Six Neglected Horses Cleared to Leave Farm
Image:
Description:
Photo: Rick Samuels
Mercer County farm is listed for sale
Six of the 43 horses housed at a farm in Central Kentucky will be moved so they can get more focused care, a Kentucky official said the morning of June 28.
State and county officials have been investigating the circumstances that led to the horses—reportedly owned by trainer Maria Borell and/or her father, Chuck—being neglected. The farm, located in Mercer County, is for sale; volunteers have been caring for the animals.
Rusty Ford of the Kentucky Office of the State Veterinarian provided an update during the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland. He said county officials gave the OK to move the six horses determined to be in the worst shape. He said three qualify as being "emaciated."
"This is an active investigation," said Ford, who noted state officials first got involved June 3. "The county was reluctant to let any of these 43 horses leave the premises. There are processes and procedures we follow (regarding) neglected horses."
An assessment of most of the horses on the farm revealed that three are emaciated, 10 are underweight, 14 of are suitable weight, and eight are overweight, Ford said.
Now that permission has been secured to move the horses, Ford said state officials will work with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and other organizations to determine the logistics.
Ford said he met the morning of June 28 with Kentucky agriculture commissioner Ryan Quarles, and that the state has been involved in the investigation and care of the horses. He also credited horse industry stakeholders, most of them who remain anonymous, with assisting in the effort.
Ford earlier said the Mercer County Sheriff's Department seeks to "determine what culpability there is and who has it." There hasn't been confirmation on the ownership of the individual horses.
Jockey Club president and chief operating officer Jim Gagliano said that "thanks to the immense power of social media" a racing industry stakeholder stepped forward to assist in the effort. He said "the episode reminds us the vital role" organizations such as Thoroughbred Charities of America and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance play in the industry.