[jules1962]

I live in Henry County, and I volunteer as the 4-H Horse Club Leader. I have been a Georgia horse owner for 35 years.

I went to the Pony Express Horse Auction on Saturday night Feb. 9, 2007. One of the last horses that came through was this starving, emaciated mare. She was saddled and bridled and being ridden. She is less than a one on the body condition scoring.

I asked the auctioneer how much it would take to take this mare home as a 4-H Project and the auctioneer said he would pay for her and give her to me if she was going to a good home and get some groceries.

So, the mare is now in my possession. I have already had my veterinarian examine her and she has many health problems, including a heart murmur.

I am outraged that the Georgia Department of Agriculture agent that was or should have been on duty at the auction should have taken some action on behalf of this horse. The owner selling this horse should have to be held accountable for his cruelty and neglect.

A veterinarian was also on duty at the auction and drew blood on this mare for a Coggins test.

I have reported all this to the Georgia Department of Agriculture and was told that an agent will be sent out to the seller’s farm to insure that the rest of his horses are not also in similar condition.


I want to know why a State paid Agriculture agent allowed this horse to be sold?

Click this link or Copy and Paste it into your browser to access pictures of this mare.

www.hanksqdtoo.com

A Blog has also been started to spread the word about this mare at the following link:

http://fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.c...od-horses.html

I have written to every Georgia elected official that I can think of, but if you feel compelled to do the same, please do.


Thank you for any support and exposure you can offer this mare.

Sincerely,

Julie Sheppard

[me and morgan]

OMG what a great story ,,,I also take in neglected horses,and have had some real bad situations,aswell....good for you ,for taking the time and effort to make this mare healthy again..I hope she makes it...with all her health issues. way to go!!!!

[ILoveRedRanger!]

Wow I'm glad you bought this mare. What a shame she looks like that! Please keep us updated, I really would like to see this mare fill out.

[equestsarah81]

OMG!!! And they RODE her into the auction pen...!? That's horrible! I am glad you are trying to get the authorites on the sellers butt!!! That makes me SO ANGRY!!! I so wish I had the land to take in horses that need rehab.... I live in a residential area and can only board a horse and only have $$$ to board a horse. I totally commend you on what you are doing! It's nice to know that there are people out there that care (that goes the same for all people that rescue horses!)

[Trace]

Oh sweet jesus - they RODE her into the pen.

Someone needs to lose their job over this.

[NovDressageRdr]

Wow i hate to make this about me but that mare looks very similar to what mine looked like when i got her. Though this mares pedigree is very good with direct lines to impressive and Poco Bueno.

[Stormyheart6160]

Just looking at that poor girl, makes me cry for her. I'm so glad you got her. I know she is gonna be a lifelong friend to you for saving her.

I hope they go after the previous owner. There's no way they should be allowed to eat another meal, until that horse is back up to her normal weight.

[tbtrainer]

Good for you on getting her... poor thing, it's just disgusting that people will starve and throw away nice horses that have done their jobs like throwing out the trash.

I hope you get the response deserved, and someone goes out to the farm where she came from and checks things out. I wouldnt be surprised if other horses there look the same.

[Miss Patience]

I have seen horses come through the sale like that and I am amazed the vets taking the coggins or the auction owners do not address the obvious.
Its a shame.

[walktrotcanter]

I made a donation to help you help her!
It wasn't much, but I do know that every little bit can help.

That is horrible, and I feel so sorry for the poor girl. She deserves a better life and a happier ending than surely she would have endured if it weren't for you.

Keep us posted with updates. I also rescued a mare who resembled her, just not in AS bad of condition--so I would like to help out anyone else who saves horses as well, because I know it is not cheap.

Best of luck with her.