The Stafford County Morgans
(Read the Humane Investigation Report for this case.)

The story of this herd occured shortly after ERL opened its doors. Although we have encountered a variety of inconceivable situations since then, this remains the most dramatic example of what can happen when horses fall victim to apathy.

Thirty-two pure bred Morgans, rescued from various stages of starvation, arrived at the ERL farm shelter on April 26, 1991. While these horses have been rehabilitated and adopted into homes, we would like to share with you a few of the emotions experienced while we were caring for the Stafford County Morgans.

HEARTBREAKERS

The way they stood in the shadows in corners of their stalls.
Sad and lethargic horses with huge lifeless eyes, not yet able to trust their new caregivers.

Watching Maggie, a severely debilitated two-year-old mare, while Dr. Salewski and Cheryl delivered her extremely weak, poorly developed colt six days after her rescue.

Saying good-bye to Trucker, the two-year-old colt, who had been hobbling around with a shattered hock for many months.

Flower arriving with the other horses in the trailer; though she was not standing, she was still alive. She could not walk out of the trailer by herself. She tried though, but she kept falling so we had to lift this tired, sad, and scared horse out of the trailer and into a stall.

HEARTWARMERS

To witness the returning health and emerging confident personalities of these wonderful horses.

To see Maggie and her new foal, Trucker, Jr, gain health and strength. To see her become protective and caring for her, healthy and handsome baby boy.

To watch their dry, dead, matted hair fall away and be replaced by healthy, shiny coats.

To watch the protruding ribs and hips rapidly disappear as these horses gain weight and condition.

Watching a wilted "Flower" bloom into a vital, healthy filly.

FLOWER

(left photo) Shortly after arrival at ERL, Flower was barely able to stand. It took six people
to carry this mare from the trailer into the barn. (right photo) Flower, fully recovered and enjoing a home and family
of her own!

MAGGIE MAGEE

(Left photo) Maggie and her foal (right photo) TJ

The above picture was taken on Maggie's arrival, 6 days before she foaled. She managed to foal successfully, though her colt was extremely weak and poorly developed. Maggie's colt was named Trucker Junior, after the colt that had to be euthanized (read Report). "TJ" is now a healthy and happy horse.

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