One of the things that we do here on the ranch is take in unwanted, abused or starved horses. Gracie was the saddest case ever. Someone had moved without her, leaving her in a confined stall without food or water for almost 6 weeks by the time we were notified about her urgent need. We know it was six weeks because that was how long the house had been empty where she lived.

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When you first take in an abandoned animal, you have to document it's condition both with photos and veterinary statements. Often, the prior owners will show up and try to collect the animal after it has been "brought back to life" with good food and care. Without documented proof, a rescue hasn't much to stand on if the animal was "taken". Stupid, but because animals are considered private property, it's the way it is.

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Gracie weighed approximately 600 pounds when we took her in. Dismal for a horse that's 16.3 hands tall! She should have been more like 1400 lbs. for her big bone size and height.

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The hardest part of working in the rescue field is this very thing. You see animals in the most pathetic of conditions and fight hating the people who did this to them.

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This day, I couldn't have trusted myself not to hurt the owners had they been there when we picked this poor starved mare up!

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I've worked in the rescue field for many years, and am still amazed that people can do this to their animals!

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It still irks me to no end that anyone could be so cruel to this sweet mare!

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You never get used to seeing the horrific manner in which some folk treat their animals.

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Poor Jeff! I regularly bring home critters who've been abandoned, starved or abused and he never complains.

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This is one of the more important documentation photos because it clearly shows the protrusion of her butt and tail bones. Normally, you can't see this protrusion even on a skinny horse.

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I could just kick her prior owners!

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