Alberta's horse-riding community has banded together to nurse nearly 100 neglected horses back to better health.
The province's SPCA seized 94 horses from a farm near Andrew, about 100 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, a week ago. Many were malnourished, some had hooves that had grown so long the horses couldn't walk property and most had lice. Inspectors also found many dead animals on the property of Hinz-Schleuter Arabians.
Two men were charged with 12 different counts of animal abuse.
On Thursday, Susan Fyfe of Keno Hills Stable volunteered to take care of the massive herd. She has her work cut out for her: she says many require the care of a veterinarian and a farrier in addition to food, water and regular daily maintenance.
Many of the horses are now on the road to good health, although some may never fully recover.
"Today they have a little more oomph in them so it's a good sign," she told CTV Edmonton on Sunday.
To make sure everything gets done without bursting her purse strings, Fyfe is trying to reign in some help. Many have already responded to the call, offering things such as food, supplies, monetary donations and volunteer labour.
Glenda Sheard has volunteered her time in the Keno Hills office, doing paperwork, taking phone calls and coordinating other volunteers.
"It's going to take a lot of help, a lot of support, a lot of volunteers and lot of people who care to make difference," she told CTV News.
Janie Hotz was one of many who stopped by the stable to offer a contribution, driving almost two hours from Spruce Grove in order to do so.
"When we heard of this problem we were just inspired to do something for these people," she said.
Another group, from Okotoks, has pledged to send up a trailer full of goods for the horses.
With a report from CTV Edmonton's Rob McAnally
