Xena, one month prior to giving birth in 2009.

The current recession has affected countless families, companies and organizations. The world of horse owners has not been spared by these difficult times. Lori Turk, a Wyoming resident and owner of several Quarter Horses has experienced what other equine owners have in Canada and the United States.

Seven years ago, Lori sold her home bred mare Xena to a Kentucky women who intended to breed her. The transaction was completed and Xena left the farm in excellent physical condition. Last April, Lori received a phone call from a friend who saw that Xena was one of 40 Horses owned by a woman recently charged with 17 counts of animal cruelty and one count of improper disposal. Nine of the woman’s horses were already dead, eight were emaciated to the point of starvation and 10 were in dire need of medical care, Xena being on of the ten.

A local organization was able to get pictures of some of the starving animals, but even with the many charges laid against the owner, to this day the court has not signed the order to seize and remove the animals from the woman’s farm.

Xena, seven years ago

Lori has spent the last seven months working tirelessly to try and bring her mare back home. Finally, with the gracious help of several helpers in Kentucky, Xena was bought back and returned to Canada. Barely able to walk, dangerously underweight and carrying her seventh foal in seven years, she is now on the road to recovery.

Xena’s story is only one of many as horse owners struggle through these tough times to feed and care for their animals. One of Lori’s neighbour woke up one morning with four extra horses in his field, while other owners  are forced to send their animals to livestock auctions and slaughter houses.

Several organizations are trying to help prevent animal cruelty by educating future horse owner of the constant needs and responsibilities that follow the purchase of a horse. If you would like more information visit Speak Up For Horses at www.speakupforhorses.org