Thursday, August 20, 2009

Do you know this horse?

Mona, one of the mare's seized from the "Polo Pony Retirement Foundation" is now two weeks into her rehab. It was two weeks ago today that the Orange County Sheriff's and Animal Control Departments rescued ten starving horses from a farm in Mine Run. Sadly, they arrived too late for 20 other horses. Another 10 were in fairly good shape.

Mona - August 8, 2009


Mona's age is estimated to be 30 years old. She looks like a Thoroughbred, but is not tattooed, so we cannot age her through that means. We don't know if she was a polo pony or one of several other types of horses at the "retirement farm."

As of today, Mona continues to eat well and gain weight. We are, however, seeing signs of some respiratory difficulties. All blood tests showed normal results, leading to the conclusion she does not have a respiratory infection, so Mona will begin treatment for "heaves" or COPD today. Our current hot spell is not helping, of course, but the forecast calls for much lower temperatures this weekend. Hopefully that, and her new meds, will help Miss Mona breathe easily.

For news coverage of the Mackall case, visit these links:
NBC29 August 14, NBC29 August 19
Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star
Lynchburg News Advance
WUSA9
Orange County Review
Charlottesville Newsplex

There has been widespread coverage of this case in VA. One reporter, however, seems to think this an "Orange County story" that should "stay in Orange County." No, this is not an Orange County story. This, folks, is national. Horse owners from throughout the polo world sent horses to this "retirement" facility, thinking their animals would be well cared for during their post-polo years. Now, those owners are frantically looking for information about the horses involved in attempts to determine if their horses are alive or dead.

These photos were taken August 17, We apologize for the quality of the photos, but were trying to email info to those seeking help as quickly as we could. Even though we didn't have good lighting, these pictures do show Mona's markings. If anyone recognizes this mare, please let us know. She is currently safe and under a vet's care.

One other thing about Miss Mona. This mare loves people. She must have known great kindness and care in her earlier years. I can't imagine what it was like for her to have been locked in a small dirt enclosure with no food, water, or human social contact.

Miss Mona Markings:



1 comment:

Anonymous said...

oh this poor chap looks very weak. why do people do like that.

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