Malnourished horses from Custer County recovering at rescue center near Castle Rock

The Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center in Franktown received 36 neglected horses last week from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

Center director Garret Leonard said since February, the agency has received 142 horses from three owners who are accused of, or have been charged with, animal cruelty and neglect.

Leonard said one of the 36 horses died shortly after arrival.

“It had an injury that wasn’t treated,” he said. “The remaining horses have body condition scores of one or two on a scale of one to nine. So you’re dealing basically with no fat covering. Their teeth haven’t been checked and they’re full of parasites. The were so malnourished when we brought them here that they could only lick salt and mineral blocks.”

Leonard said the horses, which include two foals, are eating and drinking well and being monitored by a veterinarian.

In the past year, he said, the center has taken in 225 horses and mentioned several reasons why abuse and neglect continue to happen.

“I don’t think their intent was to do this to their animals,” Leonard said. “I think, most likely, they get one, then they get two, then they breed a horse and then they get more. And before you know it, they become overwhelmed. And they just end up with too many, and then they’re afraid to ask for help.”

The continued high cost of hay is a possible factor, as well, he said, because it leaves some owners unable to afford to feed their horses.

“It’s not as bad as it was in 2013, when people were simply turning their horses loose,” Leonard said. “Another factor is the wet weather we’ve had. Ranchers can’t get into their fields and harvest their hay because the ground is too wet, or it gets wet and is ruined.”

But Leonard said he’s encouraged because more people are reporting abused or neglected horses.

The horses should recover in several months and be ready for adoption by new owners, he said.

Mia Basso and her daughter, Trinity Lazoskie, have adopted a horse from the center and are in line to adopt two more.

“They’ve got a background that we’re not 100 percent sure of,” Basso said. “But we’re working through some of the kinks. They’re great horses and we’re getting along great.”

Those interested in adoption, volunteering, or donating to the equine center, can click here.