Anyone buy, donate or adopt from Montana Farms/Horse Rescue Mission in Egg Harbor, NJ

[caly40]

Help me find "Flint"


I just want to get my story out there so that noone makes the same mistake I did.

-And so I learned that a horse I cared for for many years who was loved by everyone who met him was missing and feared sold or dead. On April 25, 2008 I sent my horse to a supposed Horse Rescue Mission in Egg Harbor City, NJ. I did my homework as best as I could and to me the placed seemed legit. I left feeling reassured that Flint would be well taken care of and that we would be in constant contact. I was told Flint would be used for the NARHA program and if he couldn't be ridden he would be groomed by handicapped adults in a therapeutic program. I have a signed contract and in it it stated that if Flint didn't work out in this program he was to be returned to me.

-I was in constant contact with the owner of the HRM until June 6 when she changed her phone number. I decided to take a ride down there to find that there were huge "no tresspassing" signs and barbed wire so noone could get in. There was no one there but I got in anyway. Flint was nowhere to be found and the same horses that were there when I dropped Flint off were emaciated looking. I knew right then and there that something wasn't right.

-I ended up getting the woman's number and she told me Flint passed away. She has told several different stories already which none of us are buying. She can't provide vet reports or numbers for the people who supposedly picked him up. He didn't die, she sold him illegally. After doing more research I found this http://www.newjerseyhorse.com/bboard/post6861.html
I wish I would have seen this sooner as I would have never sent him down there.

-Please keep an eye out for Flint
he is 16yo Grey TB Gelding
Tattoo # is V18551

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n2/caly40/IMG_1215.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p239/MaryLOhio/IMG_18981.jpg?t=1220546443

If you can't trust a horse rescue with your horse, who can you trust?

[Marli]

Fellow Cothers:

Please take a look at Flint through the link Caly has provided. Caly has been searching and searching for him. :no:

The rescue in question I have never heard of, but perhaps someone here may be acquainted with it.

Anyone recognize the horse, perhaps know someone that may have recently acquired a grey gelding?

[Cherry]

Too bad, so sad....

I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't already gone through New Holland Horse Sales... A lot of horses eventually end up there.

Caly, I think you know by now just because a person calls him/her self a rescue does not make it so!!!! Yes, you needed to be more diligent when placing a horse with someone--I would have wanted to know what NAHRA program--where???? Then I would have wanted to talk to the person there! I pray that you can get Flint back--you have a 50/50 chance at best....

There are several rescues near me that probably should be contacted but I am having problems with my Hotmail account. If you want the information I can supply you with it so you can call or email them. Pictures would help them. These are rescues that go to New Holland every Monday and specifically pull out Thoroughbreds to save.... I'll go make a couple phone calls and come back and let you know how I made out.... :yes:

[joiedevie99]

I'm not sure I can be of any help, but I'll tell you what I know. I responded to an add on Dreamhorse sometime in the early spring (March maybe?). There were many adds for horses they had for sale on several different sites. The add was labeled Montana Farms, and the trainer answered. I drove out later that week and someone else was there- she claimed to be the trainers business partner. She showed me the horse, along with about 6 others.

The partner told me quite a bit about what was going on there, but never mentioned the Rescue. She also mentioned using a facility with an indoor, but I'm not sure if they trailered over or if they kept some horses at another facility. She said it was a very short drive away.

Anyway, this all occurred before your horse would have gotten there, but I should be able to dig up names and numbers for the two partners if you don't have them already and I remember the facility and the horses I saw pretty well. If I can be of any assistance please let me know.

ETA: I just did some googling and found this add: http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad322784. Have you tried both of those phone numbers?

[Cherry]

Well, I've been looking for contact information and it seems like one of the rescues I hoped might help has gone out of business and the other one is in a state of flux--I have no idea what's going on there.

I did try to call yet another rescue but no one is answering--I will keep trying.... I'm not sure who else would be frequenting New Holland on a regular basis at the point. If I can get through to this one rescue she may know who is there on a weekly basis....

Sorry I can't be of more help at this time. I'll try to find something out by tonight and report back.... ;)

[FatPalomino]

I knew of all the horse rescues in NJ when I worked for a rescue in Jersey (2004), but I never heard of this stable or organization.

I have heard of therapeutic riding centers in NJ selling their horses at auctions. From there I would assume the horse would go to Harker's in Tabernacle. Last I was there (years ago), the horses sold were in good condition and I didn't see any that seemed destined for slaughter.

If I were you, I'd go with a wad of cash in hand to Tabernacle auction and ask to speak with the owner. Tell him you'll pay him if he can provide you with information, IF your horse was sold there by person named X. Don't ask too many questions, just insist that you are only interested in the horse's welfare. And flash that pocket full of money.

Is it the best way to approach the subject? Maybe not. I know you have been looking for a while now. I doubt you will ever get the straight answer from the person you donated your horse to.

Did you have a written contract? Have you filed a police report? Doing so, and tipping off the media, may let you get in the headlines and get some exposure, and maybe find your horse.

Have you posted flyers at all the tack and feed stores, asking for information and offering a reward if you find your horse? Worth a try, also....

Years ago we lost track of a lesson pony I rode in central NJ. She was sold at auction, and we did find her years later. She was very lucky. She had been run through the sale injured and a very nicely family purchased her, rehabbed her, and placed her with a young girl. They were thrilled to know more about the pony's history. And we were thrilled that she was ok. We kept in touch with the owners and offered to take the pony if they ever didn't want her. It was a wonderful, win-win situation. There is hope.

[philosoraptor]

I've never heard of them, either. I don't claim to know of every rescue everywhere, but I am only 30 minutes drive from NJ.

If they were a NARHA center, can you see if NARHA has a new address for people involved in the org? Perhaps if you can politely inquire with other Board members of this organization, you can find out what happened?

Did you get the names of references before you sent the horse there? If so, can you call them to ask if any of them have seen the horse?

Do be careful about how much you publicize "so and so is a horse thief". IMHO it's a civil matter. You don't want to look like a nut to the judge when you go to court against her. I'd start by sending her a written request for return of the horse and send it certified mail / return receipt requested. State that you are aware that the horse didn't work out for her program and as per the terms of the contrat, you'd like him back. Request she contact you within 10 days of the date of the letter to arrange a time to pick up the horse. (she probably won't contact you back, but you are establishing things in writing in preparation for going to court)

Good luck to you !! If I come across anything about him in my travels in the resuce world, I'll let you know.

I don't think this is an issue of "if you can't trust a rescue". It's a conflict of interest when a therapy barn says they're a rescue and makes all sorts of promises. Therapeutic riding programs generally do not (cannot) keep the unsound horses for the rest of their lives. A therapeutic riding progam will find itself full of unsound horses eventually and would have nothing to give lessons on. The mission of the therapy program is to help the handicapped, not run a retirement home. Therefore it's not unusual or unreasonable that a therapeutic barn (even a 501c3 and/or NARHA barn) sometimes sense horses to auctions or brokers. Once ownership is signed over, the horse is theirs to resell, and the best you can do is try to sue in civil court for damages.

[philosoraptor]

Does this address help? or is it out of date?

Horse Rescue Mission Inc.
1701 4th Avenue
Devonshire, NJ 08215
(from their web page (http://www.freewebs.com/horserescuemission/donations.htm))

I checked GuideStar and I didn't see "Horse Rescue Mission" listed as a nonprofit in NJ. But there is always the slim chance they just got their 501c approval like last month or something?

I read more of their site, and I see that they sell or adopt horses out. Is there a chance they sold your horse to a good home?

I am just kind of puzzled by some things on their site. For example it's kind of odd all their horses are "HRM" considering they didn't breed these horses.

[FatPalomino]

I checked GuideStar and I didn't see "Horse Rescue Mission" listed as a nonprofit in NJ. But there is always the slim chance they just got their 501c approval like last month or something?


Not all Charities are listed on GuideStar. Many smaller ones do not have to file a 990. Check with the IRS to be sure if the agency is a true 501c3.

[BuddyRoo]

I have nothing to add...just wanted to send you well wishes. I hope you find your horse.

Also, have you contacted NetPosse and an attorney?

[Rivendellhorses]

Also try posting on www.nj-horse.com as they might be a good place to check out, someone might have seen something.

Possibly post on craigslist (newjersey.craigslist.com/cnj.craigslist.com/southjersey.craigslist.com) as there is a farm and garden section. another chance to see more people.

good luck.

[Angela Freda]

The story of Flint is why I so fear when people say they are going to sell their less than perfect horses.

Flint is wonderful- good at his job, not hard to handle, pretty, and WANTED, not just by Caly40, but his former owner as well had a contract for his return when that buyer was moving on from him. Obviously that was breached. This horse is wanted, he has people wanting to keep him safe.
If he can end up in a bad place, ANY horse can.

It would be great if anyone with connections to rescues who attend auctions could bring Flint to their attention, maybe they will remember seeing him? If we just knew how much he sold for (if indeed he sold at auction) it might tell us more about where he went.

It would also be great if folks on the East Coast could keep their eyes and ears open, in case someone snatched him up hoping to make him into their show horse- Hunter/Jumper- or for resale.


Find Flint!!

[Angela Freda]

Bumping because *Dammit* I hope someone finds Flint!

[BasqueMom]

jingling he's found and bumping up again!

[Cherry]

What you might do is contact The Horse of Delaware Valley and The Equine Marketer and put an ad in them with a picture (or pictures) of Flint, asking the question: "Has anyone seen this horse?" and his vitals saying that you thought you were sending him to an equine rescue but he is now MIA--don't forget to include your contact information.... Anyone with half a brain will know what you're alluding to.... :yes: ;)

There may be other horse publications you should put this ad in too but I'm not aware of any other than the ones near me.... The Horse of Delaware Valley has a very wide audience in the PennDelMarva area.... ;)

Good luck!

[lolalola]

You could also put an ad in Horse News. It has a wide readership in that area.

[Angela Freda]

Great ideas.

I also was hoping FUGLY would pick up this story and run with it.

It truly is the epitome of warning stories... this horse is wanted by TWO former owners, and contracts were in place.... he has a job, is good at it, is easy to handle,... and still he is missing. *shaking head*

You know it happens, and then it happens to a horse you knew, and WHAM! It's more real and scary than ever.


FIND FLINT!

[Cherry]

I also was hoping FUGLY would pick up this story and run with it.
Well, somebody send the FUGLY gal an email and pictures!!!! :yes:

The longer this goes on the less chance there is of finding this fellow--it's already been almost five months.... :uhoh: It's stories like this that have kept me from leasing or selling my little TB mare.... ;)

Another publication you could put an ad in is Tri-State Horse ( http://www.tristatehorse.com )--it covers New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania....

Good luck!

[the_other_mother]

Another place to put it in is Horse & Tack Classified. 609-758-3450
Huge readership and circulation area in all of NJ

[Angela Freda]

Any news or updates on the search for Flint??

[Cherry]

I've been trying all weekend to call the rescue lady near me--I know she bails Thoroughbreds out of the sale at New Holland, but I'm not getting an answer. May be that she's on holiday. I'll try her again on Monday....

I no longer have a car to drive or I'd jump in it and go up to the New Holland sale myself to have a look around, but it has been five months since this horse went missing.... Heck within twenty-four hours of a horse gone missing it could have been at New Holland at the sale and the same day headed out for parts unknown (although I would think most horses would end up being within a 500 mile radius)....

Did anyone contact FUGLY???? :confused:

[Angela Freda]

Hey Cherry, could you PM me what rescue this is you are contacting, I know several people have networked with a few rescues going through the lists of horses they've either seen at sales or actually bought (and so far no luck).
It would be great if you have a lead on one that has not been alerted yet!

[zedcadjna]

I know the person who owns Montana farms, and I would never allow one of my horses there. She just had a horse pass away last month from god knows what. I know she is under investigation right now, as I know someone who works with the spca, if you would like her contact info I will give you the head of spca in NJ, you can call her and tell her your story...... she has had 5 horses in 3 months die over there, she is about 15 mins away from my house.. I can find out some info for you too from someone who knows her....

[caly40]

zedcadjna, please email me. I am working with the SPCA right now (it's a guy though) but would like to call this woman as well. I want answers as to what this woman did to MY horse. Why are all these horses dieing?

[Codeyddn]

Its a SAD story whats going on over there.. Horses are dying, true. Horses are also being sold, traded, and auction bound. This woman has no morals at all. She lives in the living quaters of her horses trailer on a piece of property from an abandoned house, begging borrowing and stealing. She talks a great game and will easily talk you in a circle if youre not careful. I personally know of 4 places that have thrown her out (not without a fight, police were called, court cases pending..etc). For animal abuse, stealing, and failure to maintain her end of any agreement (i.e. paying rent, feeding animals) .
So sorry your Flint was in the middle of all this, i didnt know of this site until recently. I am the poster of the warning thread on njhorse. Im truely sorry she got her hands on your boy before you were able to read my warning...

[horsewoman_97344]

I feel for you, I also am looking for my horse Skip, there is a thread on here on him. Just like you I didn't find anything bad on the people until after I loaned him to them. They also sold all the horses, getting my horse loaned to them under the pretense of starting a kids riding camp. I have not found my skip yet either but I am still trying like you. It has been over a year for me. I keep looking for these people because they moved out of state and I think they will try this again because it worked for them in Florida. Please keep a look out for these new rescues/kids riding camps, needing horses. These people names are Scott & Alicia Gadbury, don't know where they are but if they ask for loan of your horse or say they are running a rescue, Beware.
Hope you find your horse!!!

[Codeyddn]

This is the same woman who had extension cords up from tree to tree as fencing while her property border'd the Philadelphia and Atlantic city Expressway. Long story short. Had 5 Horses roam out on to the expressway in the middle of the night killing them. Hit by cars! She belongs in jail. She is an irresponsible liar and a theif. File charges with the Mullica Twp police for theft on your horse. I guarantee he was sold and did not pass away. :mad:

[KPF]

Have you tried contacting the NJ state veterinarian? I was in a similar situation years ago in VA, I gave a mare to a "rescue" that ended up moving and selling her. I finally was able to locate her with the help of the state vet's office who had the people under investigation. I later found out they had stiffed the local vets and feed stores too... lots of peeps were looking for these crooks. Luckily my mare ended up with a former volunteer for their "rescue" who was also duped at first by these people, the volunteer let me come visit her and she was fat and happy.

I just wanted to share my story with you because I never thought it would have a happy ending. Keep your chin up, and good luck in your search. :)

[Codeyddn]

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/grd/853914604.html

check that ad. her new # and pictures of the horses shes trying to sell....

[Codeyddn]

http://dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1273175

[Rivendell Horses]

I saw those ads. There is one today that is for a chestnut mare, it WAS $800 the last time i saw it. Today on southjersey.craigslist.com it's up to $1500 for the same horse. Just makes you go hmmmmmmmmmm.

(maybe try emailing/calling her from there and meeting her out there? Dont tell her who you are..etc...) Or have a friend do it or something?

[caly40]

ha ha, the last time I went down there I was told that grey horse was priced at 35,000. They then proceeded to tell me he was on dreamhorse so of course I went home and looked him up and saw that he was priced at 2000. This woman is a LIAR!

[snkstacres]

This just breaks my heart. I hope you find your Flint back safe and sound. Matter of fact, I am praying for that. He looks like a gem of a boy which makes me hopeful that the meat man did not get him. But praying that he is not one of the highway casualties or the mysterious deaths either.

I am so so so sorry. At times, I even hate to call myself a rescue and put myself on the same page.

[marta]

i'm NJ but not near Egg Harbor and i never personally dealt with rescue operations.

i will keep my eyes and ears open for Flint.
i hope you do find him.

[caly40]

I've heard so many awful stories about this woman Heather Stafford, or Heather Ewbanks (not sure what name she is going by today) it just makes me ill to think that the SPCA hasn't put a stop to it yet. Sounds like she's been getting away with this for years.

[Angela Freda]

Caly40, any news on Flint?

[caly40]

yes, he passed away. apparently he was sick and she never called the vet. he was peeing brown and not acting right for a while and she decided to take him to a horse show anyway. He wasn't acting right at the show so she took him home and he died. I spoke to the SPCA yesterday and that is what she told me. I would like to know why this woman is still allowed to have horses? I am disgusted that she hasn't been charged with any kind of animal cruelty yet. How long does an investigation take.

[snkstacres]

I am so sorry for your Flint friend. I am not sure that I believe that lady didnt sell him either but.......................it sounds like maybe the SPCA looked into it at the time I hope.

And here I am, so lucky to have Press back. All this happened after you started your thread and I know I was blessed.

My condolences

[Kate66]

Caly40, I am so sorry for your loss. How heartbreaking. Flint looked like a real gentleman. I hope that this woman gets the rewards that she deserves - in a nasty place!

[marta]

i'm so sorry.
i was really hoping this story would have a happy ending:(

[Angela Freda]

yes, he passed away. apparently he was sick and she never called the vet. he was peeing brown and not acting right for a while and she decided to take him to a horse show anyway. He wasn't acting right at the show so she took him home and he died. I spoke to the SPCA yesterday and that is what she told me. I would like to know why this woman is still allowed to have horses? I am disgusted that she hasn't been charged with any kind of animal cruelty yet. How long does an investigation take.
Call me the eternal pessimist, but I would get confirmation from people, unrelated to this A$$hat, at that same show.

If it is true, Godspeed to Flint.

[caly40]

I have received more confirmation that Flint did in fact die...

RIP Flinty

[Angela Freda]

I am so sorry for your loss.

Godspeed Flint.

[caly40]

I wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time give me info about Heather Stafford. I continue to get several emails from people I don't even know about what happened to my horse. One I found really disturbing was this one- I received it this morning and wanted to share it with everyone. I'm happy to know that the investigation is still ongoing and there is a chance that justice will be served.

"we just wanted to say, we feel for you.
heather stafford is a very horrible person.
we use to board at her barn, and think she hit and abused our horses.
they were under weight, head shy, had cuts, gashed and even abcesses all over there bodies.
they even attempted to jump fences to get to grass [[ of course they injured them selfs]]

we thought we should tell you that we rode flint in shows and tried to take care of him as best as we could for 14 year olds since heather obvisouly failed to do so. we read your story and just wanted to let u know how srry we are for the loss of flint. he was a great horse and we loved him so much. he died in are arms, and we're just grateful he died with us, people who loved him ."


Help me find "Flint"


I just want to get my story out there so that noone makes the same mistake I did.

-And so I learned that a horse I cared for for many years who was loved by everyone who met him was missing and feared sold or dead. On April 25, 2008 I sent my horse to a supposed Horse Rescue Mission in Egg Harbor City, NJ. I did my homework as best as I could and to me the placed seemed legit. I left feeling reassured that Flint would be well taken care of and that we would be in constant contact. I was told Flint would be used for the NARHA program and if he couldn't be ridden he would be groomed by handicapped adults in a therapeutic program. I have a signed contract and in it it stated that if Flint didn't work out in this program he was to be returned to me.

-I was in constant contact with the owner of the HRM until June 6 when she changed her phone number. I decided to take a ride down there to find that there were huge "no tresspassing" signs and barbed wire so noone could get in. There was no one there but I got in anyway. Flint was nowhere to be found and the same horses that were there when I dropped Flint off were emaciated looking. I knew right then and there that something wasn't right.

-I ended up getting the woman's number and she told me Flint passed away. She has told several different stories already which none of us are buying. She can't provide vet reports or numbers for the people who supposedly picked him up. He didn't die, she sold him illegally. After doing more research I found this http://www.newjerseyhorse.com/bboard/post6861.html
I wish I would have seen this sooner as I would have never sent him down there.

-Please keep an eye out for Flint
he is 16yo Grey TB Gelding
Tattoo # is V18551

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n2/caly40/IMG_1215.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p239/MaryLOhio/IMG_18981.jpg?t=1220546443

If you can't trust a horse rescue with your horse, who can you trust?

[UNCeventer]

Oh my, I am so so sorry. I practically cried. I am trying to find a free lease situation for one of my horses and this thread has scared me.

So sorry. Hugs.

[SBT]

I'm so sorry about Flint. I knew him personally (in fact, my horse currently inhabits the stall Flint vacated when Maria B. first gave him away), and he was a very cool horse. I'm sure Maria is sick over this. She gave him to someone who said they were going to keep him forever and use him in a lesson program. That someone then turned around and sold him for a large sum to the junior rider in NJ (the OP, I'm assuming?) who later donated him to the Egg Harbor place thinking it would be a nice home.

It's a perfect example of how easily a NICE horse can fall through the cracks despite best intentions on the part of almost everyone who had him. Flint was once worth A LOT of money as an AA jumper. If this could happen to him, it could happen to any horse.

RIP Flint. :(

[Angela Freda]

I'm so sorry about Flint. I knew him personally (in fact, my horse currently inhabits the stall Flint vacated when Maria B. first gave him away), and he was a very cool horse. I'm sure Maria is sick over this. She gave him to someone who said they were going to keep him forever and use him in a lesson program. That someone then turned around and sold him for a large sum to the junior rider in NJ (the OP, I'm assuming?) who later donated him to the Egg Harbor place thinking it would be a nice home.

It's a perfect example of how easily a NICE horse can fall through the cracks despite best intentions on the part of almost everyone who had him. Flint was once worth A LOT of money as an AA jumper. If this could happen to him, it could happen to any horse.

RIP Flint. :(

thank you SBT, it's so true.
If I did not mention it earlier I knew him also.

this bears repeating;
If this could happen to him, it could happen to any horse.

Caly your description of the brown urine- did he tie-up? Is that the theory on how he died?

[caly40]

There is no theory on how he died. I was told her was peeing brown for a few days and no vet was called. Then they decided to take him to a show, he wasn't acting right so they loaded him up and took him home. When they got back home he just dropped. The woman from the SPCA told me this. She said that's what the kids told her.



thank you SBT, it's so true.
If I did not mention it earlier I knew him also.

this bears repeating;
If this could happen to him, it could happen to any horse.

Caly your description of the brown urine- did he tie-up? Is that the theory on how he died?

[caly40]

There is no theory on how he died. I was told her was peeing brown for a few days and no vet was called. Then they decided to take him to a show, he wasn't acting right so they loaded him up and took him home. When they got back home he just dropped. The woman from the SPCA told me this. She said that's what the kids told her.



Court date- Jan 20th @ 10am...
Keep your fingers crossed!

[Angela Freda]

that is great news... wish I could come to lend support.

The peeing brown speaks to organ damage, sometimes seen with azoturia or tying up.
It might also explain why he was 'not acting right'.
It's heartbreaking and they should have to also speak to how they let this animal suffer if that is the case.

[Cruzer]

Court date- Jan 20th @ 10am...
Keep your fingers crossed!

Civil or criminal (municipal)?

[mkevent]

Best wishes on finding Flint. I do know of one TB rescue that does frequent New Holland-www.midatlantichorserescue.com. Hopefully they may be able to help you. Good luck-I hope you find him soon.

[Angela Freda]

Best wishes on finding Flint. I do know of one TB rescue that does frequent New Holland-www.midatlantichorserescue.com. Hopefully they may be able to help you. Good luck-I hope you find him soon.

Read the thread, it's confirmed he is deceased.

[mkevent]

Angela, I'm soooo sorry- I didn't realize that I had only read the first page of the thread until after I posted(I'm still new to COTH and didn't realize how long this had been going on). I am so sorry for all that you have gone through and I hope my post didn't upset you further-please accept my apologies.

[mkevent]

Now that I read the thread(in its entirety) I realize I should be apologizing to caly40...I hope the court date ends up showing some kind of justice for Flint and all the others she has hurt-she belongs in a prison cell...

[Angela Freda]

no problem MK, it's been a few long months trying to find answers and praying he was alive.
Caly deserves major hugs and credit for seeing this through, as hard as I am sure it's been.

[summerhorse]

I'm so sorry he died. I hope that woman meets her karma somewhere soon.

[CJ82Sky]

I am SO sorry for your loss.

As a part of a non profit horse rescue in NJ, the best I can offer is check with the IRS first to ensure that a rescue is actually a legal non profit, then ask for references - and more than one. Anyone can fake a few references but for example if someone comes here and wants to know who has surrendered horses to us and is there anyone they can talk to, we will give names (with the former owner's approval) and have some rather well known people in the horse industry that we've worked with. I have to say that if a rescue isn't willing to offer up vet and personal references, I'd be concerned for certain, though unfortunately, there's no guarantees.

I hope the court case goes in your favor, and Flint's favor. *hugs & love*

[animlvr]

Hi Caly40,
First and foremost I want to send my condolences to you for your loss. :no:
I cannot understand and probably never will...making a career out of caring for animals is something that takes a special person. Patience, kindness, love, etc. WHY would she go OUT of her way, seemingly scheming a plan to take people's money and more importantly, their beloved horses??


I personally know Heather. I will not say how but I have been to the farm, I have met the horses, and I was there in June. I know Flint was there then. I was at the open house and he was in the corral at the time. I fed him with my then six year old son. He seemed agitated and scared. She said he was new to the farm.

The person that wrote the post about her living on the farm is correct. The conditions were poor. I do not want to make you feel badly about your decision to leave Flint there, I simply want you to know this was not your fault. You thought you were doing a GOOD thing.

In my experience over the years of knowing Heather, I have seen the horses deteriorate. I should have contacted the SPCA; I didn't because I felt that nothing would be done. That has been my experience with them, anyway. Unfortunately, something has to go terribly wrong for them to investigate. They do not act proactively. But I have learned my lesson. The next time I will call no matter what. I somehow feel partially to blame for Flint's passing. I am SO SO sorry. If I could go back, I would've called the SPCA at the first sign that something was wrong. Not necessarily with Flint; I don't remember seeing him after the day of the Open House.

IN any event, I wish you all the luck in the world on the day of court. Bring with you ANY pictures, any witnesses, any contracts, write down any attempts to contact her, the date she changed her number, etc etc. DOCUMENTATION IS SO IMPORTANT!!! I cannot stress that enough!!

If you'd like, I can give you my email address. I MAY have a person who MIGHT be wiling to come to court to support your case. I cannot promise anything right now, b/c I'll have to talk to her, but I would love to help in any way possible. This woman needs to be behind bars!:mad:

Best of luck to you; RIP Flint. :(

[caly40]

I appreciate your info. I do wish someone who was there would have done something. I have gotten so many private emails from people stating the conditions of the horses and admitting they just walked away feeling sorry for them. I have EVERYTHING documented and can only hope that justice is served, not just for Flint but for all the horses who were under Heather's "care".


Hi Caly40,
First and foremost I want to send my condolences to you for your loss. :no:
I cannot understand and probably never will...making a career out of caring for animals is something that takes a special person. Patience, kindness, love, etc. WHY would she go OUT of her way, seemingly scheming a plan to take people's money and more importantly, their beloved horses??


I personally know Heather. I will not say how but I have been to the farm, I have met the horses, and I was there in June. I know Flint was there then. I was at the open house and he was in the corral at the time. I fed him with my then six year old son. He seemed agitated and scared. She said he was new to the farm.

The person that wrote the post about her living on the farm is correct. The conditions were poor. I do not want to make you feel badly about your decision to leave Flint there, I simply want you to know this was not your fault. You thought you were doing a GOOD thing.

In my experience over the years of knowing Heather, I have seen the horses deteriorate. I should have contacted the SPCA; I didn't because I felt that nothing would be done. That has been my experience with them, anyway. Unfortunately, something has to go terribly wrong for them to investigate. They do not act proactively. But I have learned my lesson. The next time I will call no matter what. I somehow feel partially to blame for Flint's passing. I am SO SO sorry. If I could go back, I would've called the SPCA at the first sign that something was wrong. Not necessarily with Flint; I don't remember seeing him after the day of the Open House.

IN any event, I wish you all the luck in the world on the day of court. Bring with you ANY pictures, any witnesses, any contracts, write down any attempts to contact her, the date she changed her number, etc etc. DOCUMENTATION IS SO IMPORTANT!!! I cannot stress that enough!!

If you'd like, I can give you my email address. I MAY have a person who MIGHT be wiling to come to court to support your case. I cannot promise anything right now, b/c I'll have to talk to her, but I would love to help in any way possible. This woman needs to be behind bars!:mad:

Best of luck to you; RIP Flint. :(

[Instant Karma]

I'm so very sorry for your loss:cry:

[Cruzer]

"not just for Flint but for all the horses who were under Heather's "care"."

Were? You mean "are". As far as I know there are a number of horses still there.

I hope things go well for you in court....but this person has a way of flying under the radar. She has got off before and you can bet she will come in with documentation stating the horses had good care, etc.

[gideeupgrl]

any news?

[Baroquecoco]

I am so very sorry for your loss. godspeed flint.

[Angela Freda]

For some reason I had it in my head that court date was the 24th... but it was the 20th.
Any news?

[caly40]

Court date postponed. I will update as soon as I have info.

[Angela Freda]

I thought that might happen.
You and Flint are in my thoughts.

[mkevent]

Keeping our fingers crossed for you-would love to hear justice served for you and Flint

[Giginger13]

Dear Caly,

First and foremost, I'm so sorry for your loss.

can you please e-mail me at Leff71@aol.com, I'd like to ask you the woman's name. It's wrong to mention names online here so I'm wondering if you can e-mail me.

I have a situation and someone told me my horse went to this Montana Farms 3 years ago.....long story. Then i got an e-mail telling me he was Dead.

Thanks much

[Cruzer]

From the Atlantic City Press 2/4/09

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/179/story/392499.html

Mullica woman pleads guilty to not caring for horse's wound


Published: Wednesday, February 04, 2009


From Press staff reports
MULLICA TOWNSHIP - A woman pleaded guilty to animal cruelty Tuesday in municipal court after she failed to get veterinary care for a horse with a large wound, the president of the Atlantic County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.

Heather Stafford, who ran the Montana Horse Farm on Fourth Avenue, was fined $400 plus $250 restitution for veterinary bills, said Nancy Beall, president of the county SPCA. She was also given 30 days community service and 15 days in jail, the latter to be suspended as long as she stays out of trouble.

"The sad part is, she is a rescue," Beall said.

Stafford has owned horse farms at several locations in the county and has been the target of an SPCA investigation for several years, Beall said.

[Cruzer]

I'm not sure what to say, except once again she dodged the bullet.

[dalpal]

I am so very sorry. I've given away two horses in my life and BOTH came back to me emaciated and uncared for......I so hope you are able to press charges and they stick.

One of my horses was an older Dutch who had ringbone/needed to be retired. Same scenerio (different state)..woman claimed that she was running a theraputic riding program...oh perfect situation. I went to the barn, it was very nicely run. Then one of my friend's donated her daughter's TB as well.

About 6 months later, I received an email from a very nice boarder there who was trying to find me...to tell me that this crazy lady had stopped feeding the horses altogether. Luckily for me, I had never transferred ownership, so I was able to walk onto the property and pick up my guy....the rest of the horses made the 600 news and NCERL was able to convince her to turn them over. She wasn't allowed to have any horses for Five Years. This Lady's name was Evelyn Shackley and she was in Johnston Co. NC. I mention this incase anyone needs that information. Everything is court documented, so I'm not spreading gossip.

Every time I consider selling one of my two sweethearts, I always get cold feet, because it doesn't matter where you send them.....they could always end up in a place/situation such as this.......I have decided that I, personally, will never give another horse away because too many people don't seem to appreciate them as much (if that makes sense).

The economy has started to hit our area with Job layoffs, etc....makes me very nervous......I just want to protect all my animals and never have to worry about their fates.

[caly40]

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/179/story/392499.html

I think the new court date is March 3

[caly40]

Just sent you an email


Dear Caly,

First and foremost, I'm so sorry for your loss.

can you please e-mail me at Leff71@aol.com, I'd like to ask you the woman's name. It's wrong to mention names online here so I'm wondering if you can e-mail me.

I have a situation and someone told me my horse went to this Montana Farms 3 years ago.....long story. Then i got an e-mail telling me he was Dead.

Thanks much

[Angela Freda]

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/179/story/392499.html

I think the new court date is March 3
From the description of flint before he died, it appears [to me] that she failed to get him Vet att'n when he needed it too.

Hope there is some justice for Flint.

[caly40]

Yes it sounds like that is exactly what happened. He was peeing brown and no vet was called. I'm sure it had something to do with her lack of feeding and watering the horses.

From the description of flint before he died, it appears [to me] that she failed to get him Vet att'n when he needed it too.

Hope there is some justice for Flint.

[CaliforniaSyndrome]

I hate to revive this but can anyone PM me info on this lady/man. Will explain via PM.

[Angela Freda]

I hate to revive this but can anyone PM me info on this lady/man. Will explain via PM.
PM Caly40. I know she checks in from time to time.

[Caretaker]

Hi I was wondering if you could tell me what farm that she moved to? I am the owner of the property that she was renting and she stole all my gates, tools, Lawn faucets etc. I need to give the info to my lawyer. Thanks. My Email is BeauHunter71@Comcast.net. Thank you very much.

[Instant Karma]

Wow, this just took a very strange turn. Hope she gets what's coming to her!

[Angela Freda]

CAretaker and Cali Syndrome, you two should talk to Caly40 ASAP, in case you can help her case for Flint, and vice versa. I think that is coming up soon?

[caly40]

If anyone needs any info on this woman please send me a PM. My email address is caly40@yahoo.com

I will be happy to help you out the best I can.

[Cruzer]

Oh what a tangled web we weave....

CS check your PM's.

[Jenxlollipop]

I want to first say that I too am sorry for your loss. When I was 14 (now 18) I took a few lessons from her. I was there when her young horse died from colic because she let her roll in the stall. She said, quote "She'll be fine, just let her go." I was too young to realize what she really was. I'm also sorry to admit that my friend tried to buy Flint also. He was really beautiful, but one day he just disappeared. I wish there was something that someone could do to stop her.
I watched her son jump Devil when he was 2 years old 5 foot fences! It's sickening, someone should stop this evil right now.

**I was at Forest Edge Farm in Tuckerton, NJ today because up until recently my friend boarded her horse there but he died of cancer. Well I walked in to see Devil in the stall and Heather and her son Matt standing there. I was shocked. So just an update for everyone that she's there now. But has no intentions of staying long. I wish she wasn't even there. Because I personally know the old owner of the farm that now works there, and I don't want anyone getting hurt. Not if I can help it. I wish someone would just go there right now and arrest her.

[caly40]

thanks for the info. I've warned the owner.

http://www.forestedgefarmnj.com/





I want to first say that I too am sorry for your loss. When I was 14 (now 18) I took a few lessons from her. I was there when her young horse died from colic because she let her roll in the stall. She said, quote "She'll be fine, just let her go." I was too young to realize what she really was. I'm also sorry to admit that my friend tried to buy Flint also. He was really beautiful, but one day he just disappeared. I wish there was something that someone could do to stop her.
I watched her son jump Devil when he was 2 years old 5 foot fences! It's sickening, someone should stop this evil right now.

**I was at Forest Edge Farm in Tuckerton, NJ today because up until recently my friend boarded her horse there but he died of cancer. Well I walked in to see Devil in the stall and Heather and her son Matt standing there. I was shocked. So just an update for everyone that she's there now. But has no intentions of staying long. I wish she wasn't even there. Because I personally know the old owner of the farm that now works there, and I don't want anyone getting hurt. Not if I can help it. I wish someone would just go there right now and arrest her.

[zedcadjna]

Are you serious she is at forrest edge????? Ugh I can't believe that, how she does it I will never understand... My fiance just saw her and victor her hubby at wawa the other day, he said he wanted so badly to say something but didn't!!!! She is a horrible person, she is up at new holland almost every monday, getting rid or buying horses.. Can't miss her big blonde woman with piercings in her face and her hubby is a. Italian tall guy... - know she is in troube again with spaca and something about selling a horse to a little girl and when thety came to pick it up she sold it to someone else for money, and told the first paople they aren't getting their money bk... So they are suing her... wow she can create a mess and she will get away with it once again as usual....