I just checked in to see how the case was going. So sorry for the loss of Poofy!
Most recent news story- her trial date in circuit court was set for next april: Former Va. horse show judged headed to 3-day April trial (richmond.com)
I have to say I am concerned- this trial date is after the election date for the county officials, including commonwealth attorney, so we could potentially have a whole new prosecutor involved. I only have an overview of what is going on, but my understanding is that the sheriff office is backing Mike Caudill’s opponent because he does not believe that Mike is pro-law enforcement enough. I am sure prosecuting this case that local law enforcement did not bring to him and going over their heads will feed into that line even though it is the right thing to do and I am grateful he did it. His opponent may be a great guy, but he has been doing wills and real estate for the majority of his career and I worry about his ability to go up against one of the most talented defense attorneys in the state a couple months into a new position.
I am not a Goochland citizen, I live in the next county over, so I can’t vote myself and don’t really know what I can do about this but perhaps there’s some COTHers with experience here?
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@Railbird. I don’t know how I missed this update on Poofy. I’m so deeply sorry. There is no kinder gesture then giving a cast away soul a soft landing and a graceful exit. You did that and more. Bless you. Much 
.
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Thank you! He was the best guy. A photographer posted this pic of us a few weeks back
My man.
My baby horse who spent the summer traumatizing me with weird freak medical drama finally is on the right track and seems to be considering taking over the child raising from poofy. He’s not totally convinced but baby human has determined this is now “my horse” which he hasn’t said since we lost poof so I like to think he passed on the torch somehow.
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Oh @Railbird, those photos of your baby human and your grey horse are amazing.
It does so sound like Poofy passed along a message that the baby human needs some horse love.
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Bumping this one up- trial begins tomorrow!
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Thank you for keeping us updated.
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I’ve been thinking about this case lately. I’m part of a Facebook nutrition group that recently (and disappointingly) started espousing the idea of a winter “metabolic reset,” similar to what Byrd was claiming she was doing. I had never heard of that before this neglect case, and now I’m seeing people brag about it. I’ve only stayed in the group to watch the potential train wreck, and also to see if they get wind of this case.
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Ugh gross, what group is that? I think it makes perfect sense for metabolic horses to use the winter when pastures are bare to get some weight off them so you aren’t going into spring with them already heavy, but to my knowledge there is no actual scientific support of depriving them of all nutrition in order to have some kind of benefit to the metabolism.
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I’m from a northern climate (no pasture typically from Nov - May) and I find this idea of a “winter reset” heinous. I know of no one up here who talks about a winter reset. It would equate to starvation and/or being very cold and miserable for the horse. It seems like a poor excuse not to buy or feed enough hay. In fact I like my horses to put on a bit of weight during the winter (TBs, not metabolic) because I know they will slim down in the summer months from flies, mosquitos and harder work and travel. And getting free choice hay and putting on a couple extra pounds means they are warm and relatively happy.
I am also careful about reintroducing grass but here, it’s just part of the cycle.
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Equi-Biome. Mostly UK based.
There are interesting ideas there. But there are also a lot of bad practices (IMO) glorified. Like offering your horses toxic plants for the homeopathic benefits.
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I will but as a witness I’m sequestered starting tomorrow morning until they call me, which will be either last tomorrow or some time Thursday. I have to be fully Amish until then! There will be some people following along who are not on the witness list who can probably be quicker with updates.
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Thank you for being there for all the horses and being willing to stand up for them at the trial too!!!
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Oh I wouldn’t miss it for the world. There are 12 vets who are also taking time our of their busy days to testify on the behalf of these horses which is really remarkable.
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Hi everyone, Railbird can’t read anymore but she is going in tomorrow as the final prosecution witness. She needs all your jingles tonight and tomorrow!
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Jingling
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Jingles!!!
Support to the whole team who is there to support the horses!!!
@Tha_Ridge, have you been there watching? How is it going?
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Report from the first day
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