If you think that the “rescue” owner might just euthanize the horse if he starts to get bad publicity, I would repeat my earlier advice: go there with a trailer and a $500 donation, go with the person who has been paying to sponsor the horse and with proof that you owned the horse, and then take the horse out of the field and load him up.
Then start the publicity to out this place.
Good luck.
There are several that look either to be Cushings [are they being treated?] or to need to shed out a thick winter coat, including a pic of one grey that a young lady has shed out, with a good pile of hair around him. No, it doesn’t look like they often get personal attention.
What is also troubling about those who look hairy, is that ribs are still visible under that thick coat, meaning that how thin they are is hard to determine, but clearly too thin.
How sad.
I read part of their background info., but they said nothing about how much knowledge they actually have of horses/horse care.
[QUOTE=Lynnwood;7202133]
The barn owner where he was abandoned has paid his sponsor ship the entire time he has been there and is more then willing to take him back. [/QUOTE]
How much is it a year to sponsor a horse?
[QUOTE=Alex and Bodie’s Mom;7202342]
So it sounds like contacting the “retirement facility” is going nowhere slow.
When we rescued the Mini out of Great Bend, we did it because Travis put it all over FB, and it got shared, and shared, and shared again. And then it came here. So it sounds like social media is one way to go about this. If we can all put it on our FB pages – or Lynnwood, if you can create a post that can be shared, that might work better, I’m new to FB – then we might be able to get more and more people to put pressure on the local sheriff and AC to get these people shut down, or at least get this poor guy out of there.
I would also contact the local media – especially then TV networks. Most of them love stories like this.[/QUOTE]
Here is the link to my FB page the post should be public feel free to share. If you still can’t shoot me a friend request and we can do it that way.
https://www.facebook.com/heather.smith.5268
[QUOTE=Angela Freda;7202399]
How much is it a year to sponsor a horse?[/QUOTE]
According to their website 50 dollars a month but I believe they take multiple sponsorship’s on the same horse.
Besides Max being sponsored he was also being provided with Gallons of Red Cell and One AC each month. Of which when confronted in person on Sat they admitted they were NOT giving the horse.
As an equine humane investigator, I really urge everyone to take a DEEP breath and calm down for a minute.
Deluging relevant agencies with calls from across the country from hysterical people is not going to get anything accomplished.
Lynnwood - Contacting an equine law attorney who will know all the relevant case law before doing anything is probably most advisable before doing anything.
I would strongly recommend taking everything you have on this horse - photos, vet records and especially the contract with the right of first refusal - and visit the retirement facility IN PERSON. Dress professionally, and speak calmly and gently. Attacking these folks will result in defensiveness (at the least) and removal for trespassing + a no contact order (at the worst).
Don’t start off with “he looks like shit - WTF are you people doing to him?!” Instead, thank them for taking him in during his time of need. Learn a little bit about their operation (and subtly try to get a handle on their succession plan - who/what is in place for 130 horses if one or both of them die suddenly?); ask them to share a story about their favorite or most memorable horses.
Segueway into talking about your horse. Share the photos and stories of his youth. Explain how he came to leave your possession, and if it comes up, show the copy of the contract that clearly has ROFR in it. Ask them to understand that you were never contacted to take Max back, which you would have done in a half a heartbeat, given the opportunity.
And you’re hoping with all your heart, that they would be willing to give you that opportunity today.
Having a cashier’s check ready for whatever amount you can/are willing to put into this transaction couldn’t hurt.
Any retirement facility worth their 501©3 would understand what happened and would rather see the horse with its original family. Plus, they are actually opening up a spot to save another horse (or 2) by allowing you to take Max back. Win-win for everyone.
Offer to share your story, and how willingly and graciously they were willing to work with you to get your horse back home, with the local news media. Everyone loves a warm, fuzzy story, and it’s getting to the end of the year = tax deductible donations need to be made + wouldn’t it be a great idea to make a donation to them in the name of someone dear for a Christmas gift, instead of a tchotchke nobody wants? (Don’t offer it unless you really are willing to go on camera on their behalf.)
They’ve gotten a lot of calls - they know this is out there on people’s radars. Everyone know that a negative experience travels 10 times farther and faster than a positive one – and that’s outside of the equine world. In the equine world, your name can become manure faster than a horse can drop it on the ground, and it will take longer to rebuild their good name than it does to grow out any kind of tail on an Appy 
If they refuse to release him, there are two ways to go.
Offer copies of his vet records, and the care protocol that you followed when you owned him. Ask to speak (or find out) to the vet of record for the retirement facility, and make sure they have copies of his previous records and anhidrosis diagnosis. They are legally bound to prevent unnecessary pain & suffering (under Florida Statute 828.12 (2) http://asci.uvm.edu/equine/law/cruelty/fl_cruel.htm); failing to appropriately care for a horse’s known diagnosis of a recognized medical condition (anhidrosis) should fall under that statute.
Go down to the sheriff’s office IN PERSON. Dress professionally, and present your case CALMLY. Take everything you have on this horse - photos, vet records and especially the contract with the right of first refusal.
Have a copy of all related equine statutes with you (http://asci.uvm.edu/equine/law/cruelty/fl_cruel.htm) for the state of Florida - chances are, any humane statutes (however weak or strong) are NOT part of the criminal code, but may be found in the Combined Statutes (at least they are in IL), and the sheriff is still responsible for enforcing ALL legal statutes in the state.
However, I will tell you that calling and emailing only proves that there are multiple people willing to give up 10 minutes of their day. Showing up in person, with hard copy proof and being calm, logical and rational takes it to a whole new level. It shows that you are willing to put action and time behind your words.
Regarding the other horses on the site: either it’s dumb luck, or they are purposely shooting the worst horses in a way that you can’t really assess their BCS. Delilah is what I would estimate to be a 2-2.5 on the Henneke scale; Zac is about a 2.5, and Archie is slightly ribby (3-3.5). They cannot be properly scored without laying hands on and feeling for fat deposits in key locations. Winnie was a 1.5 before she arrived; she is at least a 4 (which is normal and perfectly acceptable) now. But … how recent are any of the website’s photos?
Standing in the rescue’s shoes: they take in the horses nobody wants. They probably get multiple calls a day about a particular horse, and then the callers evaporate … for whatever reason. They’ve been doing this for 30 years; they’ve developed thick enough skin to ride this out for a few days/weeks until it blows over. They are older, and have probably reached the “I’ll say and do as I please” stage of life. It is also hard to convince rescue operators that you are not “just some young thing with a couple years of school, a few riding lessons and a piece of paper who thinks she knows about horses”, to paraphrase one of my favorite rescue founders.
Calm, steady, methodical and logical will get you a lot farther in this situation.
He looks like he really needs you. Good luck.
WHATEVER.
but if it were my horse- I’d try to get him out - if that’s as good as it can be , I’d euthanize. But I’d at least have a shot at improving his situation before making that call.
I’ve seen horses come around with creative nutrition but also have no problem with euthanization if all else fails.
A prior owner who cares that much to try an help should be allowed to do so,
[QUOTE=Lynnwood;7202150]
Here are some further photo’s of his current condition.
http://oi40.tinypic.com/291i2xz.jpg
http://oi42.tinypic.com/35ktthl.jpg[/QUOTE]
OMG, that is a body score of not even quite a 1.5, IMO! That is horrifying.
Edited to add - do not post to media right now, use that as a threat for if they do not release the horse to you or the sponsoring person as an alternative.
When you have him safe, then post that to the media, with the before picture of him with the shiny coat, and detail how they are receiving funds that clearly are not being used for horse care.
I shared it on FB, with settings set to public not friends, for wide exposure. I really hope you can get Max away from there really soon now!
HPAF.org Morgan Silver 352-466-4366 . msilver@wildblue.net - she is private but lots of help and has rehabbed SKINNY horses. She is in that area
South FL SPCA Phone/Fax:305-825-8826 Email: info@helpthehorses.org
Mailing Address:15476 NW 77 Court, #440 Miami Lakes, FL 33016 They helped out with Palm Beach ACC when there were 14 horses seized. They didn’t look as bad!! and cruelty charges were filed ( J Greene was owner if you want to Google).
Animal services 352-264-6870 I think this is also So FL SPCA
Humane society Gainesville - 352-373-5855 prob. just dogs but maybe can head you as to WHO to get action from!
Sherriff Sadie Darnell 386 367-4000
Mayor Gib Coerper 386 - 418-6100
I sure would tread lightly with rescue at this point and as someone advised - get an attorney to help.
2horseygirls has given you some great advice. I hope that it works out for you and that you’re able to get him back.
[QUOTE=uphill;7202523]
HPAF.org Morgan Silver 352-466-4366 . msilver@wildblue.net - she is private but lots of help and has rehabbed SKINNY horses. She is in that area
South FL SPCA Phone/Fax:305-825-8826 Email: info@helpthehorses.org
Mailing Address:15476 NW 77 Court, #440 Miami Lakes, FL 33016 They helped out with Palm Beach ACC when there were 14 horses seized. They didn’t look as bad!! and cruelty charges were filed ( Janet Greene was owner).
Animal services 352-264-6870 I think this is also So FL
Humane society Gainesville - 352-373-5855
Sherriff Sadie Darnell 386 367-4000
Mayor Gib Coerper 386 - 418-6100[/QUOTE]
Thank you Uphill making phone calls as we speak.
I emailed HPAF also and sent you a copy by PM
I made the “mistake” to read that thread last night before going to bed… and I could not fall asleep. I kept thinking of you and that poor horse… I was also thinking of mine… yes, they cost me a bundle and are retired… but they are almost too fat, but happy!! I would die if I lost track of one of mine.
Best of luck getting him out of there, whichever way you choose to go!
just curious… the BO did not have your contacts? how did they get in touch AFTER the fact? did the vet get you in touch with his former barn? If the BO had contacted you first, would you have taken him at the time… or agreed to send him to this retirement place (which I am sure they thought was great!)
[QUOTE=FalseImpression;7202583]
I made the “mistake” to read that thread last night before going to bed… and I could not fall asleep. I kept thinking of you and that poor horse… I was also thinking of mine… yes, they cost me a bundle and are retired… but they are almost too fat, but happy!! I would die if I lost track of one of mine.
Best of luck getting him out of there, whichever way you choose to go!
just curious… the BO did not have your contacts? how did they get in touch AFTER the fact? did the vet get you in touch with his former barn? If the BO had contacted you first, would you have taken him at the time… or agreed to send him to this retirement place (which I am sure they thought was great!)[/QUOTE]
BO had my mothers /farm contact. When BO decided to send horse to Mill Creek.She says she called once knew my mother was not in state anymore so thought she was making the best choice for the horse.
She did not have my information. I live about 5hrs from my former home town now.
I was informed of his situation about 2 or 3 weeks after he was sent there . Informed by by our long time vet who cares for the rest of our retired horses. (We have several) he just casually mentioned “did you know Max got sent to XYZ”
I immediately searched out former BO was brought abreast of the situation. Called the rescue introduced myself offered whatever support for the horse they needed multiple times, discussed his health issues (they were dismissive of them) Sent them an official email showing photo’s of Max showing , teaching etc discussed his health issues in detail again. Offered support again.
If the BO would have contacted me prior to sending the horse there I would have yes taken him and NO NEVER allowed him to be sent there.
She really meant well and did not take into full account the amount of one on one care he requires because of his unique issues. At her small facility with hot wire , and stalls etc they were non issues and the horse was doing great.
Late to the thread…I’m glad you contacted the local authorities. This is the easiest time of year to care for a horse in Florida. He needs help, fast.
thanks for the explanation. So sorry your mom was out of the country at the time…
Wishing you and him the best!
I drafted an email to send to the Sheriff, Mayor, an administrative person at Alachua, SPCA SO FL, HPAF asking for IMMEDIATE attention and help for Max…but do not want to send it without your approval.
If you have already gotten some action…don’t want to rattle cages.
Micro Bovine… aren’t you near that area?? any ideas how to get someone to ACT quickly on behalf of the horse!? Sometimes authorities are intimidated (prob. not the right word) by the appearance of a ‘good rescue’ and may not move quickly. He needs help now not later.
I’m out of state until Nov. or I’d be on someone’s doorstep waiting for the Vet!
[QUOTE=uphill;7202693]
I drafted an email to send to the Sheriff, Mayor, an administrative person at Alachua, SPCA SO FL, HPAF asking for IMMEDIATE attention and help for Max…but do not want to send it without your approval.
If you have already gotten some action…don’t want to rattle cages.
Micro Bovine… aren’t you near that area?? any ideas how to get someone to ACT quickly on behalf of the horse!? Sometimes authorities are intimidated (prob. not the right word) by the appearance of a ‘good rescue’ and may not move quickly. He needs help now not later.
I’m out of state until Nov. or I’d be on someone’s doorstep waiting for the Vet![/QUOTE]
No please send them Uphill. The SO was supposed to go out and see the horse this am but I have not heard anything one way or another.
Part of the issue is I am about 2hrs from the rescue and tied to here until at least 3:30 (when school lets out ) each day.
Having someone physically be able to intercede on behalf of the horse would be amazing.
**Editing I just want the Max out of the situation. To be able to be assessed by a veterinarian not working for the rescue and to be given some love and attention a full belly and a peaceful end with people who love him if they have let him get beyond humanely saving.
Am I correct in that you’d prefer to take him back and address his issues so he gains some weight back and you are certain that his QOL is the best it can be, but a quick euth in their care is acceptable if the option is starvation and pain/excessive discomfort culminating in a “natural” death?
He was in better flesh when he got there but still thin if the Fb pictures are titled correctly, but the only reason for him to have gotten THAT skinny is if there was a management change - moving to this “rescue” is obviously a management change.
I think that you have two potential avenues of approach. It might be easiest to have him euth’ed, that’ll get you off their backs and at the rate he’s losing he might only have a few months, a couple hundred dollars of “sponsorship”.
Or you can show up as proposed by horseygirls - a couple hundred at least in cash in hand, and if the guy isn’t so proud and stupid he kicks you off the property you can propose to take the horse off of his hands as he doesn’t look to be doing real well and may die soon anyway and you have a lot of sentiment attached to him, here’s the X$$ that they could lose from you taking him OR his death.
It’s SO hard to know how this guy is going to react-when you are standing there being quiet and abasing yourself - he might be a jackass or he might just have some pity - if you go in guns blazing, well, he does have possession of the horse and it’s likely he’ll euth it to make you go away.
Could be euth by gunshot, some people don’t like that idea, [edit]
What a position to be in. My heart goes out to you, best of luck.
OK here is what I sent to sdarnell ( sherriff) gcoerper (mayor) v sawyer an admin person at SO ; info at helpthehorses.org ( SPCA so. fl) with cc to HorseProtectionAssoc of FL hpaf.org
Hello, I am addresing this to all of you because it is a matter needing urgent attention and I am not sure just who to contact to get prompt action.
It has come to my attention that a horse in Alachua county is [edit] The horse ( named Max) was released to Millcreek Horse Rescue about 12 weeks ago - picture attached. His ‘current’ SKINNY picture is 12 weeks later also attached. We do not believe that this horse should be in this condition and have good reason to believe he has not received the medication/supplements sent with him. Millcreek’s owners have said apparently said ’ haven’t you seen an old horse dying?’ to a caller who inquired about the horse’s condition. We STRONGLY believe that the horse should not be in this condition and [edit]
Yes, this horse is old (32) …but MANY horses live healthy lives now well into their 40’s when properly cared for!! The main concern is that the horse recieve proper care. A previous (to the abandoning) owner is willing to take Max back and give that proper care or euthanize him if deemed necessary. The Millcreek Rescue is refusing to relinquish the horse. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!! This horse’s organs could start shutting down. THIS IS TOTALLY UNECCESARY and cruel. Millcreek appears to be a lovely facility…however, it appears that they are not handling this horse correctly. A veterinarian brought this to the attention of a previous owner.
This previous owner H*****r S*******, who originally sold the horse, Did execute a contract for return of the horse. Could this have been over ridden by the fact that the horse was ‘abandoned’ at a stable (by the person horse was sold to), a stable lien placed and the horse was signed over to Millcreek? But technicalities are unimportant at the moment…in the best interest of the horse, this needs IMMEDIATE attention.
Apparently an officer was contacted and said he ‘would go out and look at the horse’. Ms. Smith has not heard back. In my experience, many officers are not qualified to make medical calls and more action needs to be taken immediately to save this horse’s life.
Chronicle of the Horse Forum discussion :
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?417057-What-should-can-I-do
Thank you for your attention. This is not my horse. I am an experienced horse rescuer. I am very concerned about this horse’s welfare.
I did sign and give my tel #. I wish I’d had OP’s so they could reply directly to her!
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