Dual Peppy’s supporters arrive ahead of decision in Black Forest horse abuse case

A Texas rancher who said he helped train world champion cutter horse Dual Peppy arrived in Colorado Springs ahead of Thursday’s decision in the horse abuse case out of Black Forest.

Last September, Dual Peppy was one of nine horses discovered in a barn in Black Forest living among 14 horse carcasses. After several days, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office removed the living horses and four llamas from the barn.

In May, the animal’s owner, Sherri Brunzell, was convicted on eight counts of animal cruelty. A jury of three men and three woman acquitted her on six other accounts.

One of the horses identified in the barn was Dual Peppy, a famous horse that quickly became the face of the case as the story spread across the world. Texas rancher C.T. Babcock said his dad instantly identified the animal in KRDO NewsChannel 13’s story.

Babcock had helped facilitate the sale of Dual Peppy to the Brunzells almost two decades ago. Babcock said he was devastated to find a prized horse seemingly starving.

“You do feel some kind of guilt always because you send them out like you would send a child out, you always want the best for them,” said Babcock.

He was overcome with emotions Wednesday as he stood outside the barn where he said Dual Peppy spent too long suffering.

“I’ve seen it all in pictures before. But when you’re right here, when you see it live, it’s pretty tough,” said Babcock.

Babcock is awaiting the judge’s decision Thursday, and hopes if Brunzell cannot keep her horses, he can take Dual Peppy back to Texas.

“He didn’t deserve that in life, he deserved to finish his life out in style,” said Babcock.

Robin Fairweather has helped Babcock run a social media campaign for Dual Peppy since the story broke.

“I think Dual Peppy is kind of the face for horse abuse in this country. I think people identify with him almost immediately,” said Fairweather.

Fairweather hopes the horses will no go back to their previous home in Black Forest.

“I think it would be nice to set an example to people that are abusing animals in this country,” said Fairweather.

Sherri Brunzell and her husband Rick were cleaning around the barn on Wednesday. Rick Brunzell said their work had nothing to do with the upcoming court decision. He did not want to comment on the case.