More Than 70 Horses Rescued From Rural Colorado Property
Severely neglected horses and foals were removed from a rural property in Colorado — many underweight, lame, and without essential care. They are receiving urgent veterinary treatment and much-needed rehabilitation — and they can use your help!
In early July, Humane Colorado joined forces with law enforcement for a large-scale rescue in rural Colorado, removing more than 70 horses and foals from conditions from a severe neglect situation.
The rescued horses reportedly were suffering from insufficient food, lack of veterinary care, and overgrown hooves — conditions so dire that many horses exhibited severe lameness and appeared unable to walk without discomfort. Among the group were pregnant mares and young foals, highlighting the urgent nature of the rescue and the vulnerability of the herd.
The rescued horses were transported to Humane Colorado’s Harmony Equine Center in Franktown, where veterinarians immediately began treating wounds, infections, eye injuries, hoof and joint disease, and years of trauma. Field Services Veterinarian Dr. Kim Gardner-Graff emphasized, “These horses didn’t get this way overnight, and they won’t heal overnight either,” reflecting both the severity of neglect and the long rehabilitation road ahead.
Adding to the challenge, Humane Colorado had recently conducted a major rescue involving more than 100 cats and kittens, stretching the organization’s resources thin. In response, they have appealed to the public for support in covering the intensive care the horses require — including veterinary treatment, farrier services, specialized nutrition, and foaling assistance.
Dr. Apryl Steele, President and CEO of Humane Colorado, acknowledged the broader community’s role: “What makes this work possible isn’t just the team on the ground. It’s the broader community … Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us provide vital care to these animals—care they desperately need.”
If you would like to donate to the horses’ care, you can do so here.
The horses face a long and complex rehabilitation. Many arrived underweight, with painful issues like abscesses and advanced hoof and joint conditions. Nearly half were lame at intake—a clear sign of chronic neglect. Humane Colorado invites animal lovers to follow the horses’ recovery journey and contribute to their care. Donations will help ensure vital treatments, rehabilitative services, and safe futures for these equines
