HORSE MAY BE AT RISK! Paint went thru Unadilla auction 12/8/06 - Trying to find Toby!

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

One of my boarders brought a trailer in today and took her horse. She gave us no notice at all. She then knocked on my door to inform me that he went to Unadilla. Told me "oh they don't have killer buyers at those auctions anymore". Boy is she wrong. This horse is the poster child for horses that get bought by the killers.
I feel awful knowing where he went. He is not a bad horse, just lacking in good training. They didn't do much with him. He is sound and young, maybe 5?
I am sick to my stomach knowing what may come of him now. I mean this is a horse we cared for and know, which makes it personal. I wish I could do something.
I think his owners are scumbags. I called them over a week ago because he hurt himself pretty bad - got stuck on the fence rail when he reared in the pasture and gashed his leg pretty good. They never came or even called me back. I ended up having to care for the wound myself because I couldn't just let it sit like that. People like that shouldn't have animals.
I cannot do anything myself right now. I took in 3 OTTBs from Suffolk a few weeks ago and I am flat broke.
Do you know anyone who could watch out for him at the sale? Let me know what happened? Or maybe outbid the killer buyer if neccessary? He really is not a bad horse. He just needs someone to work with him. He's not mean at all, just pushy.
He is a chestnut splashed paint with a big white face. He is big and stocky, about 16hh. He has a week old wound down his right front leg. He has been boarded here with us for about 3 months and is in good condition. His name is Toby.
Please let me know if there is any way to find out. I am worried sick over him. :(
Thanks.
Here is the only photo we could find of him, let me know if the link doesn't work.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/blkdgtrkg/detail?.dir=/ce1bre2&.dnm=63e8re2.jpg&.src=ph

[Kimberlee]

Can you make it to the auction?

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Can you make it to the auction?

Technically, I could. But I would have trouble not trying to put them all in my backseat to take home with me! ;)
I do not have ANY money to buy him and at this point cannot afford to keep him here for free either in light of the OTTBs we recently aquired and now short a board check.
Obviously I have the stall, his empty one, but I just can't afford to feed him.

[Kimberlee]

Know what you mean.

[Little_Brown_Horse]

That is terrible! Poor boy.

I e-mailed your post to my horse friends around the southern tier. Not sure if anyone is going to the auction, but hopefully word will spread quickly and if someone sees him there, they can help.

If I had room in my budget for a second (and a trailer), I would go get him myself.

[Little_Brown_Horse]

God, e-mail is the best thing ever.

Classic Sport Horses (who posts here) has offered help ("If someone will buy him and can get him to me I will retrain him.")

Anyone happen to have some extra cash, a trailer, and nothing to do tomorrow?

I could go to the sale to look for him, and ride along to get him set up at Classic Sport Horses, but don't have any extra cash or a trailer to do this on my own.

I've also never been to an auction for the reasons you've all mentioned, but would brave it for this boy. (Something about his photo reminds me of an appy I loved as a teen.)

PM me if you can help.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

I PM'd you...

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

ClassicSporthorses - are you ever awesome. Remember you asked for the cookie treat recipe? I PM'd you with it. But forget that. I will make you a huge batch for your old boy for taking on Toby.

And I invoke the infamous Massive Explosive Diahreaa Curse for FOREVER for Toby's ex owners. They are scum.

[Appassionato]

Unadilla, GA?

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

No, New York, sorry....

[classicsporthorses]

Thank DG-Thank you! It's part of my mission to help others.

Unadilla is in NY-it's actually where the auction place is located not the name but "everyone" around our parts in NY knows what we mean.

Marli-are you going? Can you put him on your trailer? We are currently without a trailer hook up b/c we have to get the hitch into the new truck.

We have another rescue horse here already, a horse from literally a junk yard!

So, COTHers, let's get this boy a new home. Keep me posted

[Appassionato]

No, New York, sorry....

It's OK! I was thinking, "Wow, I didn't know they had an auction..." In any case, I was going to see what I could get done to help (call local people). ;)

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Well, I owe a batch of cookies for Avery's auction. And I was going to make some for presents for the barn (shhh!). I will go to Walmart and buy even more mini muffin tins and just cook'em all at once. And buy more of those tubs!

Of course...I can also get the cotton candy tubs from Walmart...and um, empty those...

you guys are wonderful. While I am simply aghasted at anyone who would just dump a horse like this, seeing everyone rally around to save him...well, I am proud to "know" you.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

ok, update Little Brown Horse called Unadilla, the auction is happening RIGHT NOW! It stated at 6pm and there aren't many horses there.
Any ideas?
Anyone know how to contact the meat buyer to see if he bought Toby?
Maybe we can raise the ransom to free him?
We have a wonderful home for him, just need the ransom!

[Louise]

I don't know if anyone contacted Marli directly. Unfortunately, I just saw this thread. I have called her, but, unfortunately, got her voice mail. I have asked that she call me as soon as possible, and directed her to this thread. If the auction is tonight, and I think it is, the timing is pretty tight. Everyone jingle hard that this can be pulled off in the time allowed.

I'm praying that she heard of this situation earlier and is on her way to the auction.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I am jingling. Poor boy.

[classicsporthorses]

Just keep me posted. If we are able to rescue him I promise you all I will do my best with him.

[drgfly75]

((((((((JINGLES))))))))

[Little_Brown_Horse]

Just called Nickerson. Don't ask how I got the number as it is clearly the grace of God that some lady I called thought she should give it to me (thank you little old lady who gave me the number).

I left a VM - well 2 VMs, because I got cut off on the first one, or maybe hung up on?

Anyone know how to get in touch with the buyers to see if they have him?

We also still need funds to buy him, but I am worrying about that part second to trying to find him.

[colleent]

i am in tears. Apps are close to my heart and those people should be tarred and feathered and dragged by a pickup truck. i'm praying for the little App.

[eventer15]

Poor guy:mad: People make me so mad
Jingles
Any updates?

[Marli]

Okay, just got in and got the word from Louise (VM) and by this time the auction I suspect, is over.

I can travel over to the killpen tomorrow to see if any horse matching his description is there, however - be warned, I know from the meatmans routine, especially this time of year, that often times he will ship directly to Canada from Unadilla.

LittleBrownHorse- If you've left a message at his house he will get it. Does he know you? If he does phone you back speak loudly as his hearings bad. If you feel you don't know him well enough or are uncomfortable, let me know asap as I know him very well and have a good working relationship w/him for the past 3 yrs.

Now- onto funds. If by luck this horse does make it over to the killpen and it is confirmed that he is there, funds will need to be necessary to pay the price he'll want for him. The horse will not leave before he's paid. He will also need a home immediately. Just some more challenges!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

there are many who will send dribbles. And they do add up.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

We are tying to find out if he sold and to whom but without anyone we know there, it's going to be tough.
We are also trying to find a generous person (or people) to come up with his ransom to buy him back if he in fact went to the killer buyer.
I have a trailer and will go get him and bring him back here. I can then bring him to Classicsporthorses as she generously offered to retrain and rehome him.
People really suck. I never would have let him leave if I had known. She was very sneaky about it. Had him on the truck and gone before she came to the house.

[Marli]

It's difficult to know if he would've sold to a private buyer OR if he would've gone to the meatman. What makes me more nervous for this fella is that it's very cold, and I know that often times he'll just have his hauler load them up and ship them straight off from the sale, bypassing the killpen.

The best we can pray for is that he was either sold privately or that if he did go to the meatman, he won't ship directly to Canada and will arrive at the killpen sometime tomorrow.

I would not suggest too many calls to the meatmans house, this could only raise suspicion especially if you're inquiring about a specific horse. I will need to know, however, if you've heard from him (LittleBrownHorse) as that will eliminate my need to go. Definately need to stay informed on this one.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Just spoke with her on the phone and Marli is the BEST!
Marli will handle all cooerspondence with the meat man, she knows him and has a good relationship as far as being able to work with him on buying horses.
IF he does have Toby, we have a VERY generous annon donation to bail Toby out.
If he doesn't have him, they will be watching for him to show up at New Holland on Monday.
You know who you are and I can't think you enough for your offer!
We will keep everyone posted and thank you pulling together to try to help Toby!
Let's just pray he didn't get on a truck for Canada already...

[Little_Brown_Horse]

Marli - I don't know Nickerson at all, so it would be better for you to follow up since you do know him. I don't want to scare him off from responding.

My messages stated that I was looking for an App who may have been at Unadilla tonight, and then I left Toby’s description and my name and phone number.

[Tiempo]

Jingles and fingers crossed for Toby,I can send a dribble if needed.

[classicsporthorses]

We're ready and waiting as soon as we hear the news he is coming.

HHL-can you PM me about the extent of the leg injury and treatment thus far. Also any background on him and what if any handling he has had. I have dealt with them all so nothing phases me. He will be fine here. I do well with mending 'broken' horses and their hearts. Also, if we do find him and we get him, you'll need directions.

LBH can vouch for us.

Just an FYI, it's our daughter's b-day celebration this weekend so I have 4 additional girls staying over and we can't leave the farm.

Thank you too to the person who donated any ransom fee.

[arabdressage]

ANY NEWS?? ANY NEWS?? My fingernails are chewed practically to the knuckles!!!!!!

Oh, many, MANY jingles for this poor guy... I am a HUGE sucker for apps....

[CeeDreams]

I sent you a PM and then I noticed Marli's response....

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

arabdressage - We are waiting on when Marli contacts the killer buyer in the morning. I think everything is set as far as the ransom and a place to take him to.
If we don't find him there at the killer buyers, if anyone knows anyone who may have been there tonight or can find out from the auction who bought him PLEASE let us know!!

[colleent]

JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE!!

[Marli]

Okay, I have just spoke w/the meatman and inquired if he got a gelding fitting this description- he said he didn't think so and that the horses from the sale last evening are still at the auction house. He told me to stop by tomorrow as he'll be bringing them over to the killpen tomorrow and they should be there by the afternoon.

So- if he is not with this meatmans group from the sale this is what may have happened to him.
1) He was bought by some other private buyer at the sale last night (and that would be okay)
2) He was bought by some other dealer as there are at least 5 dealers that also attend that sale. If that happened then we'll need to watch at the other sales coming up- the dealers 'shuffle' them around to other sales.

If he is not with the group of horses tomorrow then we'll need to keep looking and I've already spoke to Kelly (Lost & Found) to watch to see if he'd show up in Pa.

[Louise]

Marli, I realize that this may be a hard question to answer, but, do you have any idea which other auctions, besides New Holland, this horse is likely to end up at? I'm hoping that the other dealers who go to Unadilla are fairly regular in the auctions that they attend. If we had a list, maybe we could get folks near each of those auctions to go, to keep an eye out for him.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Jingling furiously that we can save this boy. And reinvoking the Diahreaa Curse with stronger invective.

Last night when I got out to see Ted, I just had to stroke his dear face, thinking about the poor Appy.

[Marli]

Louise,

Difficult to answer the question as to what other sales some of the dealers 'shuffle' their horses around to. Crowleys is one, but the problem is that there are several little 'hole in the wall' sales also, and I don't have the names/locations for them. I know there is another one in Pa up near the NY border (western NY), the Athens, Pa. sale. There's also Carpers in NJ. The best approach would be to locate individuals that know of these smaller type sales and make sure they know what this horse looks like in case he'd appear. And actually, at this point, the easiest right now would be for him to be with this meatman since at least we'd know exactly where he and could secure him.

[chaltagor]

There's also Carpers in NJ.

I'm sorry, but do you mean Harker's? Chuck, the broker whose horses are on ac4h, goes there, and to New Holland also among other places, so these horses do get around.

If anyone knows someone from ac4h they might want to ask them too.

[Cherry]

So, what is the likelihood that Toby will show up at New Holland? If he does do you have someone who will bid on him or pull him out of the kill pen? What about transportation--anyone nearby who would haul him and where to?

[BelladonnaLily]

Doesn't the auction have any records of who bought the horse? An flashy little app like him shouldn't be too hard to pin down...then again I have no idea how many horses go through this auction. Also, since you know the name of the owners that sent him to the auction I would think there would be record since the auction house has to cut a check to the prevous owner, right? Anyway, someone tell me if I'm an idiot...just thinking out loud.

Poor guy! :no:

[RainyDayRide]

I was wondering the same thing BDL -

And should the title of this thread be updated to reflect the possible need to check elsewhere?

[Marli]

In a perfect world and upon someone calling to make an inquiry, it would be nice if they'd release the buyers information, however they are not obligated to do so (can't say I've ever spoke to anyone from the 'inside' of a sale house) that would oblige this request. I'm sure also there is a privacy concern to the consignors of the horses. Now- if the actual owner of this horse would be willing, he/she would know who bought the horse. But what's the chance of that happening? Probably ZILCH.

[onthebit12000]

Call the auction...they "should" have a record of all horses consigned to the sale. I think the # is 607-369-8231.




Doesn't the auction have any records of who bought the horse? An flashy little app like him shouldn't be too hard to pin down...then again I have no idea how many horses go through this auction. Also, since you know the name of the owners that sent him to the auction I would think there would be record since the auction house has to cut a check to the prevous owner, right? Anyway, someone tell me if I'm an idiot...just thinking out loud.

Poor guy! :no:

[twhrider13]

At the very least, even if they didn't reveal the buyer's information, they could confirm that the horse went through the auction and was sold, right? I don't know how auctions work in other parts of the world, but at the hole-in-the-wall places around here, a lot of the horses that go through aren't sold.

[17handtb]

HHL, check your PT's - with Marli involved in this, the odds are as good as they can possibly be in terms of tracking him down; she has worked many a miracle in getting information about horses coming through that auction.

As I said in my PT, let me know if he doesn't turn up at Unadilla or New Holland - I can call and check in with Crowley's before their sale on Thursday.

If he's young and flashy, and sound aside from that leg injury, hopefully he ended up in an ok spot. I have my fingers crossed.

[Marli]

onthebit1200,

Appreciate the number for the auction house however to make it easier for me to deal with the meatman I would really prefer that no phone calls or further inquiries are made by anyone. I will do my best tomorrow and if he is with the meatman there will be no mistaking him.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Yes, I am going to put my trust in Marli. I know if anything can be found out and done, Marli is the one who can do it! :)
Now, we are going to call (not me personally) the owner to let her know that she left some supplies here. Good excuse to make a phone call and maybe she won't get deffensive. We are going to try to ask her if he sold and where he might have gone. Then we are going to let her know that there is a wonderful person who would give him a home if he didn't happen to sell and she is in need of a home quickly. It could be a touchy phone call but worth a try at the least.

I keep hoping some private buyer actually got him, but knowing how these things usually end up, I don't have a good feeling about it.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Ok, we spoke to the owner. This is terrible. He DID go through the auction. She doesn't know who bought him, hasn't heard yet.
Said she would have GIVEN him away....
I about flipped when I heard this! WHY WHY WHY didn't she ASK ME!?
I mean I KNOW she KNOWS we have rescue horses here.
Guess it was money motivated, gotta make that extra $300 bucks...
She did promise to call us when she finds out who bought him.
Hopefully it won't be too late. :(

[RainyDayRide]

Fingers crossed

[Tee]

Poor dude - I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for him.

[classicsporthorses]

Bumping this up to keep it current. Keeping my fingers crossed to that we find him.

My family is ready and waiting for him.

[goeslikestink]

bump jingles pplease god asve this boy

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

My other boarder who knew the horse just told me he is actually registered as a PAINT, not Appy...I swear the owner told me APPY when he came in. I don't know, I have TB's :D , no 'color' here! Oh well, just wanted to let anyone who might be asking around for him know this!!!

[Little_Brown_Horse]

Jingling, Jingling, Jingling!

[summerhorse]

Doesn't the auction have any records of who bought the horse? An flashy little app like him shouldn't be too hard to pin down...then again I have no idea how many horses go through this auction. Also, since you know the name of the owners that sent him to the auction I would think there would be record since the auction house has to cut a check to the prevous owner, right? Anyway, someone tell me if I'm an idiot...just thinking out loud.

Poor guy! :no:

I was thinking the same thing but they may only have the hip numbers and buyers. But if you knew who the killer buyers were you could call them and ask nicely if they bought him.

[beaulilly]

I hope Toby can be found still in the U.S. somewhere. That being said, if he is headed for slaughter here in Canada, I do have friends back home in Montreal and in Ontario that I MAY be able to wrangle some help from. If it's even possible to get them back at that point??

[catknsn]

Good luck, you guys! I hope you can intercept him. I'll be watching the thread and jingling.

[Marli]

I already knew from looking at his pic that he's a paint, so no worries on the breed, and again, with the unusual marking on his face he'd be easy to spot. Keep the digits crossed for tomorrow afternoon!

[millwrightmomma]

If you find he is headed for ontario, I have a trailer and truck ready to go.
Give me the destination, and I'll get there as quickley as possible.
If you PM me, I will give you my home and cell numbers.


Jingles for you and the horse

[Leisa]

jingling that you can find this poor guy!

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Marli will be the one to talk to on that. We know the killer buyer who she will be visiting tomorrow did NOT ship out to Canada yet. He leaves Weds. So if he has Toby, he is still here in NY and can be bought back.
If another buyer got him he may show up at another auction and we have at least 2 of those covered as well.
Thanks for the offer and we'll let you know if we need you :)
You guys are all so great!


If you find he is headed for ontario, I have a trailer and truck ready to go.
Give me the destination, and I'll get there as quickley as possible.
If you PM me, I will give you my home and cell numbers.


Jingles for you and the horse

[philosoraptor]

Good luck to you! Hope you can find him. Keep us posted!

Stupid commercial slaughter system :mad: This poor guy is deadmeat just because he was unlucky and had idiots for owners.

[summerhorse]

Good luck to you! Hope you can find him. Keep us posted!

Stupid commercial slaughter system :mad: This poor guy is deadmeat just because he was unlucky and had idiots for owners.


Yup and it is sad that so many of them end up that way. they aren't "unwanted" just unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Had this moron just offered the horse for sale she probably could have sold him for more money too (assuming he's a decent riding horse). But everyone's in a hurry.

[arabdressage]

Jingling like crazy... c'mon, Toby, we know you're out there....

[Ruth0552]

I just wanted to throw this tidbit out there...

The Unadilla auction does not have a computerized system... I tried to track down a horse through them about 2 years ago, and they would not release buyer info to me and she had to have the exact date the horse sold (which in this case is known) and then she had to paw through the paperwork by hand; which she did not seem particularly inclinded to do.

Maybe in 2 years they got computerized? It would be a whole lot easier for them...

I was also surprised when she told me that they do NOT keep a record of tattoos or brands when a horse goes through that auction. Ugh.

Hope you find him!!

Any updates?

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Marli is on her way to the kill pen as we speak. Her cell doesn't work there so she will have to leave to call me back.
Will let you know as soon as I hear anything!

[equusrocks]

Jingling she finds him, so that he may have a great new home and future. :sadsmile:

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Marli just called and said when she got there the truck and trailer were gone. His son was there and he said they might be over at Unadilla picking up the horses they bought still. There were 4 horses there in the kill pen already and none of them were Toby.
She left a photo of Toby with the son (who she says is reliable and has worked with her before) and told him if that horse shows up there, she has someone who wants him. He said he would call her if he does see Toby.
According to Marli's sources, Nickerson got most of the horses that were at Unadilla Friday.
Keep your fingers crossed that we find him there today.

[Little_Brown_Horse]

Sending more jingles!

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Not sure of Marli has time to post so I wanted to let everyone know - Nickerson's wife called her back, they are 99% sure they DO have Toby! As weird as it sounds saying it, I am SO relieved to hear that!
Marli will go back over either later today or tomorrow to do a visual verification herself but it looks GOOD people!!
We are hoping to have him safe and sound on my trailer very soon!
Thanks for all the jingles, looks like they are working, keep 'em comin'!!!!

[M.K.Smith]

Jingles for Toby... I hope he makes it to a better place...

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

So, so happy for Toby. But my heart goes out to the 4 horses in the kill pen, who were not so lucky.

I hate kill pens. I hate that they are abandoned this way.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

The are more than 4 now :( - they were already there before the load with Toby just came in.
Word is that this dealer will be at New Holland tomorrow for more too....
Then he ships to Canada on Weds.
This happens every month folks. Every few weeks...
Don't forget to support your rescue organizations, they are the only hope for these poor, unlucky souls.

[RHdobes563]

Fingers, eyes, and legs crossed that it IS Toby, that there are enough funds for his rescue, and that he goes to that great new home!

Special curses on the person that could dump a horse like this. I myself am debating taking in a 11 year old Yorkshire Terrier that the owner was going to dump at the last moment. It is NOT the wisest thing for the dog (and I have contacted Yorkie rescue), as I have two young Dobermans with high prey drives. (They pester my elderly Sheltie and my cats and would kill squirrels without thinking twice.)

Good luck!

[Marli]

Okay, here is the news. The horse in the killpen is NOT Toby. First and foremost, he does not appear as the picture (horse in killpen is shaggy, ribs are there underneath the fur and showing, completely roached mane/forelock and a tail that is nothing but a ball of burdocks hanging off his rearend) nor have a recent skinned/injured front right cannon bone. Also Toby does not have one blue eye and the one in the killpen does. This is just not Toby.

Spoke with both the meatman and his wife and both of them do not recall any other big white bald faced horses that resemble the horse in the pic (Toby). He told me there were only a total of 29 horses that went through the sale and again, the only 'big white faced' horse is the one they have and it's not Toby. He also said there were only a 'handful' of private people there and they're weren't interested in what was offered. Of the 29 and by judging what he brought back (from the sale to the killpen), it appeared as though he got 20 of the 29 himself. Another dealer was there but the meatman said he didn't bring any horses nor bought any horses.

At this point, and as I conveyed to Jen, something is 'amiss'. Either the owner had 'intended' to take him to the sale and when her 'ex' picked the horse up he decided to either not take him to the sale, or possibly still has him, told the owner he took him (or otherwise sold him - himself) or maybe thinking of taking to some other sale. Just don't know.

I gave Jen some advice and that's about where it stands.

[LearnToFly]

The things people will do to get divorced...

[RHdobes563]

Is it possible to contact the "ex" to see if HE has Toby? Or knows where he is?

Simply say, "I know you and your (ex) wife are going through some hard times. I've always liked Toby and would be willing to buy him and give him a good home." You wouldn't be taking sides, just expressing an interest in a horse.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

That exactly what Marli and I discussed doing, calling the ex.
I have a friend (another boarder) who is calling him right now, I managed to find his phone # on the coggins, and she will see what he says.
She is going to tell him they always liked Toby (which they did) and heard he "was looking for a new home"...
I have been told this guy is a real "%&##!!, so how far we'll get, I don't know.
I am pretty sure he is the one who transported the horse out of here, but without having actually seen it happen, I can't be sure.
Also heard that this owner has done this before to a horse that she had years ago who got hurt, bad. She sent her through the auction instead of calling a vet to stitch her up. Apparently she had a torn her leg to shreds and it was 3 times the size it should have been by the time she went to auction with gaping skin all over the place. The person asked her if she was going to call a vet and her reply was "why, she is going to be sold at auction"....This came from another one of my boarders mothers last night.
So this is the type of people we are dealing with. Scum.

**My friend just called back, said she got the ex's answering machine and left a message. Damn. :(

[eks]

Marli,

Thanks for all that you do to help these horses...

[millwrightmomma]

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster,hope you find the horse.
the old owners surely do not deserve him.

[goeslikestink]

hope theres always hope for all horses thats we cn do is ---HOPE

[colleent]

JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE!!!!! please God, bring Toby home. And God Bless all the other poor horses who have to endure the trauma of being taken from the home they know and placed in a scary place to await their fate. Please let them be unaware of the pain they will endure, and let it be painless.

please consider every horse you intend to breed. altho you might think you'll keep it forever, life happens and money disappears. Someday it may be your precious foal being loaded onto that truck. there are too many unloved horses in the world.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

My friend just called, she called the owners ex again (got impatient I guess) and spoke to his son who answered the phone. The father wasn't home. Toby is NOT there. The son said he was sold and he didn't know where he went.
Back to square one.
Is it possible that Toby was sold to someone in the parking lot at Unadilla when they got him there? Could another killer buyer have bought him and no one saw him inside because of that?
Not even sure if that kind of thing happens...Marli?

[Littlecat]

well I have been reading this all day. it kills me. knickerson is old but he knows horses, I would bet the horse didnt go thru the auction, selling in the parking lot is not allowed but it does happen.
I have only senn one other kill buyer there the one that gets the tbs of fingerlakes track and live up north in NY. I dont remember his name.

A dealer I do know that goes to Unidilla is Tommy Miller. He is a very nice man and would be helpful if someone can find his number(I lost my phone book) He also owns the tack shop in?? NY. He also resells horses at Newholland.
hope that helps.
I hate seeing those horses die...

[Marli]

Hey Littlecat!

Think I know who you are! :yes:

You're on target with the meatman, he does know horses and still sees alot! Not only did he agree but his wife did too that they hadn't seen another horse fitting this description at the sale.

I was really hoping the horse would've been Toby as it would be much easier and we'd all never have to wonder where he might have gone or to whom.

Words pretty much around about this fella and so if he's spotted one of us should get a call (I actually gave the meatman the flyer I had printed out with all our telephone numbers!).

Is it possible he was sold in the parking lot? Of course it's 'frowned' upon but I know I've seen transactions myself when I've been there and so there is certainly a possibility that may have happened.

If he doesn't turn up he won't be forgotten that's for sure. If I think you are the gal I'm thinking of (used to live up here!), you know me and how I surf the net as part of my 'research' and I've seen 'lost in the crack' horses turn up in the sales ads a year after! Let's hope that's the case with Toby.

[nightsong]

Since he's been sold, it may well have been to a decent home.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

I just had to share this with everyone.
We have a 15 year old girl who boards her horse with us. Her mother is the friend who was nice enough to get involved and call up the owners ex, twice, for me today. She even begged her husband to adopt Toby if we found him (he said they can't afford two though).
Anyway, the daughter called me up a little while ago just after they had left here. She said her and her friend had gone home and written a letter to congress to try to help stop horse slaughter and she wanted a photo of Toby to put on it. She wanted to know if I can tell her where to send it now.
I just found that so touching. These people had no idea that horse slaughter happens until they met our Karma ealier this year and heard her story and then started seeing the Suffolk horses coming in last month. Now they want to help!
My friend even suggested that they have property and maybe could take in rescues too eventually and they could help us do fund raisers to help these horses!
So there really ARE good people and along with all of you on here all the time fighting to save so many horses, they proved it to me tonight.

[SuperSTB]

Sending Jingles for Toby!!!

[RainyDayRide]

Sigh.... thank you Marli - and others - for looking for him. May he be with somebody who is willing to take care of him, as his previous owner was clearly not.

And a quick peace to all of the horses making the trip to Canada on Wednesday.

[santa's little ho-ho-ho]

Here at Christmas my heart breaks for all the horses deemed useless, who spend freezing cold mights in pens and on trucks, by the hand of the people who once "wanted" them. I don't care WHAT your circumstance, if you put the word out you CAN find a home for a horse you don't want or can't care for. How people can just turn their backs on these animals with a clear conscience, is just, well, beyond me. Human beings should not be so callous.

I invoke not only the diarrhea curse on these people, but the elephantiasis of the rectum as well.

[17handtb]

Here's to holding out hope for Toby...and echoing what has been said about the others who are not so fortunate - with no one looking for, or looking OUT for, them at their time of greatest need.

It isn't fair, and it isn't right, that this should happen to any horse. We'll just have to keep praying for Toby, and treasure each one that can be saved. Remember the Starfish story.

[dressage is for lovers]

Classicsporthorses can use my trailer to pick him up if Toby's still in the central NY area. Good luck finding him!

Laura

[Cherry]

So, has the search ended or is Kelly at L&F going to check for him at New Holland? The sale should be over, or just about over by now--it's almost noontime.... :confused:

[classicsporthorses]

Thanks DIFL, it is appreicated. I am just waiting for any sort of an update to see if he is coming to our farm.

[LAD]

Jingling like mad for Toby. Please keep the updates coming.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Jingling. For Toby and for all of them.

[nightsong]

for ALL of them :( .

[SuperSTB]

I just had to share this with everyone.
We have a 15 year old girl who boards her horse with us. Her mother is the friend who was nice enough to get involved and call up the owners ex, twice, for me today. She even begged her husband to adopt Toby if we found him (he said they can't afford two though).
Anyway, the daughter called me up a little while ago just after they had left here. She said her and her friend had gone home and written a letter to congress to try to help stop horse slaughter and she wanted a photo of Toby to put on it. She wanted to know if I can tell her where to send it now.
I just found that so touching. These people had no idea that horse slaughter happens until they met our Karma ealier this year and heard her story and then started seeing the Suffolk horses coming in last month. Now they want to help!
My friend even suggested that they have property and maybe could take in rescues too eventually and they could help us do fund raisers to help these horses!
So there really ARE good people and along with all of you on here all the time fighting to save so many horses, they proved it to me tonight.

It's a nice story to share... Makes up for a lot of fustration I'm feeling today so I keep re-reading it :)

I heard news today that that the bill will not be voted on this year- which is so sad.... So many horses in the wrong place at the wrong time... each truck is probably half filled with 'Tobies'. Very depressing.

[eks]

jingling for Toby, and all of the horses who end up in this situation

[ctjumpers]

Jingles to Toby and his humans desperately seeking him and
GOD SPEED TO ALL!

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

I wish this could have had a happier ending but at least there's a chance Toby is safe. We may never know, but we won't forget and will keep looking. I am going to assume he didn't show up at NH today as I haven't heard from Marli. 17hTB is putting the word out for Crowleys on Thurs. as well.

I am finding it hard to know that those other 24+ horses are standing in the kill pen right now awaiting their trip on Weds. to Canada. Marli has been there and seen the horses, described a few to me, it gives them faces. They are no longer annonymous. It's very sad.

[Kimberlee]

This is so sad. I wanted it to have a good ending like the Black TB thread.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I so appreciate everyone's efforts. Any chance we can save some of the others?

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Is there? I am close and have a trailer. Anyone have a home for one or two? We would still need the funds to pay for them also, that is the biggest problem.

[ctjumpers]

Just hopefully he ended up with a new and more caring owner or maybe be able to save one in Toby's memory!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

You said Marli looked at some...what info can she pass on?

[Littlecat]

I have purchased four sound Tb's out of his (knickerson)pen a quarter horse for a friend and a draft.
It is very sad. very very sad. I wish slaughter didnt happen but alot of these horses are abused and uncared for before they get to a kill pen.

[Littlecat]

the horse would need to be quarentined if you rescued one.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Marli did express that several had "nothing wrong with them that she saw"
It's up to you everyone to decide if we can do it. I'll do what I can to help of course.
We have a very short window, they leave Weds.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I can send a dribble, but we need a lot of dribbles.

[Huntertwo]

http://www.strainfamilyhorsefarm.com/Pb173626.jpg

Just to double check with you guys - the blaze looks a little different?
This is from a dealer in CT.

[Mayaty02]

wow does look awfully similar! the blaze is different though but maybe Hobby Horse can weigh in...

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Well, he would have had to have been clipped in the last 4 days since he left here but it does look very much like him, I wish I had a better shot of his face here from that side to compare. If he had been my horse I would have a better memory of his markings but he wasn't so if I seem dumb about it, that's why. I just don't look at the boarders horses in that way.
He did have a green halter I think.

Where did the photo come from? Any chance of a front face shot?
Did this dealer just get the horse in after Friday and what "kind" of dealer are we talking? The bad kind or the re sell kind?

This COULD be him, but being clipped (if he is) doesn't help. I never saw him without a fuzzy coat. He was not blanketed here.

[onthebit12000]

The leg markings are not Toby's. Toby's photo shows a left front full stocking, the dealers horse is not marked the same. Hind markings are different as well.

[Instant Karma]

I always saw the strain family farm horse trailer at Frank Carpers when I lived back in NJ. I do know they resell a lot of horses, and if they did buy Toby there is a good chance they plan on patching him up and reselling him as a riding horse. I am not sure of their selling directly to the meat man, but I do know they will sell through the auction as well.

[Littlecat]

I have seen them at Unidilla in the past( the strain family) they buy a few sell alot.
they are dealers , they dont care of they go to a killer just so they sell at a good price.

[Huntertwo]

Well, he would have had to have been clipped in the last 4 days since he left here but it does look very much like him, I wish I had a better shot of his face here from that side to compare. If he had been my horse I would have a better memory of his markings but he wasn't so if I seem dumb about it, that's why. I just don't look at the boarders horses in that way.
He did have a green halter I think.

Where did the photo come from? Any chance of a front face shot?
Did this dealer just get the horse in after Friday and what "kind" of dealer are we talking? The bad kind or the re sell kind?

This COULD be him, but being clipped (if he is) doesn't help. I never saw him without a fuzzy coat. He was not blanketed here.

He is a *good* dealer. He buys what he thinks he can sell to the public.
They have been around for over 25 years. Here is the website
www.strainfamilyhorsefarm.com (http://www.strainfamilyhorsefarm.com)

[caffeinated]

Either way, though, the face marking is different- the OP horse's blaze comes right over his left eye, the Strain horse's blaze doesn't.

I know some people who bought horses from the Strains, and Bill Strain was a friend of my Gramps, so AFAIK, Good People.

[TKR]

I can't take another horse, but will send some $ towards saving some in that horrid kill pen. In the spirit of Christmas -- anyone else?
PennyG

[SafeHorses]

TKR, that reminds me...last year Marli and Kelly at Lost and Found did a fund drive here to save a horse out of New Holland at Christmas time. In the end, we were able to donate enough to save two saddlebred mares...one I remember was a kisser. Jingles and Merry I believed Kelly called them. It would be wonderful to help some of those horses out of this kill pen and keep the tradition going...

[moonriverfarm]

I'll ante up some $$ to save some for Christmas!

[SafeHorses]

bump

[MistyBlue]

I have seen them at Unidilla in the past( the strain family) they buy a few sell alot.
they are dealers , they dont care of they go to a killer just so they sell at a good price.

The Strain family does care very much about horses. :yes: Yes, they are dealers. No, they aren't the huggy kissy every horse they have type. But they do take decent care of all their animals and actually save tons of them from the meat buyers. They feed them up, patch them up, train/retain them and find buyers for a huge percentage of them. And they allow repeated swaps if the horse the buyer gets doesn't work out for them...the buyer can keeping swapping until they find one they like.
I've known the Strain family socially for a couple decades, have been to local auctions while they were there and for years I've watched them take trailers loads of horses that would have gone to meat otherwise.
I'm not saying they're God's gift to the horse world, but they certainly aren't the "any price, who cares" dealers either. They have a solid reputation and do a lot of saving of horses, more than most rescues do. Sure they profit from it also, but that's not a crime. Let's leave their rep intact, okay? :winkgrin:

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

So I have a friend who works for the state Ag. office.
She found out who the inspectors were that went to Unadilla this past Friday and she called them.
They told her the same, that horse did not go through as far as they could remember. If he had, she would be able to get the name of whoever bought him through his tag number.
Another dead end.
The owner is non responsive at this point.

[kazaban]

You could just call Chambers and see if the owner sold anything there? Are you sure that the owner didn't tell you she took it to Chambers just to get under your skin?

[nightsong]

While Toby is M.I.A. :( , the others in the kill yard aren't. They are all too visible. Are ANY of them able to be saved yet?

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

Kazaban - No, that's not really a possibilty. She would have had no idea it would bother me. We were not friends and I never discussed horse slaughter/auctions with her. She only knows I had OTTBs from the track but I would bet she forgot where they came from anyway. Like I said, we not not friends. She was just a boarder, who I hardly ever saw. Maybe 5 times in the 3 months she was here. The daughter is the one who came to ride occasionally, and although I knew when she was here, she came at weird times when no one was down there.
When she told me where she sent him, she seemed suprised at my reaction and then told me that there are no meat dealers at auctions in NY State anymore. If she really knew anything about it, or about me, she would know better than to say that

Nightsong - I believe the truck for Canada left today. We just didn't have enough people come together on that idea to do anything.
We would have needed at least $600 (for one) and a place to bring the horse/horses.
Maybe if folks are feeling generous with their Xmas money/bonuses/etc., we can help a few after Xmas?
It really sucks but all we can do right now is fight for the law to pass next year to ban this practice.

[SuperSTB]

Nightsong - I believe the truck for Canada left today. We just didn't have enough people come together on that idea to do anything.
We would have needed at least $600 (for one) and a place to bring the horse/horses.
Maybe if folks are feeling generous with their Xmas money/bonuses/etc., we can help a few after Xmas?
It really sucks but all we can do right now is fight for the law to pass next year to ban this practice.


IT REALLY REALLY sucks that you have to compete for MORE THAN meat prices to get these horses into decent homes. That means you pay the meat guy a larger profit than they would have gotten at the slaughter houses... which just proves my point in the whole unscrupulous dealers and underhandedness that this industry is oozing...

[Marli]

Just received an email from someone that remembered seeing this discussion regarding 'Toby', the paint horse that an owner just toted away from a boarding facility.

This gelding is shown on Another Chance 4 Horses website on page 2 under broker owned horses, although I did see that a rescue has committed to taking him-

http://www.ac4h.com/12-27-06%20bohorses%20109.jpg

For those that have a little better vision at eyeing up a horse from the first original pic provided of Toby, does anyone think this horse could be him?

[caffeinated]

The head markings are different.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

The person PMd me too, great eye and memory people have!
Although the effort is appreciated, regretfully, it's not Toby.
This guy is 14.1 and Toby was 16 hands, big difference. Also this guy has a lot more white all over him than Toby.
Too bad....

[ArabianLuvr]

I just spent the morning reading every page on this thread. It is SO sad:cry:
What day of the month do they ship to Canada. Is there somewhere close by to QT at? I get my taxes early Feb and would love to save a couple. The shipping to OR would be a killer though.
I hope and pray poor Toby found a good home

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

I just spent the morning reading every page on this thread. It is SO sad:cry:
What day of the month do they ship to Canada. Is there somewhere close by to QT at? I get my taxes early Feb and would love to save a couple. The shipping to OR would be a killer though.
I hope and pray poor Toby found a good home

It depends on the killer buyer what day they ship. Some have set days, some wait until they have a full load :(
If you really want to help a horse in need out, I suggest either contacting Marli (she knows all the dirt on the shippers) or, if shipping cross country is too much for you, this happens all over the country, every week, and I bet there are contacts that could hook you up closer to where you live.
You can PT me if you want to.

[Kenike]

Oh goodness, this makes me so sad! I'm glad to see people trying, though (the most recent pic sent). I hope he's alright and that he's happy. Prayers and jingles up for this poor, unfortunate soul. :(

On a related note, I've been thinking a lot about this, especially as someone who's owned a horse that came off the kill truck. Please keep me informed when a horse needs help, when funds are needed to get it out of the kill pen. I can't donate a lot per horse (because that'll add up too quick), but I can, and WILL donate to help get the animal out and to a good home. Either pm me, or email me (pm and I'll send the email address).

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

On a related note, I've been thinking a lot about this, especially as someone who's owned a horse that came off the kill truck. Please keep me informed when a horse needs help, when funds are needed to get it out of the kill pen. I can't donate a lot per horse (because that'll add up too quick), but I can, and WILL donate to help get the animal out and to a good home. Either pm me, or email me (pm and I'll send the email address).

Kenike, Thats a wonderful gesture!! Thank you! See, it's this BB that keeps everyone informed and has saved SO many horses in need!
Keep watching the off course section, I am sure you will see another one that needs help :( If you aren't familiar with the people on here and you have any questions about whose legit, you can PM me and I would be glad to help you out with whatever info I can provide or steer you in the right direction.