Here's His Pedigree.
His granddaddy. Man, what a nice horse. Who doesn't know that name? Bold Ruckus.
At least I can tell you his name, right? He deserves that, at least? A Thoroughbred Stallion deserves to be called something other than "Horse In Neighbour's Garage".
Here's what comes up on a google search. Won good races as a two & three year old, retired sound. (Purportedly.)
The Racing Stable that sold him to the seller (stay with me), described his right hind marking.
Like this.
Pretty sure the horse can't sue me for IDing him. Apalachian Chief was asking a $2K stud fee in 2006. These are the sad times for the TB industry. It was not the TB industry that sold him into that garage. It was the Hunter/Jumper Industry. Way To Go:(
I checked him on April 9th, noticed his old, but newly hung, hay-net was empty, as we passed by on our doggie walk. On the way back, he'd knocked down his partition/panel/thing, and was working on the bale Neighbour had left out of reach. That's how I got the shot of his right hind. I'd post the pictures of the fence posts she has lying outside, with the nails sticking out, but it's moot. Apalachian Chief has gotten about a 1000 feet of outside exercise, if I'm really generous.
I haven't found anymore tracks than that. I'm a good horse tracker, especially on ground I walk every day. I've hoped to find more hoof sign. Nothing.
He's dirty, and his eyes are taking on a sheen I can't photograph, you'll just have to believe me that it's there. The second picture is today. He's cribbing ferociously. Desperately. But that's just me, feeling that, I'm sure.
Interesting, as a behavioural aside. He didn't crib at all, for three days. Patient soul. He has the loveliest, kindest large eye, a wise eye. A sensible eye. An eye that is starting to show fear of the future. Can it always be like this? Horses know days...
Aye, aye, aye...
I am raising a ruckus, the only way I know how.
To Apalachian Chief.
For Horses.
34 comments:
Just found your blog...read back a few posts...all I can say is OMG, WTF? I am sorry that you have to witness this horse and equally sorry that this horse is being subjected to this kind of abuse. Yikes! Happy thoughts to you and Apalachian Chief.
OK, I so wish I could say "Barb I'm on my way in black". If I had the money for the plane kick and the passport I would be getting him out of there asap. Sometime I fulling believe in breaking the law and this is diff one of those time. My heart is just breaking for this guy adn you.
OK i forgot to say I believe in breakig the law if something is in danger. Sorry got caught in the heat of the moment.
I remain horrified that this is occuring, GL. You name it, we'll do it.
snorkling at Liz, that was funny, I knew what you meant.
Sadly, he's not in "danger", in the eyes of the law.
But he looks like he's rocking back on his hocks a bit, feeling a little stiff, I'll bet. 13 years old and all. On concrete, not a ton of bedding. If that's the founder crouch, I may have to go completely off my rocker. She won't feed him grain, but still.. I haven't seen him move, except the first three days, as he walked the perimeter of his "stall".Made of 0.5" plywood. raggedy-ass recycled shite.
My husband keeps saying "He's Not OLD!!" He's raced. He's been turned out, a Lot. He's mature, a good age. What do I know, huh? Justasignmaker.
Oh, fcuk.
I'm half-insane these days, my faithful reader, please be patient with me.
I am at a loss, in so many directions, I'm feeling a little dizzy.
Ditzy.
whatever.
Thanks for being there.
The irony just frickin' kills me. I need a pay-pal button.
I've e-mailed the seller, to ask if she'd tell me how much Neighbour paid. I've told the seller she doesn't have to reply.
She probably won't. She's not real happy with me. I wonder why;(
I've asked too many questions of her, that I should be asking neighbour. Yeah, as if.
That would only end badly. I've tried, believe me. Plus, it's up to LandLord & OSPCA, now. WE may end up having to leave, who knows??
Bat channel out.
You have his back, poor old soul!I want to fly out there right now and storm the place . Your nieghbor is long past due acome to Jaysus meeting! Poor poor horse! ans poor you having to stand by and watch. Hugs GL we love you!
You can be your sweet azz his joints are feeling that concrete flooring, GL. 13 may not be old but he sure wasn't engineered to stand on a hard surface 24/7, much less after the stress of racing for years. Sad to say, it may take him getting sick for him to get help.
I am praying for relief for this guy.
Oy vay GL. What an awful spot to be in. Heartbreaking.
I know this whole situation is insane; but you cannot allow it to make you insane. Do what you can within the law, please do not put yourself in jeopardy. I would so want to just unlock the door and let him loose but that would hurt him more now. The cribbing thing is sooo awful; he is trying to deal with his situation to the best of his ability; too bad he is not a randy ass and would break out.
14th.
phew.
It's my Dad's 84th Birthday!
What
a
Guy!
I mulched all of his garden beds, as his present.
And Phil won the Masters!
Dad had $ on Lee Westwood & KJ Choi, so he was happy.
Sunny, good day.
Thanks, y'all.
(toddles off)
Holy crap GL... the cribbing pictures make my blood boil.
All I can say is I am sorry, GL. I wish I could resuce this guy and put her in a cell.
Here's a new thought and maybe a bit of a fresh perspective. Call the media. News stations, newspapers, anyone and everyone you can think of. Let them know you have contacted this agency, that agency and NOTHING has been done so far. Why? Good question! Maybe they can help find an answer and a resolution. It can't hurt to try.
Might warn the sellers barn too. The media may be exposing them for their participation in the matter.
Good idea, WST but the fact is that GL and Co could lose their home if the landlord took offense to the news media at his doorstep.
Situation just sucks.
hmmmmmm.
hmmmmmm.
That's the huge question, still un-answered, really, WST. Is it the seller's onus to ensure safe housing? She considered it safe, and that the horse will be looked after. She was told by neighbour there WAS fencing, and then that there WOULD be fencing, when she dropped the horse off.
Seller even said the horse would be just fine, walked, longed & ridden, no need for turn-out, if that was the case.
Neighbour asked about worming and shots, before purchase. "Asked all the right questions", as seller said. Nothing more she can do, she says she did try to buy the horse back. No go.
I'd hate to get sued, for sure.
still humming.
(smacks head.)
Holy Shit, GL! Still nothing being done?
I'm liking the thought of the media showing up as mentioned. But as NCCatnip states, the landlord may have a fit? I'm thinking the seller would be 'outed', not the landlord. But then the landlord may be in hot water for not evicting sooner or doing anything.
I'm sure GL could pull off the part of the "concerned neighbor" without effort.
Just why hasn't animal control or the officials done anything about anything? Clearly the whack needs some help of some sort.
Maybe the health department would be interested. The urine would be causing a horrid amonnia smell before long... May be why the horses eyes are glazing over.
Another route would be calling a vet and asking their opinion. When they think you are the crackpot, explain it is your neighbor. the vet may be under some kind of law requiring them to report abuse, much the way teachers are here concerning children.
GL- Is it the seller's onus to ensure safe housing?
The seller can call off the deal any time they wish. "Sorry my horse is no longer for sale... At least not to you anyways." I'm sure we can all relate or know someone who has used those lines...
Terms of the sale are up to the seller. If they had checked the housing situation and found it unsuitable, they can squash the whole deal.
If they had cared that much about the horse- this is one step they could have taken to ensure his good care and safety.
Once the money changes hands and the papers are signed over, it's pretty much a done deal though.
Hmm...I've been pondering on this one for a while too. Keep checking back hoping it has been resolved.
The health department issue is an interesting one. I knew a teacher who once called the health department after her principal refused to deal with a 2nd grader who was pooping his pants every day in class. The principal didn't think it was a big deal but the health department thought it was a VERY big deal. Problem solved.
But as GL has noted, it will be pretty obvious who was stirring the pot in this case and that could reflect negatively on her. Or, could it? What are the rules on renter-rentees in Canada? Could her landlord kick her out for causing a ruckus? Or not? Of course, he still might not be too happy about it but then that becomes a question of is that something you are willing to deal with?
But then, if you do cause ruckus and horse is removed, will it be removed to any better situation? (Although I would have to say quick slaughter would be more merciful than life in a garage). This is where the media could, potentially, be helpful. Bring pressure to bear and perhaps involve other groups to ensure horse is removed and put into better situation. But lets face it, we all know that's never a given. And given that I was once a newspaper reporter, I know that newstories can sometimes take on a life of their own beyond what folks originally thought. Sometimes good, sometimes not so mcuh.
Ugh...It's a tough call GL. I would predict that, in the end whatever you do - or don't do, it was the best you could do in this tense situation. Sucks...
Good for you GoLightly for letting people know about this. I blogged about you this morn :) Hope you are able to get help for that poor guy.
Anyone able to find exercise requirements?
I have to work for a living, you know, pay rent, all that crap.
I'll read it again later.
GL. where's the closest university with a journalism department? A college student learning the ropes would love to get this story, I'd imagine.
And they way they got connected to the story could be through an anonymous tip, which directed them to GL's blog, and the ball would roll from there...
taken from page 1 if it will let me...
1.1 General
1.1.1 People working with horses must have due regard for their welfare.
1.1.2 People involved in the horse industry should be aware of the welfare of horses under their
care or the care of others. This may involve reporting cases of cruelty or neglect to the
proper authorities, who have the authority to lay charges under federal and provincial regulations.
1.1.3 People involved in the horse industry must be aware of and comply with existing regulations governing the use of horses.
1.1.4 It is the responsibility of people working with horses to be knowledgeable of the proper care
and handling of horses. Ignorance is not acceptable as an excuse for cruelty and neglect.
1.1.5 Management practices should accommodate the natural behaviour of horses, such as their need to graze and to socialize.
1.1.6 Horses should receive as much exercise and rest as is necessary for their welfare.
There were more, but a few of these pretty much cover it. Like, well, ALL Of these?!?!
I will keep looking though...
Brilliant, CNJ. I knew there was a reason I was so freakin' mad.
I've read it before, ya know.
It's pretty obvious what she's doing is wrong.
To Me, anyway.
OSPCA still hasn't returned calls, but they've been busy of course, they FINALLY euthed Bandit, that dog that ripped a kids face open in 2003, and attacked several more people while under the "care" of Tim Trow, ex head honcho at TorontoHS.
The judge called it "scandalous". It absolutely, was.
Of COURSE, I feel sorry for the dog, but he was a reallY bad example/poster child for the THS.
Let's all remember the child he caused to have 200 stitches in her face.
He liked it. Some do. Better to put them down, at least I feel safer. Somewhat;)
sigh.
Thanks for being there, kind reader.
Believe you me, I only wish I could make this crap up.
Good to hear that dog was finally put down and someone with authority had the sense to put it to good use.
Maybe contact the judge and have him look into why nothing has been done yet in this horses case???
My mom has a crazy neighbor that nobody wants to take any responsibility for doing anything about. His house? Should have been condemned long ago!
The foundation is cracked, the roof has holes you can see daylight through, the water has been shut off for some time- he owes the water company some $3,000... why it wasn't shut off sooner is beyond me! so yeah, he uses a bucket as a toilet and dumps it all in the alley or over a neighbors fence...
He has had transients living in his backyard under a bed sheet tied to the neighbors fence- but because he stole some of the bright orange construction mesh and put it up across his back 'property line' it is considered a fence and he can do as he pleases behind it...
The city won't touch it, the county says it's not their jurisdiction, the health department says they can do nothing and to top it off he is a registered sex offender, but I have no idea what level or what the charges were for. His mother pulled him from the state mental health facillity years ago when his father died in a mining accident, so he does have some problems, but sheesh... His mom died several years ago too so now its just him living there.
I can relate.
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