Saturday, June 6, 2009

A Picture's Worth 1,000 Words

Some of you may recall that I had sent a few of my horses, including my fabulous stallion, Senter Stage, to a trainer. Because her farm was a few hours' drive away, I only had the chance to go there once every two or three months. Nevertheless, I was very happy with her work for nearly a year.

Over the winter, without my knowing it, things took a turn for the worse. Eventually I started hearing complaints from other horse people.

This is what I discovered.

This is my filly Torchsong BEFORE going to the trainer's:

This is what she looked like when she left:

This is my Art Deco daughter, Glory, BEFORE she went to the trainer's:

This is what she looked like when she left:

I don't think I need to say any more about why I pulled my valuable stallion off that farm as soon as I could.

Although Senter (fortunately!!!) was not in as poor condition as the two fillies above, he was still underweight. I've spent the past few weeks getting his weight back where it belongs.

Now, I need to start marketing him. He's the last of my horses I have to sell.

(The two fillies pictured above have gone to good homes, so don't worry, they're being well taken care of).

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, are you SERIOUS?!? That's horrible! I'm so disgusted that I'm nearly THINKING IN ALL CAPS! That's completely unforgivable. Best of luck to you with Senter Stage.

Nancy Chase said...

Thank you.

There's so much more I could say about the whole situation, but much as I would like to, it's probably better if I don't rant too much in public.

Shep said...

Holy...

What a shame. I'm glad your horses got out of there, and I'm glad they're all okay.

Still, I am so, so sorry. I honestly never would have expected that. I'm absoultely furious for you. As mentioned above - that's utterly unforgivable.

*shakes head* Wow. Ugh.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you horses had to go through that. Unfortunately in that are that paticular farm has a very bad reputation for horses dying and leaving in horrible condition. My family used to board with them and nearly lost 3 of our horses to "accidents" at their farm. I'm called your horses left to good homes and Senter is home safe. Good luck within finding him a forever home.

Nancy Chase said...

Really? See, I'm not from that area, so I never realized that.

I guess some people know how to put on a good front to hide the truth. I was fooled for almost a year.

~CRUNCHBERRYS MOM~ said...

holy crap! your poor horses... glad you got them back in time!

Anonymous said...

I'm suprised you didn't know them before. I don't like to bad mouth people but i feel like i can't keep quite. They used to live in Fluvanna County. They moved from the county because things had gotten so bad because of their reputation that they had no choice. They're great about putting on a front until you leave. In the 4 years that they've lived in the county I know of at least 10+ horses that have passed away at their farm from either stravation or abuse of some form.

Kelly said...

That makes me so F@#$##% mad! I hope there is a special hell for people that can do that to animals. All they had to do was call you and you would have been there. I'm glad you caught things in time.
Kelly

Anonymous said...

I was shocked to see those pictures of your equine babies. How horrible that those people would deceive you and then abuse your poor horses in such a terrible manner. I hope someone has put the Humane Society onto them and that somehow they are banned from taking in horses.

Poor Senter. Thank goodness he's back in your hands for now. I hope you find a kind and generous buyer.

Nancy Chase said...

Anonymous: That's horrible! I feel sick just thinking about it. I guess I should consider myself lucky for getting my horses out before something worse happened to them. But I feel awful for the two horses I traded to this farm that don't belong to me anymore. I can't rescue them from that place.

Anonymous said...

I wish i could help you get them out of their. I encourage people to buy horses from them simply to get them away from there. Though honestly I will tell you that if they're brood mares or possible sale horses for them they will mostly like stay in decent shape. If the horses can make them direct money without a second party they attempt to care for them. The Human Society as far as i know hasn't been called on them for this county; unfortuantely all virginia law requires is that they have acess to grass and water 24/7. I've talked to horse rescue groups and most of them are so over filled no one wants to attempt that large of a resuce without law enforcement. What's even worse is that they run a 4-H group and pass on these pratices to young children.

CHT said...

Have you considered a Civil suite against them? Your fillies are incredibly nice, so I am glad you got them out of there hopefully before it was too late. What on earth did they say when you came to see them?

It makes me sad that people like that can stay in business and pass their ethics to the next generation.

Karen

Kris said...

I was so sorry to see those pictures. Your beautiful, beautiful horses. Thank goodness you were able to get them out of there in time. I am glad you found good homes for them, and hopefully the same will prove true for Senter.

Anonymous said...

OMG Nancy,
Thats so horrible... Did you report these people ? I agree with one of the other comments posted there is certain to be a place in hell for those people! I know you must be so sick.. I am glad you got guys out and every one is getting better.. My heart goes out to you and your horses .. Good luck with Senter and finding him a wonderfull home he deserves!
Brooke Laws

Anonymous said...

I'd ask them to pull his information off their website. You don't want anyone to associate you with folks like that.

Anonymous said...

Nancy, I'm so sorry. It seems that nobody can be trusted as a trainer these days. I'm glad you got them out of there before something worse happened. Hopefully Torchsong and Glory won't have many residual problems from their lack of care and nutrition, and I hope word gets around that this is what happens at these people's barn...

mcvrxjen said...

Hi, I just found your blog and I used to board with this farm as well. I remember your fillies and Senter, as well as the other lady's mare that died, Panache. I know this blog is old, but if you have any questions about what happened with your horses, please contact me.