The First Two Rescues

Can we imagine what it would have been like to be the first person to step onto Centerbrook Farm with the intend to rescue two horses?  Where does one start in the face of herds of skinny, listless animals, their hides parasite-infested rags, their eyes hopeless, wobbly legs, dirty and desperate?  Volunteers of  the Equine Rescue Resource in Pine Bush, New York, went to Center Brook Farm and took two of them right away:  Good Will Hunter and Hunter’s Circle.

Then they moved to help the others: They filed the official report with the New York State Police, which immediately started to coordinate efforts with the local SPCA, which led to the raid 4 days after filing the report.  Setting the process in motion helped to save dozens of horses’ lives and more than that: It finally put an end to the neglect, abuse, and mishandling of the animals at Center Brook Farm.

The Equine Rescue Resource  furnished the District Attorney with evidence collected and Colleen Segarra who runs the organization has since served as a witness in the criminal case against Ernie Paragallo.

Colleen emailed us about her experience with her organization’s two rescues and sent us photographs of the animals from the time of rescue and after they had had some time to recover:

Those first two horses removed, Good Will Hunter, and Hunters Circle, were extremely neglected and debilitated.  Cornell University Equine Hospital was instrumental in the recovery of Will and their inclusion in any event would be appropriate.  Going forward, having their assistance will ensure the victims of abuse and neglect receive the very best medical care available in New York.

Will and Hunter have put their days at Centerbook Farm behind them, and are now happy and healthy horses.  Both have been adopted in to exceptional homes here in New York.

Goodwill Hunter

“Will” is a bay thoroughbred colt foaled April 28, 2008, out of  Hunters Circle, sired by Griffinite.  Will was found to be very debilitated, parasite infested (internal/external), malnourished and neglected, with untreated wounds.

Will in Stocks

Immediately after his rescue, Will was transported to the Veterinary Hospital at Cornell University, where he was admitted for treatment and evaluation. He returned to Cornell on June 3, 2009, where diagnostics and evaluations were performed.

Will Checking Out His Stall

Improvement in overall condition was noted, but he was found to still be lame in the right hind limb and surgery was suggested, pending a re-evaluation in 3 months. Will returned on September 16, 2009,  to Cornell for his third evaluation. The surgeons and lameness specialists were very pleased with him:  His legs had straightened, he was sound and could start to be trained as riding horse.

Will and Dr. Mitchell

The fabulous Dr. Mitchell noted over the course of 5 months, Will has grown considerably and put on more than 400 pounds (while on a very basic diet!) The only issue was that his body is growing faster than his legs and feet, so his diet was once again modified in an effort to help level out his development.

Hunters Circle

Will’s dam, Hunter’s Circle, is a chestnut thoroughbred mare.  Like her son, she was  very debilitated, parasite infested (internal/external), malnourished and neglected.

Hunter After Her Rescue

Port Jervis Humane Society fostered Hunters Circle and helped her to recover.  She is now a big bodied beautiful mare with a copper-penny shiny coat. 

Hunters Circle at Black Ridge, October 17, 09

http://www.equinerescueresource.com/

1. 

   Angelika Hala says:

   February 26, 2010 at 11:53 pm

   Dear Christy – thank you so much for your kind comment. I find in my research that there are many good souls out there and this is truly encouraging. I will soon tell about Lisa Leogrande – the lady who found the Center Brook mares at the kill pen. What a story. This is a very complex issue and we must try to understand all sides. But bottom line: Those who do wrong by the horses must take responsibility and face the consequences.
2. 

   Christy Lee says:

   February 24, 2010 at 12:53 am

   What an incredible story. These people are truly front line warriors when they do these rescues. I am so thankful to you all. I feel sorry for people who have lost the ability to feel compassion for horses. They are no longer have souls.