[Long Spot]

Stop trying to turn this into your personal agenda, Fairfax.

[Fairfax]

Stop trying to turn this into your personal agenda, Fairfax.

I will correct Ms Freda when ever she takes a shot on a forum to spread her stories.

This is about ANOTHER Rescue closing...well..there will be more this year and next..

[Jhorne89]

Fairfax, absolutely not. I would never personally trust a veterinarian who would make a medical decision for an animal based solely on the subjective examination of a vet tech. Yes, I have given medical evaluations to the veterinarians I have worked with, but they have always followed up with their own examination.

Long Spot, unfortunately they keep their feed locked in their trailer. They always only come out once a day on the days they do come out. For now the pasture the horses are is does still have grass, so they are at least able to graze some. It is by no means sufficient to sustain these animals, though.

[luvmytbs]

I will correct Ms Freda when ever she takes a shot on a forum to spread her stories.

Good Lord Leo. Take a chill pill.

[MRomanello]

Guys, this isn't about Gentle Giants. They had offered help for the horses. But this is about the horses that are in danger right now. The horses at Gentle Giants and DEFHR are not. They are healthy, happy horses.
It's a heartbreaking situation these horses are in and Leslie, herself, claims 12+ years of being a vet tech. The woman REFUSES help from anyone else. I'm not sure how this got derailed to talking about other rescues. This thread is about the emaciated horses.
Thanks!

[7arabians]

It is very interesting to observe the politics within the general 'rescue' environment. First, we have a woman who may have been turned down for an adoption by FDHR. She is now leading a mud-slinging party, yet clearly states that she cannot afford even one horse!!! This makes inquiring minds suspicious about whether her lack of funds was in fact the reason she was denied an adoption???
More troubling is to see a giant rescue like GG sitting on its hands if there really are drafts in need in Florida! If it is true that they were able to raise over $700,000 to buy a new farm in less than 5 years, then they are not your average 501c3. Why are they not responding to this Florida situation? After blindly donating to GG, I had the blinders removed when I found out their fundraising plea to help a draft who 'had been beaten with a 2x4' and generated lots of donations, including mine, turned out to be a case of cancer!!!! I will never forgive them for that and I never received a refund and there was no apology. So, people, look close at every side of these 'urgent pleas' for the dear horses! There is always an agenda. Only a handful of rescues are legit. Do your research. Time to call out the pretenders!

[Angela Freda]

I will correct Ms Freda when ever she takes a shot on a forum to spread her stories.

This is about ANOTHER Rescue closing...well..there will be more this year and next..

LOL My story?

It's the story of a shortsighted breeder who kept breeding while not being able or willing to sell or give horses away to help those horses or provide the income to care for the rest... horses that were overdue for dentals and farrier care [per Vets on scene] who had worm loads and lice... a breeder who had 10% of her herd so thin they had to be put down or later died... that many attributed to their being old. We all know that lame excuse for what it is.

That many in the Arab community gloss over the very basic facts of this case that started it all in the first place is rich.
Had she not neglected these animals, there would have been no grounds for law enforcement to come in and seize them or the subsequent actions on the part of the organizations who offered help to those very needy animals and did her the favor of returning them in a condition that was far better than the condition they left her farm in.

PS- any info on that groundbreaking press release Dr Henneke was on the verge of releasing re: the use/misuse of his BCS? You'll note I did not, after all, hold my breath for that one.

[Angela Freda]

More troubling is to see a giant rescue like GG sitting on its hands if there really are drafts in need in Florida! If it is true that they were able to raise over $700,000 to buy a new farm in less than 5 years, then they are not your average 501c3. Why are they not responding to this Florida situation?

A rescue on it's own can not seize animals... ya' can't just show up on someone's property and take their animals unless you are law enforcement.

What their buying a facility at which to continue their good works has to do with the situation in Florida, other than providing an opportunity for those with a wild hair youknowwhere [because these rescue had the NERVE to help horses neglected by one they revere] to air their grievances... I can't even guess.

[7arabians]

Investigation into several rescues has revealed untimely filings of tax returns, incredible increases in revenues, sweetheart deals involving land leases, etc. In the case of GG, they profess to only be driven by their concern for horses, yet ignore the Florida situation. They claim they have saved for 5 years to be able to spend almost a million dollars on a neighboring farm. Why don't their prior Form 990's show that? Why isn't their 2011 Form 990 filed by now? Many, many questions about GG and several other rescues. They will no longer operate without questions. Remember, 'trust but verify.' The yarn about the horse that was supposed to be beaten, but actually had cancer is beyond the pale. It is becoming the laughing stock of the rescue world. Angela, you always ask questions. Why not ask GG some questions. The problem of hungry horses will only become worse. Why no reaction to the plight of CCH?

[MoonoverMississippi]

It is very interesting to observe the politics within the general 'rescue' environment. First, we have a woman who may have been turned down for an adoption by FDHR. She is now leading a mud-slinging party, yet clearly states that she cannot afford even one horse!!! This makes inquiring minds suspicious about whether her lack of funds was in fact the reason she was denied an adoption???
Time to call out the pretenders!

No dog in this fight, but if you are going to state "clearly", maybe you should read a bit closer; the text I read stated that she could only afford the horse she already had at that time and could not take another.

It really affects how seriously others take your posts. Back to the mud-slinging, lol.

[LauraKY]

Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. There are well run rescues, poorly run rescues, rescues with a financial cushion (which is a plus in my opinion) those who run well on a shoe string, those who meander from one financial catastrophe to another and then, the ones who are scam artists.

IMO, it's best to donate to a rescue near you, that you have personally checked out.

Edit: Forgot the hoarders. How could I forget the hoarders?

[oliverreed]

Fairfax, absolutely not. I would never personally trust a veterinarian who would make a medical decision for an animal based solely on the subjective examination of a vet tech. Yes, I have given medical evaluations to the veterinarians I have worked with, but they have always followed up with their own examination.

Long Spot, unfortunately they keep their feed locked in their trailer. They always only come out once a day on the days they do come out. For now the pasture the horses are is does still have grass, so they are at least able to graze some. It is by no means sufficient to sustain these animals, though.

Let me see if I have this right - owners aren't feeding the horses, who are on your property, regularly by any stretch of the imagination. Are YOU feeding these horses, or just sitting around watching them starve? Do NOT mean this to come across as snarky as it probably sounds - I hope I am mistaken and that you ARE feeding them. It's just confusing.

[Plainandtall]

I haven't really been able to follow this thread in quite a while, and I'm not sure if Gentle Giants had offered to help with the remaining horses owned by the people who used to run the Florida draft horse Rescue (and since the owners weren't asking for help it's not really relevant) but just to clarify, the rescue that I was aware of and mentioned not by name in this thread was not GG but Iron Gait Percherons who had several posts of concern on their FB page.

[Jhorne89]

If you would like to donate the feed/money to have these horses fed, PLEASE by all means, drop on by! I have four horses of my own, including an emaciated thoroughbred that I had no intentions of taking in but that needed placement ASAP, after proper care of my own personal horses, my two dogs and my 3 year old son, I am terribly sorry that my funds do not stretch far enough to care for six draft horses that I have been thrust into a situation that I do not want to be in. Considering I have contacted the appropriate authorities regarding this situation, I feel that all that I am capable of doing, I have done. These horses WILL receive justice.

[LauraKY]

Jhorne89, so you are watching them starve. Nice going.

[oliverreed]

I am appalled.

[oliverreed]

For God's sake, at least buy them some hay while you wait for AC/the ASPCA/whoever you have reported this to to show up!!!!!

[Angela Freda]

Investigation into several rescues has revealed untimely filings of tax returns, incredible increases in revenues, sweetheart deals involving land leases, etc. In the case of GG, they profess to only be driven by their concern for horses, yet ignore the Florida situation.

Again they are not law enforcement, what do you think they should do?

They claim they have saved for 5 years to be able to spend almost a million dollars on a neighboring farm. Why don't their prior Form 990's show that? Why isn't their 2011 Form 990 filed by now?

Maybe because they are filed but the IRS has yet to put the 990 online?
Maybe because they got an extensions, something many rescues and other businesses do?
There are a variety of legitimate reasons for their 990 not being filed [or accessible to you], and if you've not called the IRS to ask, then you're just guessing... Buuuut if it fits your agenda, be my guest.
Same with the purchase of their farm, there are lots of reasons you could have missed their saving for a farm or for why you are not privy to those details.

Many, many questions about GG and several other rescues. They will no longer operate without questions. Remember, 'trust but verify.' The yarn about the horse that was supposed to be beaten, but actually had cancer is beyond the pale. It is becoming the laughing stock of the rescue world. Angela, you always ask questions. Why not ask GG some questions. The problem of hungry horses will only become worse. Why no reaction to the plight of CCH?

LOL I do ask questions. But honestly I am thrilled GG got a new farm and can help more horses and the red flags you seem to see are not obvious to me, sorry. So no, I'm not going to ask questions just because you think I should.
My suggestions is that rather than asking here [where no primaries from the rescue are]... ask them directly. Otherwise, it just looks like you're grinding an ax, and not really 'asking' anything.

[MoonoverMississippi]

Oh for crap's sake people.

GG has offered financial support.

Jhorne says the horses the FL rescue has on their property aren't being fed.

Instead of wringing your hands and making snide comments why doesn't someone who knows GG call and put them in contact with Jhorne so they can set up something with a feed store and get feed to the hungry horses. I'm sure Jhorne wouldn't mind offering photo proof to GG, right?

I know, common sense is no fun on these types of threads.

[Jhorne89]

Did I not state that two rolls of hay were placed in their pasture, or is this being overlooked?? I suppose as well as what I have already done making sure that proper action should be taken for these horses I should also make it my mission to provide feed and hay for all the neglected horses in Florida? And I would be MORE than happy to provide photos and any information to ensure these horses will be placed where they need to go. I am shocked that somehow now I feel as if this has been turned around to be my fault that these horses, which now I learn have been neglected for years under the care of these people, are in this condition, because that is most certainly what is being said here. Again, if anyone would like to donate feed/hay to these horses, you may personal message me and I will gladly provide you with information you will need. I simply had a feeling after being spoon fed lies from these people to look on the Internet and try to gather information I could, and I stumble across this thread. Maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut and allowed them to move their horses to the next place and have this vicious cycle repeated? How simple it is to place blame on others when you are doing nothing to help!