Conference noted::equitation

    MaryAnne,
    
    I agree with you 100 % !!!  I have thought about reporting this woman
    I boarded my horse with, but I don't know really how to go about it.
    I have heard from several other people, that know this person, that
    she has been like this for a long time.  I wish there was something
    I could do.  
    
    Anyone have any ideas?  

    
    Put your report in writing, and send it to your local animal
    abuse center.
    

    
    Yup, that's what I do.  Write down all info.  include times, dates,
    type of abuse.  Call the SPCA and ask them what the procedure is.  If
    they can't help they should be able to direct you to someone who can.
    If all else fails contact the Humane Society of the United States.
    
    Don't know what state you live in but I know NH and MA are pretty good
    about abuse cases.  You may have to call a few time to see what action
    has been taken but don't get discouraged.  Always think of the animals.
    
    You have no idea how good it felt to get a puppy mill closed, an
    investigation into unethical vet practice, or to adopt and rehab an
    abused animal.
    
    Gee, I sort of sound like an ambulance chaser ;')  Seriously, though, I
    just can't stand by and do nothing.  Every little bit helps.  I also do
    alot of public education.  Nothing beats a positive example.
    
    Good Luck and keep us posted!
    
    MaryAnne

    
    Is there a number for the ASPCA for the Mass area?  I found numbers for
    NY but not MA?  I would like to talk to someone about a problem.
    
    Nut shell:
    
    A friends monther has a horse (23yrs old) this horse was supposed to be
    my friends horse (15 or more yrs ago) but the mother would never let
    her daughter near it.  The mother would also never listen to her
    daughter about  how to care and feed it.
    
    So for 15 or more yrs this horse has stood up in a smelly, disgusting,
    make shift barn/paddock in the woods - no one ever brushes, rides,
    walks or provides any stimulation at all.
    
    Yrs ago, I called and wrote letters to the ASPCA but they could not act
    due to food and wather being on the grouds.
    
    Has this change?
    
    I asked because in January the stablemate of this horse died (from
    malnutirtion/colic) and the mother went and got a donkey for company. 
    The donkey took one look at this horrible excuse for a barn and told
    Gypsie (the horse) lets get out of here - so the broke out!  
    
    They ended up in a lovely farm down the road, w/sunshine and pasture. 
    the mother called me to get the donkey and horse for her - so I agreed
    but my husband came w/me since Gypsie has  never been lead, walked on a
    street or anything.
    
    The mother didn't even have a lead rope, I had to use bailing twine. 
    Well, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't want the horse to go
    back - but I didn't know what to do.
    
    I got their and the horse was at least 200-250lbs UNDER WEIGHT!  This
    was so horrible I started to cry.
    
    Gypsie came calmly running up to me to say hello, she was so happy and
    looked so beautiful in the sunlight (despite her bones sticking out
    everywhere)  I sliped the halter on (while the mother was yelling,
    "look out she's crazy:)
    
    I started to walk her back (not knowing what to expect) and she was
    super!  Her eyes were wide w/the wonders of the world, like she was
    taking it all for the 1st (and last) time.  I cryed the whole way back.
    
    Once we got to her street, Gypsie stared to act up, she didn't want to
    go home - I calmed her and I spoke softly to her and cryed - I told her
    I am sorry for bringing her back - but I didn't know what to do.  
    
    She let out a big sigh (like she understood) and we walked on.
    
    I told the mother that this horse will be dead by Januray, I explaiend
    about the food it needs - but I know it went in one ear and out the
    other.
    
    Q:
    
    Since the horse gets it's shots, some food and some water,and it's feet
    done every so-so - will the ASPCA do anying?  
    
    The horse is a good 200-250 underweight - does that count?  
    
    I know the horse will be dead soon, but I'd like her to get some
    happyness out of her sad life.
    
    --
    
    Like I said, I wrote before and I was told, nothing can be done.
    
    

    The MSPCA (Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against
    Animals) is the organization you need to contact. They operate the
    Nevins Farm in Haverhill (I think) for abused animals. Ray Dennis is
    one of their officers who deals with horse abuse.

    You can call Nevins at 687-7453; they are in Methuen.  Ask for either
    Ray (as mentioned in the last reply), or Roger Lauze.  
    

    
    I got ahold of the MSPCA yesterday.  They are going to go up and check
    everything out.  The man I spoke to seemed assuring that something
    would be done.
    
    he did say, it does not matter how much food is on the grounds, if the
    horse is a thin I say it is.
    
    I told him I'd be willing to donate $ or supplies if they take the
    horse.
    
    Louisa

    I couldn't find a number for the MSPCA, (Just the MSPCC)
    I found a number for the State vets office, in the Horsemans Directory,
    
    Dr. Winthrop E. Brielman
    100 Cambridge st.
    Boston, MA 02202
    
    617-727-3018 ext. 158
    
    
    There may not be much they can do, sometimes the local animal officer
    will help, but they don't often know much about horses, it depends.
    She may think she's doing right by the horse, she did get it a
    companion, which shows she thinks she's caring.  She may have gotten
    some bad hay, and doesn't know why the horse got thin. There's still a
    lot of 'old farmer' attitude, around (what's good for them cows, is
    just fine for them horses too).  It's hard to fight, you can only make
    suggestions or offer help.  Some of my good farmer friends see
    it this way, they think their way is just fine and that I just baby my 
    horses.  (keeping them brushed, cleaning the stalls daily, feeding
    special suppliments or feeds, keeping them shod, worming them).  
    They couldn't afford to keep horses the way you and I do, they treat
    them more like cows.
    
    Sharon