Shedrow Secrets
They Just Wanted Her Gone
by Joy Aten
Several weeks ago, I received a private message from Laura Swien, owner of Pair A Dice Ranch in Texas, asking if Horseracing Wrongs would share the story of a Thoroughbred mare she recently rescued, a mare who, like untold others, had been bred for, used in and finally discarded by the racing industry. Laura said:
“I am so sick to my stomach and brokenhearted as I write this. I was contacted by Animal Control and they asked me if I would be able to take in two horses from a seizure case. I took one look at these poor babies and of course I said yes.
“I was so shocked when I first saw them. I had ten different emotions hit me all at once. How could anyone be so cruel to starve these beautiful babies? There were four skeletons standing there staring at me at the Animal Control facility. It was the most horrific thing that I had ever seen.
“I immediately made the decision to help these poor creatures in any way that I could. I was asked if I could take these two horses and of course I said yes. (They found someone to take the other two horses.) I will do everything in my power to get them healthy again. We will take it slowly day by day.”
Photos followed Laura’s initial explanation of the situation:
October, the day the mare was seized by Animal Control…
Several weeks later, still at the holding facility…
November, shortly after arrival at Laura’s…
Her enlarged and painful left front ankle, yet another obstacle for this timid, emaciated mare to overcome…
And Laura gave her a name – Willow…
“Willow” racing at Arlington in 2017. She was, in fact, raced at Hawthorne only nine months prior to being found starving to death on a desolate piece of Texas property. Imagine – from racing in January to being unable to rise to her feet – due to starvation – in October…
Willow was christened (by her exploiters) Time for Parading. She was bred, owned and raced by Kenneth Hutchens. In fact, Hutchens owned her for her entire “career” (35 races) and reaped the lion’s share of the $57,071 she “earned.” In her last race, at Illinois’ Hawthorne Race Course January 4, she finished last, over 31 lengths behind. Although she ran with a 5K price tag on her head, she was not claimed (bought).
It took several calls to Hutchens to make contact. At first he seemed wary of my inquiries into a mare he had bred and raced, but since our objective was to learn of any injury Time for Parading might have incurred while he had her, he eased up, answering the several questions I posed:
“Was she injured, Mr. Hutchens?”
“No, she was sound.”
“So after her last race in January, who did you sell her to? Or maybe you gave her to a rescue or racehorse placement program, Mr. Hutchens?”
“No, she was claimed.”
“Well that’s odd, because I checked her past performances and not only were there NO claims in her last race, Mr. Hutchens, but in looking at her races, I cannot imagine anyone wanting to claim her.”
“She was claimed.”
“OK…so have you followed up on her to see how she was doing, Mr. Hutchens? Given you bred her and raced her?”
“No.”
“Well you might be interested to know she was recently found starving – a skeleton – and she’s very lame on her left front, as well, Mr. Hutchens.”
“Well she was sound when I had her.”
“OK, Mr. Hutchens…she is in good hands, she’s been rescued, but she is not out of the woods yet.”
No response.
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Hutchens. If you would like to help with Time for Parading’s veterinary expenses, or with the feed bill since she needs to gain hundreds of pounds, you’ve got my number. This mare could really use your help.”
No response.
Laura reached Time for Parading’s last trainer of record, Chris Dorris. Laura: “Dorris said ‘the gallop boy,’ who lives in Chicago, wanted to buy Time for Parading so [Dorris] sold her to him after her last race in January.” Dorris assured Laura he would speak to the “gallop boy” about the mare’s condition and where she was found, then would get back to her. To date, he hasn’t. Also to date, there has been no financial assistance from either breeder/owner Hutchens or trainer Dorris.
Time for Parading’s “re-homing” scenario is nothing unusual. Racehorses no longer wanted by their “connections” are sold or given away to people who can barely afford to feed themselves. Every week we see racehorses who had been “re-homed” landing in kill pens, a year or two out from their last races, mere shadows of their former selves. Apologists bellow at the heartrending discoveries, but add, “It’s not the connections’ fault! They thought they gave them to a good home!” RIGHT…they sold or gave away their horse, one of the most expensive animals to care for, to someone who has to pray that their rust-bucket of a vehicle starts when they get in.
We see this over and over again on the backsides. A low-paid track worker is given a horse – most of the time, injured – that he has no business taking possession of. But the owner or trainer doesn’t care; he wants this horse gone and wants her gone now. The buyer’s (or just recipient’s) fiscal situation is of no concern. No vetting. No reference check. No trip to the farm or boarding facility where the horse will reside. And, of course, no follow-up.
Of the horses who do survive the track (and thousands do not), many are placed in yet another life-threatening situation, utterly dependent on someone who is ill-equipped to handle the care of an equine. Time for Parading was one of those horses. One day, no one came to feed her. The next day, again nothing. Day after excruciating day, she waited – desperate for food, any food. But it never arrived. The truth is, she was being slowly tortured to death. And all the while, those who cashed in on her labors never even gave her a second thought. How’s that for “The Sport of Kings”?
(We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Laura Swien for welcoming Time for Parading, aka Willow, and another of the starving horses – now called Duke – into her heart and home. Thank you so very much, Laura.)
Las and LAS, I want to thank you for your concern and your updates on WILLOW and letting us know about her condition and that she wasn’t able to get better so humane euthanasia became necessary to end her suffering. It is encouraging to know that there are some decent people in the world who care enough to spend their money on actually taking care of horses instead of cruelly exploiting them for racing. Throwing horses away as if they were just broken toys and not give one iota of care as to the horse’s pain and suffering is unforgivable! Thank you for caring! 💓💔💓💔
Willow didn’t make it. Her injury was too severe. This past Wednesday 6/24/2020 she had to be euthanized after months and months of the new owner trying to get her better. It was too late. 8 yrs old and gone. And all the tenets do this. Just read a 3 yr old was found dead from starvation somewhere. Different horse race owner. They’re all despicable and need jail time.
Well Willow was put to sleep Wednesday June 24, 2020. The new kind owner who rescued her did everything she could. Her injury was pushed to the limit and when the original owner had her, he pushed her to her limits and he dumped her to starve to death. A whole bunch of other abused, neglected animals were seized as well. It’s pathetic and he and others need some good jail time. It’s a crime and they need to pay for it. Signed infuriated.
Please stop. The Usenet is responsible and he didn’t care. She didn’t attack poor people. She the horse, was put to sleep this past Wednesday after months of trying to save her. Nobody’s saying you don’t care of your pets. You missed the point of evil horse racing and animal abuse in general. They are slaughtered, or dumped. He should be in jail. It has nothing to do with you or your situation.
No. The person that rescued her tried everything. Willow was her new name she had a few good months. She had to be euthanized Wednesday June 24th 2020. I’m infuriated.
Thank you for letting us know, Lorna. I was surprised that this beautiful mare suffered with that pain as long as she did. It helps to know that some decent, caring people gave her a chance at life even though she had to have been in excruciating pain for so long. May Willow rest in peace. My heart goes out to Duke. 💔💔💔
I just wanted to let you know that Laura made the painful decision to put Willow down last week, as she was living in chronic excruciating pain in that left front fetlock injury. Willow was loved and cared for until the very end. I know Duke will have taken this hard, as he looked after Willow & was her moral support. Thank you for telling her story.
I lost myhood head horse to old age but never did I eat before them, they were always take care of. It’s sad knowing these horse are out there be starved, if you need a home for any of them please contact me.
How is this allowed? I hate the racing industry. It’s so cruel and so wrong!
Let’s put this man in a stall and starve him with no food and water for a month and see how he likes it and then have no comment when people want to know why he’s in there nobody wants to feed or water him he’s going to reap what he sows there is karma for people like him!!
S port of Kings my foot,rich over indulgent bastards no thought for the suffering they cause as long as they are lining their pockets.well done to Laura for taking in these unfortunate beautiful horses,has she got a fund going
Why isn’t the slime in jail?
Sean,
The Bureau of Land Management is in control of the “public lands” that Mustangs roam on and another thing is that some cattle ranchers have permits from the BLM to be able to allow their cattle to graze on the “public lands” that put the Mustangs and burros (that don’t belong to any person or ranch) at odds with each other. The BLM uses helicopters to round up free-roaming Mustangs to the detriment of the health and well-being of many Mustangs not only in Nevada but other states as well. There are many reasons why it would be illegal to let Thoroughbred racehorses loose on public lands. The Mustangs are not truly safe from being sent to slaughter at some point in their life. If you Google BLM and do the research you will see what I mean. The BLM has hundreds of Mustang horses and burros up for adoption. They have been rounded up and kept in feedlot type facilities for a long time. It is a huge problem because of the competition between cattle ranchers that think they should have top priority and other uses of public lands. It is another “can of worms” for the most part. The Mustangs and burros and Thoroughbreds and racing Quarter Horses all need to be rescued; seriously!
I know nothing about horses but my question is why can’t these horses be set freed to Nevada where they can join herds of wild mustangs ? They would eat at least and be alive not slaughtered ?
Sickening how so many race horses end up, exploited and unwanted, starving! End horse racing for good!!!
Thank you for helping these gorgeous animals , who were so badly let down by profiteers. x
“She was claimed”- “she was sound when I had her”- yet, in her last race she finished over 30 lengths back !
Mr. Hutchens I’m afraid you do not speak the truth!!!!!
And, Mr. Hutchens, when you were asked to help with vet. or feeding expenses you had no response!!
God help any animal at your mercy.
I feel so p1roud of this wonderful lady for giving her time and love to get Willow back to near normal.
I also had to fight and complain about a neglected and starved horse in my town.
Finally, after many calls to RSPCA and electorate office also to horse rescue MERCI and Project Hope, I can say the horse is now being fed and is looking much better.
This kind of evil and greed needs to be punished severly
Thanks to you Joy and your rescue network for taking care of beautiful Willow.
You know every time I hear their common line (ad naseum) “love them like family,” than we just need to show them this pic of Willow when found or Dr Drip or so many others, but 1 should be sufficient.
Some of them claim to be the “good apples” that “those people are the bad apples that need to be out.”
No, your all bad if you stand back watch this happen, support/participate in it and don’t walk away.
Furthermore, contrary to popular belief perpetrated by the industry, 90% of owners/trainers can’t afford a horse let alone a high needs racehorse.
In fact, during this crisis, we see the dumping going on all over the internet.
Plus, the tracks have called local food banks to drop-off donations at the track for their stable personnel.
Imagine that?
A multi-billion dollar industry that gets profuse handouts in every way imaginable including billions in casino profits and they tap into the local food bank resources!
I suppose it’s no different than the racehorses dumped at kill auctions in horrific condition (a reflection of long term neglect and no vet care coming off the track with plates still on) slaughter-bound while this business sits back and watches it all go down and has been for years.
The CEO’s of tracks, the owners of the wagering companies know this, but they need them to fill races for them and increase their wagering coffers.
Essentially, they not only exploit racehorses, who are the biggest losers, but the labor as well.
This business is vile from the start to finish and everything in between.
Willow’s weight is near what it should be now – she’s enjoying the company of her own herd in Laura’s loving care. She’s watched closely – her damaged ankle will surely affect her life and its longevity.
Here is an earlier update.
https://horseracingwrongs.org/2020/01/01/an-update-on-willow/
Willow’s account stated her breeder/racing owner unloaded his used-up mare onto an exercise rider – so clearly not a wealthy individual.
How
Are they now ?
I’m truly grateful to the rescuer who saved the horse but when telling the story, she didn’t need to attack poor people. She clearly has contempt & disdain for poor people. I am the working poor. I live pay check to pay check & I drive an old rust bucket that I often have to pray for, but my animals never go hungry. The person who starved this poor horse, & probably others, could very well have had lots of money. The rescuer couldn’t determine how the horse got in the condition she was in because the people involved were not telling the truth & didn’t want to take responsibility for their actions or for the horse. One can guess they had lots of money. The contempt needs to be directed at the guilty parties & not at poor people in general.
Thank you Laura for saving these beautiful souls. The evil and greed in this world is astounding !!! God Bless you and your family and sweet Willow and Duke and the other 2 horses.
My heart breaks for these babies. God bless you for taking care of them
This is so sick and from Human Hands so sick
I am surprised the scumbag owner did not keep her and breed her.
I once saved a TB at auction in the 90s, the only bidder was the meat man. The horse looked as thin as Willow, covered in rain rot and wounds. But he had a kind eye. I bought him, and when he saw him, my (ex) husband said “that is the worst looking animal I have ever seen”. Lol 6 months later, people were calling him beautiful.
He only won a small amount of money, but his father won 650K. And his sire won the Derby. I was told if he had been a mare, he would have been worth tens of thousands….but he was a gelding , useless to the owner after running 55 races at a cheap track. So at 7 they “retired” him and left him out all winter no food nor shelter. He turned out to be a gentleman and a good riding horse. Race horses get pounded running before they are mature. Most don’t retire sound.
Now there are no slaughterhouses in USA so they truck then to Canada and Mexico
Sickening I recused one that was starved to death as well, and wouldn’t mind rescuing another in the future…but most people aren’t lucky enough to be able to have disposable income to spend on horses, and yes they are ending up in bad situations…so sad 😢
Heartbreaking. That poor mare. She has such a kind face.
What can be done to make horse racing illegal? Why is it that MONEY and GREED win over Humanity? Stop the madness!
The Jockey Club is pro-slaughter and there is no law that prevents killbuyers from buying horses in the United States and shipping them on a truck to Mexico or Canada. In fact, horses bound for slaughter to Mexico or Canada from the United States must be tagged and chipped with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) numbers, tags, etc.
So very sad… I love horse racing … in fact from 1985-2010 me and my late husband would travel to all the tracks and bet in the horses… We have bet Hawthorne quite a bit.and Arlington… My husband passed away in 2010 so I haven’t been since … Thank u for sharing their story…
There are currently no operating equine slaughterhouses in the U.S. They are not banned; the USDA inspections have merely been defunded. So, our horses – American horses – are shipped to Canada and Mexico to meet their bloody, brutal ends. And just to be clear, The Jockey Club – the most powerful organization in racing – does not endorse the SAFE Act, a bill that would not only permanently prohibit U.S. slaughterhouses but would also ban the transport of horses to slaughter, because it would cost too much to care for all those “retired” racehorses. Imagine that.
I thought that Slaughter houses were illegal in the US now ? Are they still in operations ? If so why aren’t the authorities closing them and fining them.
Nancy,
That is definitely one of the words to describe this pre-planned use, abuse and dump/ discard mentality. It’s wrong and there is no excuse for it.
The word that comes up here so many times..BETRAYAL
NAK,
The fetlock joint and the pastern beneath the joint above the hoof is something that needed immediate medical attention but her sleaze ball breeder-owner-trainer deliberately failed or refused to pay for the proper care. So the bones can heal to some point, however, WILLOW will never be sound ever again in her life. She will be lame for the rest of her life. She can only be a pasture pet or possibly a companion horse to another horse that is not aggressive in any way.
Is the ankle something that will heal? Any chance she will be sound again? My heart goes out to her. How can a horse understand why they have always been fed and groomed and bedded within an inch of their lives and then, overnight, all of that attention abruptly ceases?
Beautiful — sweet and moving — it does not surprise me that they’re so intelligent and sensitive — thank you, Kathleen.
ON THE AMAZING INTELLIGENCE OF HORSES.
I saw this Article and wanted to share it with ALL of you in this group who REALLY Love Horses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4HEuLn6Bdg&feature=youtu.be
Horse Therapy ~ Peyo The Love Stallion Visits Sick People. Heartwarming – Horse Brings Joy To Hospital Patients. Peyo is a therapy horse who brings smiles and encouragement to those who need it most. They think he has a sixth sense because he decides which rooms he wants to enter, and it’s always someone who needs him most. In this video, Peyo insists on entering a room of a young man who does not have long to live. The connection the two make will bring you to tears. This unusual therapist, known for his amazing aptitude towards humans, helps to boost morale and bring smiles to those who need it most. Routine contact with Peyo is improving patients’ mood.
Hassen Bouchakour, Peyo’s trainer from the Les Sabots du Coeur Association, says: “It is one of the most pure, honest, and sweet things.”
“They like each other very much without asking for anything else.”
Peyo meets patients and residents from pediatrics and palliative care unit, psychiatry and Alzheimer’s services. He also visits the elderly and end-of-life children at homes.
So many of these horses end up being sold to meat buyers. Horse racing is a really ugly business.
He should never own another horse and be put in jail
The last report I was given, DP.Brooks, is that the authorities were trying to locate the owner – he did not reside on the property where his horses – Time for Parading, aka “Willow”, included – were being starved.
Having been involved in equine rescue for 20 years, and in a state where animal welfare laws are considered among the best, I’m not holding out any hope that the perpetrator of this torture will be prosecuted – at least not with the disciplinary consequences he deserves.
I hope somebody will take the time to see that the owner is properly charged with animal cruelty. They can be arrested, have a fine, and serve jail time. Please somebody, see that this is done. It is horrible.
Thank you for saving them, I hope charges were laid for those who neglected them!
Thank you for helping these beautiful animals I would help if I could but I’m trying to get out of dept . Her breeder should have paid for her expenses
IT MAKES ME SO ANGRY THAT SOME BREEDERS OF RACEHORSES COULD JUST DISPOSE OF THEM WITHOUT A CARE IN THE WORLD. SELLING THEM TO BECOME FOOD FOR OTHER ANIMALS. SELLING THEM TO PEOPLE WHO CAN NOT AFFORD TO CARE FOR THEM PROPERLY. SHOULD BE A LAW AGAINST THIS.
It really irks me to hear when people do any harm to any animal. I am glad to hear Willow & Duke have a good home. I myself know nothing about taking care of horses, but thank God for you.
As a horse owner and animal lover it is saddening to hear these stories.
Horses are majestic creatures that need a capable and responsible caregiver.
All the best to those who give their time and selves to right some of these sad stories
WTH ?? This Horse won thousands of dollars for them & they can’t be bothered to spend some of it on her welfare? Her eyes tell the Story, what bewilderment at slow torture & betrayal. Goddamn all these ppl. Especially the ones that sell TB’s straight from the racetrack to kill buyers to “Direct Ship” to slaughter!
THANK YOU THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND ALL FOR WHAT???GREED!!! IF IT WERE UP TO ME THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE HORSES STARVING WOULD BE SHOT!!!!
Horse racing is all about the money. They don’t care about the horse. It’s a tool to make money. When the money stops coming, the horse is discarded. Most end up in kill pens. I personally feel horse racing should stop. Like bull fighting, the animals suffer horrifically.
Sweet baby!! Now belly will be full an luved luved ..thku for ur heart!! God bless u an ur sweet horse..makes me smile!!
Oh my goodness! This angers me to no end! What is wrong with people! This poor baby. Thank you for rescuing her and any others! You have a beautiful soul!! ❤
Is there any way we can help financially? Can we donate or do a Go Fund Me page for these horses? They are too precious to allow anything like this to happen to even one of them.
These stories need to be heard, perhaps like feet hound racing it will become limited or at least funds set aside for these babies.
This is awful. Horse racing should be banned for good! Thanks you for helping!
Yes, thank you, Wanda.
Betsy, look closely at the photos of WILLOW. Look at her LEFT FRONT PASTERN. It has been fractured and was most likely the reason the sleaze ball owner-trainer dumped her. She could not be raced anymore and he didn’t want to spend the money for her proper care.
Betsy,
This particular horse was injured and will always be unsound. She cannot be used for riding. If you read all of the information shared about her, you will see that she cannot be a riding horse due to the injury she sustained as a race horse. She was dumped by her “caretaker” and he deliberately neglected her need for any further care. This horse will always be lame.
This is so disturbing. When you made over 50 thousand on a racehorse, you owe finding a good home where she will be cared for. There are pony clubbers and fox hunters who would have gladly taken her to train for her second career. All my fox hunters raced before being made into field hunters, and all of them will live their entire lives on my farm. Two of them age 22 and 25 are still sound and hunting, though I did get an 8 yr old ottb cause I knew the others could retire at any time
Laura.. thank you so much for taking those two beautiful animals. It absolutely makes me sick what these greedy owners and trainers do to these horses who run their hearts out for them. If I had the resources I would take as many as I could. Thank you for being their voice and Savior.
Thank you we had few horses that people starve them and when you get them fat and you think that the adopet. Was good people you go and check 6 months later they look terrible and you take them back you start looking for people again but you can not save all them when you onily have 4 acres DELTA DOWNS. TRAINERS GIVE THEM AWAY. CHEAP TO THE KILLERS AND THEY KNOW THIS AND THEY DONT FORSE THE RULE THEY HAD A TRAINER. THAT STARVED THE HORSE HE GOT NOTHING HE DIED IN FRONT THEY FARM. AND THEY BRED HIM. NO HEART. THEY JUST DID NOT GIVE HIM STALLS. TELL ME THE SUCKS
God bless you for saving these two beautiful souls.
I’d take if someone ships her free I’m in my neck just got round bale.. spring hay.. I have one 6 yr old male here. On 1 acre
Unreal, it’s so hard to believe that anyone could just let a horse starve! Hopefully Time and Paradise will recover and find the love they so deserve. Thank you Laura? You are a wonderful person!
Profound thank you for saving this beautiful, innocent and for writing her story — one of thousands. Truly, we must shut down the “sport of kings” — until every death track is gone. A race horse is a miserable horse always, and frequently a dead horse. You bet, they die.
I have seen first hand the owner throw away a beautiful young life to anyone who would take them off their hands. I was there to catch one from the killers that were to come to the farm in eight hours. The owner threw me her fabulous breeding papers and said “get her out of here”. This filly “Princess Deed” was only two years old. In my care she grew up to be a beautiful lady with manners and grace.
I am very surprised to see that Chris Dorris was involved in this. Tom Dorris was a very well known trainer in Illinois who actually trained horses for former Governor Jim Edgar. But Chris Dorris may not be the man his father was. When it comes to getting rid of horses that a trainer has ruined I guess anything goes. This is making a very good case for case for Patrick Battuelo and Horseracing Wrongs and his position to eliminate horseracing completely.
The Jockey Club papers are kept in the racing secretary’s office once a horse arrives at a racetrack. The track officials are aware for racing purposes who the most recent owner is but that is not officially reported to the Jockey Club which it sounds like you already knew.
When a horse is not on a racetrack, the papers are with the trainer or owner and the horse could change ownership and the Jockey Club would never even know. I was just trying to clarify for people that the Jockey Club is not a reliable source for current ownership. When I owned a QH eons ago, the registration papers actually were sent to the AQHA to update their records of change of ownership but I’m not sure if that’s still required or how they could manage that with nomadic racing QHs who need their papers with them same as TBs. Thank you!
Thank you, Jo Anne. I understand what you are saying about no requirement to record changes of ownership of a Thoroughbred. I assume that ownership changes must be recorded as long as the new owner enters the horse or horses in a race at a racetrack, because it is a requirement for the trainer to submit the registration certificate of each of “his/her” horses to a certain person at the racetrack. I’m not sure if they follow that rule but I assume they do.
When a TB is sold, however, unlike other registries, the registration papers showing the new owner do not need to be reported to the Jockey Club for approval and official notation. The papers also do not need to show address or other information and sales at the end of a horse’s career are commonly done without even signing away the current ownership using the Jockey Club registration papers. Therefore, the Jockey Club is not a source for finding out the number of times a horse changed ownership or who the current owner is. Don’t we wish!
The Jockey Club in the United States is the registry for Thoroughbreds.
There must be a System where all this Horses have to be registered including change of ownership and all addresses !!!
By Law!!!!
Such damned bastards who make money with this poor animals and then throw them away like trash should go to jail for 7 years, what your Mr. President decided, great decision!
FIND THIS LOWLIFES AND BRING THEM TO THE FILTHIEST JAIL IN US!!!!!
👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹
THIS IS TERRIBLE ALMOST LIKE WHEN POOR FERDINAND WAS SLAUGHTERED
No more horse races
That is wrong
My name is Tracy
I rescued 2 race horses and both were starved , I have spent 3 years taking care of both of my horses , many sleepless hours and lotts of vet calls , but today they are both healthy and beautiful
Many times I thought to my self why ! Why would anyone do this to one of gods most beautiful Animals
These two give me so much back , everyone that has a horse or have had horses know just what I’m saying
But sadly so many more are out there that need help
My last thought ! Please if u can’t give them what they need don’t make matters worst
Omfg. These people need starving. How could anyone treat an animal in this way and think it’s acceptable is beyond me. People like this make me sick and need to pay
Gina, you said it – those two words – total betrayal. It happens all the time in this industry – breed them, use them (often injuring them), then dump them onto whomever and walk away. Typical of racing.
My sadness for these horses is so great. Such a beautiful and giving animal, asked to give all at a very young age, still a baby really. They give all and if they just aren’t up to par, they are thrown away without a thought to their health and well being. Out of sight, out of mind.
Actually, this world treats many different kinds of animals the same way…like garbage. Humans make me so sick, so sad and hopeless. I try to help animals in need and I have a house full. Also, 9 in the pasture. How can we stop this mistreatment of animals?! How? My heart and soul is so broken…
These arseholes need to be jailed
Tears from me. How can people just ignore the animal they had purchased. To cause suffering to an undeserving animal that dies a terrible death. I love all animals. Why would anyone get a horse if couldn’t afford. Incredibly sad; damn those people.
Wouldn’t it be interesting if these people were reincarnated as racehorses? A special kind of karma for deserving people.
Stop abusing and neglecting innocent animals
Horrific.
In one word: BETRAYAL.
Complete and total betrayal of these beautiful, intelligent, majestic racehorses.
Most all apologists DUMPS them in one form or another.
Year in and year out the principles in this business, the ones that could make immediate changes such as a mandatory 1% aftercare contribution for every dollar that is generated continue to ignore their plight.
Okay so I admit that even 1% wouldn’t guarantee that all get saved, but much more than now.
There has never and will never be enough decent, forever homes to provide for their unwanted racehorse
mess because they require a ton of racehorses to fill races at tracks on any given day in the U.S.
The cycle repeats itself, year in and year out, with absolutely little to nothing getting done about it.
Everybody else, those who never exploited them in the first place, is expected to take care of them.
BETRAYAL – total BETRAYAL and this business doesn’t deserve ONE DIME from anyone of us.
This antiquated business model full of parasites operating with total impunity while they cripple and kill racehorses doesn’t deserve to exist in our society and none of this should to begin with..
BAN horse racing.
Than you for caring and rescuing these horses ,,how could anyone be so cruel to treat these horses that way
Lori Thompson, technically speaking, the wild horses and burros roaming on our public lands are domesticated horses and burros that are feral just as domesticated cats become feral under certain circumstances. They are descendants of domesticated stock. A true wild horse that was never domesticated in terms of genetics is called the Prevalski’s horse. (I think I spelled that correctly but maybe not.) You may research that if you like. I know it is easier to say “wild” horses when referring to Mustangs that have not been cared for or worked with by humans, but they are domesticated, genetically speaking. Obviously, the Mustangs need rescuing as do the Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and all horses used for racing.
Wow….the horse racing industry is one of the most ugly things that exists on God’s Earth today. He gave us this beautiful, noble creature and look what humans do…..destroy it….from our wild horses ( and burros) to our domesticated friends who serve us, are our best friend and a comfort to us in our times of trial. It completely breaks my heart to read these stories and those who commit these horrible atrosities should have to pay somehow. Personally, I guess they deserve to have done to them the exact same treatment. But like that will ever happe. And thank you Laura for saving the two that you did. ❤️
This is exactly why I absolutely hate horse racing. They work their butts off to win and when they don’t win they are discarded like trash. This is totally unacceptable and I would hope the horse racing association would do more for these beautiful animals. Good breeders don’t do this to their animals. There are too many people who want to make a buck and could care less about these beautiful creatures. Please end this problem. Sincere thanks to the wonderful refuges who take and help these gorgeous horses. You
They should be fined for rehabilitating and food for life a record as a animal abuser and no more horse breeding.. I know there is nothing that we can do because their the untouchable rich but its wrong and they are evil people. One day they will pay their due when they stand before the real King.
That owner needs to be whipped
Breeders Trainers & Jockeys have ABSOLUTELY NO CARES for the animals unless they are performing in the money races
I once bought a GORGEOUS Registered Quarter horse gelding at a sleezy Auction in SC
He was sold as a 5 yr old SOUND horse
He WAS NOT SOUND …after 4 hours at my farm he began to paw & lie down quietly
I thought nothing of it at first but he stayed down a little longer than I thought normal, still quiet but I asked him to get up & did not want to After 10-15 mins of asking him up he finally got to his feet I began to think a Vet check was neccessary so I had one set asap which happened to be 3 days later
In the meantime I researched his registry & prior ownership
Not only did I find the poor horse had been sold as UNSOUND from tge prior owner but I also found the prior owner sat on the Board of Directors for the AQHA!!!
Then I was so so TOTALLY DISGUSTED when she told me the poor horse had won at Congress twice in halter & hes only FIVE…When I asked WHY would u sell such a gorgeous horse who is UNSOUND at some teo bit auction ??? Her reply ….I have too many horses that we can no longer SHOW so we had to cut our losses, stop the bleeding she said, he wasnt working for us & we do not keep a non working QH
Well I completely came apart on her …respectfully of course but Idk why she certainly did not deserve my respect but to know that someone like THAT actually sits on the Board of a beloved & beautiful BREED & to say what she said & do what she did to such a beautiful animal is beyond me
I have no use for that mentality but unfortunately thats the thought process of the majority who use & abuse & exploit most any animal for that matter for thier own personal agendas
THEY ARE SICK & DISGUSTING PEOPLE TO ME & I HAVE NO USE FOR ANY OF IT
Individuals who breed & breed & run the life out of any animal for mostly monetary gain is the reason we have such a problem w overpopulation
ALL SPORTS THAT INVOLVE ANIMALS SHOULD BE GOVERNED BY AN ENTITY THAT HAS NO INTEREST IN THE BIZ …
May GOD STRIKE U ALL DOWN FOR EXPLOITING ABUSING & NEGLECTING THESE HUGE HEARTED HORSES 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡💔
Hunt these poor excuses for humans down and prosecute them!! DEMAND high fines to be used to restore the health of these poor neglected and rejected horses…..when the fines and jail sentences get stiff enough and these cruel ass led are publicly EXPOSED and are revealed and exposed…..it may do some good….it can’t hurt!! Disgusting Scum!!
This article of horrible truth breaks my heart.
The race industry is in no way involved in the love of the sport, or the love of a well breed horse,or the pride of having such a treasure. Instead it is a throw away industry full of greed,
Cruel people only interested in money in spite of decently. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU for allowing these things happen.and letting them continue to occur!!!!!
Thank you for rescuing you are an angel these sorry people need to be put thru what they put their pets thru only way to make them see its unholy !
Very disturbing!!
“Human Beings” (using the term very loosely) are some of this world’s worst examples…..
I have a beautiful horse we purchased at 18 months old. She has no job to do at our house, but is loved and maintained by us because we are her forever caregivers. She will NEVER be a throwaway horse – NEVER..
How can people stand to treat a beautiful, living/breathing creature of such majestic quality like used up trash. SHAME on these en-grades of the lowest kind…….. there awaits a place in HELL for them ALL!!!!
here’s a question. who owned the property this horse was found on? 4 horses found, yet no one owns the property? because someone does. someone knew those horses were there.
Bless you for saving this beautiful horse one of Gods blessings 🙏🥰
That is so sad. I am praying that she will make a full recovery and have a life of peace. I really don’t like horse racing in any form.
Thank you for such lovely kind people who help these poor horses. Words are beyond me for those who cruely discard these horses. All I can say is that karma WILL eventually catch up with you you disgusting examples of humans.
Just to give you hope, I took on a mare who was in exactly the same condition as this poor soul, and she had another six years of a quality life until she died at the age of 28. She’d been left with a heart murmur but she managed well in spite of it. Praying for a good outcome for this girl, and may you be blessed for taking care of her.
This is DISGUSTING to treat any animal like this is HORRIFYING EVIL 🤬🤬🤬Hopefully the person responsible is prosecuted to the fullest!!!
Thank you for writing this obviously truthful article. I have seen this Devastation with my own eyes and the willful blindness of those who support this abomination.
Sickening and it doesn’t stop.
The unwanted racehorse mess, that this vile business is solely responsible for, has been going on for years, is still going on, and as long as this business exists will always be an issue.
Just think about the enormous amount of racehorses that are required to fill races at U.S. racetracks on any given day realizing that they are treated like disposable gambling chips and that about 90% will eventually become unwanted.
This is the most recent:
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/louisiana-officials-investigating-licensees-in-alleged-neglect-case/
Now, I’ve been around too long and what is so absolutely vile is that the individuals that watch their racehorses starve, as in this case, then gets caught you know what they do?
Well, they hire attorneys to save their ass like they did above.
I have a question for all of you parasites that are cruel, inhumane and deliberately abusive:
How in the hell can you find the money to pay for attorneys instead of buying a fucking bag of feed for your horses you low life scum balls?
Isn’t it funny how this business continues to boast about all the billions dollar profits they make, yet, they can’t find the money to take care of their racehorses who generates these obscene profits?
Isn’t it funny how when these sadistic, abusive parasites get caught starving horses that they have the money to hire attorneys, but they didn’t have the money to buy bags of feed and hay to take care of them???
This is horse racing and this is the truth behind the facade that they would like you to believe – the facade of the fancy hats, mint juleps and forever paddocks.
It’s only true for about 10% of racehorses because the other 90% usually end up in neglectful situations or dying on the slaughterhouse floor.
This is what your supporting every single time you place a $2 bet.
Go gamble, but leave the racehorses out of it.
Tis poor horse probably has organ damage at this stage of starvation.
There is NO excuse for this, NONE.
If they dont want her , ill take her ,
Bless you Amazing people…these so called Breeders should be policed at all times…sadly to them it’s money and no Heart….I hope Karma. Bites hard on all there Family’s as they have all gained monies.. from this Beautiful majestic Horse…that was so cruelly discarded….
Yes, Nancy, that’s what it takes. The more excuses and tolerance the more you get!!
Rights and freedom but no responsibility or accountability is
is how racing operates. And we see the results of this ridiculously lopsided equation all the time – abandoned horses; starving horses; neglected horses; injured horses; 10,000 and more brutally slaughtered horses every year…
In general, freedom without responsibility garuntees a bad outcome (in this case for the horse) and can eventuallly lead to chaos.
i agree with you – this Kenneth Hutchens should be picketed – he is one rotten horse owner – he has no conscience about what happens to the horses after he grinds every last penny out of their hide – he should be put out of business
I went racing once a horse died before the race, got ‘hung up’ on the barrier and a second turned himself upside down in the gates and was stuck for 20 mins in sheer terror before righting himself.
Joy Aten, I know horses are considered livestock and all of that but at the same there are certain laws that are broken and need to be enforced.
Karen there was the show based in Houston and they did not take any excuses from ANYBODY
Wanda Diamond – horses owned by racing are mere “property” – they can use them, injure them and then get rid of them. It happens all the time – every single racehorse in the industry WILL need a home when they are no longer “useful” to their racing owner/trainer. It’s the way the racing industry works. It’s legal. Legal abuse.
Please keep us posted on this mare’s progress! There used to be a tv show, Animal Cops. They used to find horses and other animals starving and in other deplorable conditions.
Thank you, Joy!
Joy Aten, thank you for letting us know about the criminal charges. I know it isn’t enough, but it is a start. I am wondering if it will be possible for a group such as this group, Horseracing Wrongs, to file a motion in court against Kenneth Hutchens for wrongful abandonment or whatever the law might allow; if not a criminal charge is possible, at least a civil charge. Has Horseracing Wrongs ever filed a suit against a breeder, owner or trainer for any reason?
Sure is, Joy. Very typical. Out of the 20+ Horses I’ve helped rehome- I’ve only had ONE former connection ask me how their horse is and she came to see him in a show after he was retrained.
From Laura…
“They have charged the people [who owned the starving animals] with 6 counts of felony animal abuse and [have issued] a warrant for their arrests.”
Unfortunately, breeder/racing owner “Kenny” Hutchens, who dumped this broken mare and never followed up on her to ensure his former money-maker had been treated for her racing-induced injured left front ankle AND was being cared for, will get off Scot-free.
What happened to Time for Parading, aka “Willow”, is typical of the racing industry. Breed them. Use them. Injure them. Dump them. Out of sight – out of mind.
THIS is American horseracing.
I thought. Cruelty was a felony in the USA.
will whoever is responsible for this be taken to court?
So sick of seeing these beautiful horses being treated like trash after racing their hearts out my god is there no compassion for them??everyday more and more animals are being abused and starved and beaten after working to make these barbaric evil bastards rich this world needs to get up off its backside and take care of all the animals that have been badly let down by the most depraved rich and evil tyrants …time for big change ..how dare they cause misery pain and terror to so many
The FACTS, Dawn?
Kenneth (or “Kenny” as he calls himself) Hutchens bred Time for Parading.
Hutchens owned Time for Parading for all 35 of her starts. He owned her from birth to the age of 7.
Time for Parading made just over $57K in those 35 starts.
Time for Parading finished last, over 31 lengths behind, in her last race at Hawthorne on January 4, 2019 for Hutchens. 5K claiming race. The mare was not claimed. She never raced again. The x-ray of her left front ankle (taken on December 10, 2019) reveals a severe injury that was never treated. She will NEVER be sound.
Hutchens stated TWICE that Time for Parading was claimed in her last race. She was not.
Hutchens stated TWICE that Time for Parading was sound. She is not.
Hutchens admits he did not follow-up on the mare after he got rid of her.
Hutchens was offered the opportunity to help Time for Parading. He was silent. That was November 26 and it is now December 13…and there has been no financial help from Hutchens.
Those are the FACTS. Hutchens raced – USED – her. Hutchens took every penny of his % of the $57K she made. Hutchens chose to not treat the injury she surely suffered in her last race on January 4. Hutchens didn’t provide her with a safe, forever home. Hutchens got her off his books – got rid of her. And Hutchens never bothered to follow-up on her after she was given away or sold.
Reminds me of the individual who brings their elderly, arthritic dog to the pound after years of being a good, faithful pet to the family…wants to trade in the “old mutt” for a new, energetic and healthy pup. Walks away without looking back. Never gives the poor old fella another thought. Blameless, right Dawn?
Hutchens “seems disinterested”? – let me put it in a way that it seems you will better understand…Hutchens didn’t give a SHIT about her.
Unbelievable.
Megan, check out the FB page of Laura Swien of Pair A Dice Ranch. TY for caring.
Yep! Agree 100%
Thank you for sharing Joy! Do you have a link for the video Laura mentions?
Kenneth Hutchens is very self centered and extremely cruel. All this selfish ig cares about is MONEY MONEY MONEY! He don’t give a fat frogs ass if the horse starves, or is in bad health. As ling as his gut is full several times a day and has thousands of dollars fromthis poor horse’s expense, that is all he cares about. You are disgusting
this which happens over and over again is upsetting and immoral. these beautiful animals that are forever giving back are abused, tortured and finally killed or die as willow almost did. I praise those that seek out and save them for rehab into a better life and loving family. to look at her sad face and know that the pain is there. imagine the slow death to be attributed to starvation. shame on all those who think these souls are not deserving of love and at the very least the simple availability of food, clean water and a place to be safe.
I’ll be there to join you. It couldn’t come any faster in my opinion!
Another example of how pathetic it is that horses end up like this. The racing industry has a long, long way to go address after care of horses who aren’t on the track any longer. How is it this trainer could simply “give” the animal away and walk away as if he never owned the animal? People like him have steadily ruined horse racing. There should be efforts put forth to track and monitor race-horses so they don’t end up being neglected to the point of death. How people can live with themselves knowing their inaction resulted in this tragedy. HORSE RACING….either yo double-down and clean up the industry or you can kiss it goodbye. People with conscience are sick and tired of the breakdowns, the neglect, and torture these beautiful and willing creatures endure simply because there is so little responsibility and no punishment for such ghastly behavior.
Thank you, Joy Aten — Laura — thank you so much — THANK GOD you intervened — we love you — It’s beyond depravedly cruel to do this to any living being — if I’M eating, then I’ve got something for the Horse — SHAME on all of those cowardly Humans — the Hutchens’ of the world — the betrayors and unconscionably cruel and indifferent zombies — they belong NOWHERE NEAR Animals — give me a moment while I hurl — SHUT DOWN this perverted, evil racket of Horse-Racing — on the day this industry is no more, I’ll throw such a wonderful celebration.
I cannot write how I feel about these monstrous people who take advantage of these magnificent animals.
Horse racing has to be banned. People who do not take care of these animals should go to jail and receive one meal a week.
This just makes me sick to my stomach. I have rescued a lot of horses from bad situations including many from the kill pens at auctions (some off the track or straight out of the show ring). I had to rehome many of them as well as selling a few that I had bred. I did my best to check up on them, contacting previous buyers when I could find them etc. to remind them that any horse that left here is welcome to come back for any reason & I would like the option to buy the horse back if you ever need/want to sell it. Even with that guarantee, many never contacted me again & I don’t know what happened to some of the horses. Thankfully, the majority did go to forever homes & were well cared for their entire lives. I just took back a 25 year old mare about 6 weeks ago. She was not in good shape and it was assumed it was just her age. It is her teeth (as is often the case) and the inability to utilize the diet she had always been on. I do occasionally get horses back when they’re very near their end of life or sometimes just retiring, so I get the expenses for all of that, but I know they will pass as comfortably and with love and compassion as possible. I couldn’t sleep at night if I didn’t do all I could to ensure their well-being, and yet I still worry about those I can’t find. I have gotten calls where an owner has passed away and the family had found my letter tucked in with the horse’s registration papers so they call me, so I know my guarantee has saved some from a possible bad ending. I will do anything that I can for them including rehab after an injury (tornado). The new owner had to work to cover the care that he needed several times a day and obviously couldn’t physically do both work and his cares so I took his cares over. I can’t imagine throwing them away like garbage and the fact that these people profited off these horses just makes it even worse. I know the expenses involved with raising/purchasing and training a race horse are incredible, so $60,000 isn’t actually “profit”, but it wouldn’t have mattered to them if she had won a million dollars. If she wasn’t breedable after racing she would have been discarded in just the same way. It is strictly business and she was nothing more than a product taking up premium shelf space.
Why aren’t these sub-humans being held accountable for the mistreatment and mishandling of these precious souls. Is there no end to animal cruelty that can’t be handled with punishment to these scumbags or are we just going to stand by and keep watching the same display of self righteous jerks. I thought that animal cruelty was punishable. We know that these former owners or trainers or lying. PUNISHMENT IS NECESSARY TO STOP TNIS INHUMANE TREATMENT.
Thank you so much for everything ❤🤗😍
No! No! No! Why is no one accountable for this tragedy and the many similar ones occurring daily???? Heartbreaking💔 Thank you to the horse angel who saved the two horses in this story. The even sadder part is that so many of these poor souls never get a second chance.
God bless you for your kindness and compassion, Janet Dufresne. Some horses get rescued only to be eventually humanely euthanized because they have injuries that cannot be rehabilitated and the horse cannot endure the pain any longer either.
There is a horse rescue in North Central Idaho called Orphan Acres. The man that operates it says his biggest expense in saving horses is feed. He says he goes through a ton and a half of hay a day. I don’t know how many horses he feeds but several.
Just so glad these horses are no longer in that god awful situation. Some horse people really suck.
The racing industry is by no means the sport of king. It is tbe sport of abusers making a quick buck. It needs to end. I myself have worked with rezcuers to help save many of them from the slaughter pipeline. It has sickened me. I have rescued two horses myself so I know very well the expense of rescuing a starved and seriously injured horse. If you can’t afford the vet and feed bills please don’t take them. Refer a reputable rescuer so they can live out their lives in safety.
Stop racing from abuse.
REGULATE THEM MAKE THERE BE REPROCUSSIONS TO THIS ABUISE .
Dawn, you are the one who needs to get your shit straight! You sound like someone who cannot comprehend anything they read.
Dawn, “we” need to get our shit together? Surely, you jest, dear girl. Horses are brought into this world in order to generate a profit. Making money is the motivator for breeding. The breeder/owner handed the horse off to someone who was ill equipped financially to handle the demands that horses require. Now, it is my understanding that Hutchens LIED and said the horse was claimed when, in fact, she was not so maybe Hutchens needs to get his shit together. Before the horse was handed off, did Hutchens or the trainer do a site check or get a vet/farrier reference? Who hands an animal, that they love just like family, off to just anyone? I’ve seen it happen many times over the years. I have stepped up for many horses who needed a soft place to land and I can only remember two instances where the former owner/trainer inquired as to how the horse was doing. Racing has a motto…Out of sight, out of mind! Stalls at the track are valuable pieces of real estate and horses are only allowed to occupy those stalls when they are producing.
I do agree that the last person that owned this horse bears a great deal of responsibility but, in this case, the owner and trainer “dumped” this horse without doing any due diligence. They wanted her off the books. I’ve seen it play out many, many times and both of these bastards need to be called out because they have blood on their hands.
Let’s get our shit straight? This mare was bred BY THE RACING INDUSTRY. The atrocious injury to her leg was done BY THE RACING INDUSTRY. And she was passed from person to person IN THE RACING INDUSTRY until she ended up nearly starving to death. Do you think she is the first (or last) horse that any one in the line of people that owned her has done this too? It’s practically a tradition. So yes, EVERYONE in the racing industry who endorses and practices their disgusting sacred ritual of use, abuse, exploit and dump IS ultimately responsible for this mare and EVERY other Thoroughbred they’ve created and destroyed. It’s long past time time for the racing industry to stop trying to play victim and take responsibility for the THOUSANDS of horses they’ve killed, either directly in training and on the track, or through their perfected final solution: slaughter.
God Bless you ALL over he Place~!!!!
But they love them like family, Dawn, right? If so, then how do you explain letting your “children” go to whomever, wherever? Let me be as clear as possible here: Horseracing, the industry, made these horses and used these horses; they are absolutely, unequivocally responsible for what happens to each and every one of them, including poor Willow. Full stop.
While the former owner seems disinterested, it is not him nor the “racing industry” that did this to this poor horse. It is the individual who bought her after her last race. HRW needs to get their shit straight and tell the facts and stop generalizing that the racing industry is to blame for every single issue that happens to every single Thoroughbred. The fault in each case, after the horse is done racing, is with the person who had possession of the horse at the time of the neglect.
Agreed.
Have you shown to these “horseracing fans” that refuse to believe the facts of what happens to racehorses that are no longer able to race any YouTube videos of where racehorses go to retire? Or, the videos that show horses, some of which are ex-racehorses, being made available for adoption before they are shipped to slaughter? There is one in Louisiana that shows videos of horses. The one called Moore’s sometimes shows Standardbreds that have freeze brands on the side of their neck. If you insist that these “fans in denial” watch these videos, it might make a difference. Where Racehorses Go To Retire is about the horses being sold to killbuyers and shipped to a slaughterhouse in Mexico or Canada or possibly Japan. There is also video of what happens to unwanted racehorses in Australia. The slaughterhouse is where horses are killed for meat and that is what The Jockey Club, the American Quarter Horse Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association support and depend on to dispose of their unwanted casualties of their cold and callous greed.
Horseracing industry is brutal and very cruel. These Sentient beings are treated as lifeless objects like garbage to be thrown away when they’re no longer considered useful . the u.s. quarter horse association is a big culprit that encourages massive breeding so they can collect their fees when each horse is registered with them -that’s all they care about u.s. quarter horse association is extremely irresponsible greedy and dirty
Oh Joy, my heart breaks for this poor beautiful little mare, to have so much pain and misery in her young life. God bless Laura for trying to help her and for showing her love in the midst of so much that is wrong.
Jail time..make someone accountable.
THANK YOU for your kind heart in taking this horse. She is so lucky to have you caring for her now. THANK YOU!!!! I have 6 horses from the wild horse adoption programs from the West, and none of them would be around now without being adopted. I am horrified at the lack of care and lack of humanity in some people. They should never be allowed to have animals. I can only thank God for people like Laura that come in and do the right thing.
How horrific….the previous owner/trainer needs to serve time for this!!! Didn’t have a problem when she was racing,collecting $ and telling the world YOU had a race horse! YOU are are POS!!!!
Yet race fan will not believe any of your story, it makes me mad. I,ve been asked many a time with promise of lunch and wine, likethat will take away the cruel horror of the way they are treated.
UPDATE: Time for Parading had a full veterinary evaluation yesterday (December 10) including radiographs of her enlarged left front ankle.
From Laura, this; “I know this video is very long, but I wanted to give you a full update on their [“Willow” and “Duke”] vet appointment today.
“I know that everyone is waiting to hear about Willow’s foot. Well, today we got the news and it is not good news.
“She has a fracture that did not get any medical attention. Her own body is trying to repair itself by making more bone. The lump above her hoof is a huge calcification and there is nothing that can be done for her now to repair it.”
And regarding the x-rays of her left front, this from Laura; “the vet said that it is one of the worst injuries that he has seen…”
I think we all figured as much – that her horrible finish in her last race was suspicious for an injury but most certainly that after only 35 starts, “cheap claimers” are not “retired” unless they are seriously injured. And even THEN, if connections can get one more race they will.
Laura thanks everyone for caring about Time for Parading, aka Willow – she’s pretty exhausted after a stressful and emotional day yesterday. I grow more grateful to her everyday for what she’s taken on in caring for Willow and Duke.
Thanks to all for caring – please know I take NO credit for this amazing save as I had nothing to do with it – I’m only Willow’s “voice” and Laura’s grateful supporter.
Anybody who owns racehorses and race track dogs and any other animal that is used in “so called sport” are only in it for the money…greedy greedy corrupt parasitic scum of the earth.Any form of using animals for racing is animal abuse and should be banned perminently.I would love to see the people who owned these animals,made thousands and thousands off them,that then passed them off as garbage as they could no longer make money off them DIE IN A BIG VAT OF CAUSTIC SODA..best place for shit to go.
I have no words! Your kindness saving these animals has given me a lump in my throat. I dont have horses but appreciate rescue and despise animal cruelty. Thank u for the kind person u are
Heartless Greedy industry is an Understatement,to say the Least.
Overbreeding, as we know, will continue as long as the public keeps horse racing lucrative by attending races. This blog and consistent updates is making it easier to get the word out.
Love is the purpose of life on earth !
Life is an endless journey, physical death is not the end of life; fulfill the purpose of life here by loving our innocent friends.
I hope you shared these pictures with her former owner and trainer. They are horrible, evil people. :-( I will pray she recovers and finds a permanent and loving home.
Thank you whinnies!
AMEN Wanda. If only….. I really need to watch some “feel good” videos or Animal Planet tonight,to lift my spirits. One of my friends today sent me the cutest kitten video,thank god!
Bonnie, if these horses could speak English to evil people that don’t care about what the horse wants or doesn’t want, at least there might be a HORSE ABUSE HOTLINE phone number to call.
How much do you all bet,if these babies could talk…they would say…If they knew their life would be slavery,abuse,pain,drugging,and the worst torture of all being ripped from their Mamas as infants and thrown in solitary confinement. I bet they would say,they wish they hadn’t been born into that. People F’n suck ass. This bullshit MUST end.
I bought an OTTB out of a kill pen a year ago, with a BCS of 2. It’s been a long road. He was 20 when I bought him, and he had a large piece of his mane that had been cut out, maybe as a token of remembrance. I wish he could tell me what his life had been like.
Mary, I hate to tell you but there is no such thing as a “cheap” horse!!!!!! They are all EQUAL!!!!!!!!!! There are only CHEAP humans. Animals are PRECIOUS…most humans suck.
My heart hurts for this beautiful, sweet mare and my hope is that she knows deep down that’s she safe, people love her and she matters in this oftentimes cruel world. I pray that her pain is eased, her self esteem resurfaces and her eyes begin to sparkle and find beauty in peace. May the angels who rescued her know how humbled and grateful this old horsewomen is in knowing that goodness of people far outweighs the demons who walk amongst us.
You BET—They DIE. 🚫🏇🚫
I will get it done here in Arkansas.
Everyone should save this link and use every social media and text message opportunity now and in the future to share this sorrowful story with others. If you live in a state wanting to open a racetrack, make sure to email it to your legislators and any state humane organizations; forward it as an editorial comment to your local newspapers (smaller papers actually need such stories to fill their paper so do not just try your big city newspapers); print out in color and mail to your state legislators or hand deliver to their local office as pictures speak louder than words your actions would be invaluable to help us end this “bred for maiming and death” horse racing industry. The cost is minimal. Do you have time? Please help!
I’m outraged and beyond disgusted once again by this cruel abuse. Thank you at Horse Racing Wrongs for this knowledge. My hope is we as a nation phase out the horse racing industry like grey hound racing is being done. We would all be in the dark if it weren’t for compassionate caring folks such as yourselves. We can and will shut this down. Every person that learns this truth will make a difference. Word of mouth, billboards, protesting and every public access is one more victory. I pray you have national coverage and media attention. Thanks for your documentation. It speaks volumes and can’t be refuted by this heartless industry of greed and ignorance. Yes ignorance. I hope these bastards read my every word and want to pick a fight with me. I’ve have fought many years for just small amounts of change. I have had to get out of towns quick because of asserting my right for public documentation in court houses. Thank God for the State Police and people who genuinely care for the innocent. Just wanted to share my hatred for this wicked sport that shouldn’t be.
Where does Kenneth Hutchens keep his horses? I want to picket with these photos on the placards. Picketing is legal, knowingly selling an animal into torture should not be.
Willow and Duke are 2 very lucky horses.
Special thanks to Laura and to all the unsung heroes who rescue these badly abused, neglected and starving former racehorses.
This article accurately describes and reflects the truth about horse racing and the parasite in it.
In the light of billions in sales and wagering profits plus the billions in taxpayers money and casino profits this business doesn’t have a mandatory contribution in place for aftercare – not even a measley 1%.
Nor do they have a 1-800 number that people can call when they find a racehorse in a horrific situation about to board the slaughter bound truck.
No emergency funds set aside at all – never has been, never will be.
They are all parasites who suck all they can out of the racehorses, and then dump them to go onto their next victim.
Take for example, parasite extraordinaire Patricia Farro, AKA Python Pat – she’s a true parasite and racehorse killer who bases her entire career on claiming, dumping and killing racehorses with no repercussions or accountability.
Her latest claiming victim is THOMAS KNIGHT – a 7 year old gelding who has earned over $340,000 the hard way, track to track, owner to owner, trainer to trainer, dope, injections and who knows what else.
Over $300,000 STILL isn’t enough to ensure a soft landing and get him a home as I’m sure Parasite Pat will just keep on sucking until either there’s no more to give, he drops dead or gets claimed for another round of abuse.
I bet he’s tethered at the back of his stall right now getting a bunch of needles shoved in and out of his veins and joints with no oversight whatsoever.
If he dies?
Parasite Pat will not be held accountable because they are all parasites – every single one of them.
Disgusting & unhuman. Why do people think this is ok.
Reading the conversation ..have you ever noticed when you speak about an issue that will cost someone money Or inconvenience the silence is deafening???
Reblogged this on Armory of the Revolution.
Tom Dorris used to train for an ex Governor Jim Edgar of Illinois. I’m sure the ex governor would be horrified to read this. But Illinois horseracing is in the pits now, not much better than Mountaineer or Parx. When people breed cheap horses nobody wants them when they are done racing. No more cheap horses bred. Ever.
That is pretty much the condition my mare was in when she was rescued. Praying for all of them to be able to recover and live a happy horse life. Thank you, Joy <3 You are very special of many of us and to the horses.
I flew from Boston down to a Texas killpen to rescue two mares. One had won 76000 on the track and is a granddaughter of “Alleged” who went down in history in Europe.
She was owned by some well k mlm own trainers, raced in big races, then had two babies and was sold to a woman who wanted a pleasure horse. She could not handle the horse even though she is not spirited she was inexperienced. So off to auction to killpen.
When I saw her she was hundreds of pounds underweight, had shipping fever and had given up on life. I assured her I would get her better and get her up here to Boston for a better life. The vet down there told men IU should keep her in the quarantine facility for 30 days. I informed him that I could take better care of her here, I have everything I need just give me a few meds to get her home. She is thriving here, after 4 months of great care. I have had breeders ask to breed her to their stallion and no way. She is go iij g nowhere, she is 12 and been through enough.
The quarantine facilities, vets, transporters and kill pens in Texas are all in each others pockets and ripping off people playing on sympathy.
The quarantine iij ne facility I was pay g for, she was iij n with a group of horses that were all sick, I demanded she have her own space in a stall to make sure she was monitored and got her meds. The stall was caked with 8 inches of dry manure, no shavings, chickens and kids running around and she lied about worming them etc. Despicable conditions. I told the vet iij wanted the meda asap to get them ok ut of there. I stayed until they we could get them to out of there and not look back. It’s a racket. This is just one story out of many, these race horses get passed around and around with people that do not have experience or know how to care for them.
I still pick up more and they are a different than owned horses, not because they are different, just because they are treated different, like machines since birth. Once they are turned our and allowed to decompress, they turn into enjoyable, bonding, athletic horses. They are not meant to run. Thousands come off come off the track each year because they don’t want to run or are not fast enough. The lie is over.
It is so heartbreaking. I really can’t understand how someone can watch an animal slowly die of starvation and having no feelings of guilt, no compassion… What is the matter with people? As I read, President Trump signed lately a law to protect animals from cruelty. So is it not possible to get the culprits punished? At least…?
What a shame. I’d love to one day own a thoroughbred. I’d love to rescue one of these horses. I’d spoil her so much.
This HAS to be the most despised “profession “
There’s not even a small part of me that is surprised that her connections didn’t care. Not to mention her former owner is the typical lying dirtbag type that infests the racetracks. That’s the mentality I encountered the most at the track. So many of these jerks would get belligerent and shitty if you didn’t get rid of their horse fast enough! That’s why I have to laugh at the whole “we love them like children” and “they are family” crap we have been hearing so often lately.
And – I highly doubt this poor mare was sound. If she was sound – she would still be toiling on a track somewhere, for someone. 35 starts is, sadly, a low amount of starts for 5 years of racing for a low level claimer. And, she had to have been very unsound, because otherwise, some low life would have still injected her, patched her together, and sent her out to exploit her more!
Thank you, Joy, and Laura, for being the angels for this poor girl, and with the grace of God I pray she blooms under Laura’s loving care.
It’s about well off people,not wanting to work a real job,and making tons of money breeding more defenseless victims. The real money is in the breeding,that’s why they don’t care. They want them to have a short life,so they can breed more. The hole thing is a devious racket. Wake up people the money is in breeding!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is so disgusting there are no right words that fit whoever let this beautiful animal get in that condition. How could anyone in their right mind walk past this horse and not see what horrible shape she was in. Some people are just pure EVIL!! If the people who are responsible for this are not punished the abuse will continue. Obviously there are people who have no heart or soul and should never own any type of animal!
If this case of animal abuse doesn’t change your mind….then you are a sick pup. The industry doesn’t care…on to making money,breeding more VICTIMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! These people in this industry are just greedy money grabbers. God Bless you Joy,it takes a STRONG person to be able to cope with such CRUELTY.
Reminiscent of Tiz Willow who starved to death. How in the hell does a horse starve TO DEATH and not a single worker on that farm noticed? These poor babies – like so many, many others – deserve better from the miserable excuses for human beings who breed them, exploit them, then dump them without a thought. I hope there’s a dark place in Hell for people who do this to animals.
It is sickening that owners of horses can be so callous. It is heartbreaking!
I am so glad that there are those people who can save abused, neglected and abandoned horses!!!!! Thank you for sharing this story!!!!