Lithia equestrians work to feed starving horses

The state's struggling economy has left dozens of starving and abandoned horses in its wake, as owners are unable to scrape together enough money to properly care for them.

The problem has reached explosive proportions, according to the Horse Protection Association of Florida, a rescue group based in Micanopy.

The rescue farm, in just two weeks' time last year, took in as many suffering horses as it has in some entire years.

In some cases, it was too late to save them - horses died of chronic starvation and parasites due to a lack of care.

Right now, the non-profit farm is caring for 78 horses, many of them brought in at the brink of death.
"Even though it's in Micanopy, it's not that far from here," said Terry Hunt, owner of Equine Corral in Lithia. "And we're certain there are similar situations happening right here."

Hunt has teamed up with some other area equestrians to address the issue, hoping to raise cash donations and collect supplies for horses that end up at the HPAF farm.

She and a representative from the Coalition for Unwanted Horses will collect money, blankets and medical supplies for the needy horses during a hunter-jumper horse show scheduled for Jan. 16. The show takes place at Galaxy Farms in Riverview.

"We want to make the community aware of what is going on," said Hunt, whose shop caters to equestrians. "We hear about the dogs and cats in need, but people don't hear about the horses. Word doesn't get out to the rest of the world."

"This is unprecedented, to put it mildly," HPAF Executive Director Morgan Silver said. "I would assume in the large farm situations, it is because of the economy or people are in way over their heads with too many horses." In other cases, she said, people were lured by "free" horses, taking them in with no skills on how to care for them.

Many of those brought to the farm need a lot of care before they'll be put up for adoption.
"Maybe with the economic situation, the irresponsible breeding will stop," Silver said. "That will mean less horses will suffer."

For now, though, there are plenty that need quick help.

Because the emaciated horses need specific types of food, cash donations will be used to purchase it from farmers located near the rescue farm. Items that can be donated include blankets, bridles, vet wraps for wounds and sores, Thrush Buster and other medical items equestrians typically keep in their barn's tack box.

The horse show, which takes place at 12902 Balm-Boyette Road, Riverview, begins with the first class showing at 8:30 a.m. The show is expected to last all day.

"We hope the public will come and participate," Hunt said. "Bring a chair, a cooler, a hat and some sunscreen."

Admission is free.

For those who can't make the show or want to donate directly to the farm, go to www.hpaf.org. The farm near Ocala runs entirely on donations.