkets in the UK and Ireland as a precaution after horse DNA was found in a product in Belgium.

BBC: Horsemeat scandal: Birds Eye withdraws UK ready meals