These horses have been abandoned by their owner, who has chosen to no longer care for them. If you can help them in any way, please contact your local animal control department, chapter of the Humane Society, or shelter.
These horses are located at Silver Streak Ranch, Hillsville, VA, just before the town of Galax, VA. Please contact the Virginia State Police, Wytheville (540) 228-3131 or Galax Carroll Grayson Shelterl (540) 236-8501 for further information or accompaniment if you wish to view the animals. Click here if you would like directions to the farm.
Your letters urging action to the Galax Carroll Grayson Shelter and Virginia State Police will be helpful.
Addresses:
Virginia State Police, E. Lee Highway, Wytheville, VA 24382
Galax Carroll Grayson Shelter, 201 Fair Street, Galax, VA 24333
Now for introductions to the horses that are still available and need help as soon as possible:
Paint stock Quarter Horse mare, 15.1 hh, and 14+ years old. Currently in foal to a Percheron stallion, who almost starved to death last winter until he was rescued. Currently sound, although she is in despaerate need of a good hoof trim. Possible respiratory infection and worm infestation. Has not received regular care or worming for at least a year. Very friendly once she has learned to trust you. With some care, attention, and medical care she could be a wonderful broodmare and possible riding horse.
Buckskin pony, approx 13.2 hh, possibly rideable. Has not received shots or worming in at least a year. In need of vet care for hooves, worm infestation, and shots. VERY friendly, and eager for attention. Seems perky, but BIG emphasis on worm problem.
Approx 7 year old Thoroughbred gelding, 16 hh. In the best condition of the group. Has a slight case of rain rot and a small cut on the inside of the right foreleg. Hooves in fair condition. Noticeable worm infestation, may take several dosings to alleviate. Has not received any shots or worming for at least a year. An educated rider can handle him, has a mild and easygoing personality.
6 yr old Paint gelding, 15.3 hh. Rideable by strong rider. Not rideable at present time due to crack in right front foot that travels all the way to the coronary band. Last trim was in the spring of 2000. Bad case of rain rot setting in, and hasn't had worming or shots for over a year.
EMERGENCY!! If this horse doesn't see a farrier soon and get help for this foot, he could well end up permanently crippled. The foot is very painful, and he has problems walking on it.
6 yr old Thoroughbred mare, 15.3 hh. Cannot be ridden due to major trauma to hindlegs, which cut deep to the bone. Has not received worming or shots for at least 2 years. Bred August 5-9 1999 to Paint stallion, mare is overdue to foal. Worm infestation, malnourished, may also be suffering from fescue toxicosis, which may be why she hasn't foaled.
EMERGENCY!! Mare is in urgent need of medical attention and supervision until she foals. She may have twins, and they will probably be bottle babies, as she has shown no signs of bagging up.
Click any picture for a larger version...
20+ yr old Thoroughbred mare, 16.2 hh. Ronnie is blind from a viral infection she had several years ago. She has not received any worming or shots for several years, and has definate worm damage. She is in OUTSTANDING condition compared to what she used to be. In May she was left in a field and caught her legs on wire. She wasn't found for several days, as her owner abandoned her, and all the tissue from her hocks to her pasterns was ripped away, exposing bone, joint capsule, and tendons.
EMERGENCY!! She has been receiving volunteer care for her injury, and is at risk for infection--she already has an abscess settling into her right pastern (see arrow). She is healing, but is in a great deal of pain, and cannot walk. She is in need of daily care, antibiotics, debreding and bandaging of these wounds.
All these horses have been left abandoned and unattended by their owner. None have proper pasture to graze from or shelter fromthe weather. None of the horses have been wormed or vaccinated for well over a year. They need the care of a vet and a farrier. The fence is not reliable, and they have gotten loose on a 4 lane highway. They are checked on once a week by volunteers as time permits, and receive water and hay, but no medical care is provided at this time.
These horse are survivors. Other horses they were pastured with died during this past winter and spring. These have been able to carry on thanks to volunteered assistance from local vets, farriers, and animal activists.
Unfortunately LEGAL help has not been provided--that must come from the state police and from animal control. Although they have been contacted, we need the voices of others to urge action on behalf of these horses. Please call or write the Virginia State Police or Galax Carroll Grayson Shelterl.
