Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue is caring for 14 horses abandoned on a farm.

By Ruth L. Tisdale | The Roanoke Times
March 04, 2008

The thoroughbred’s ribs were visible as he slowly walked around the field.

His large stomach showed signs not of a well-fed animal, but of a belly filled with worms from lack of proper care.

As he took a sip of water, his tail and hip bones protruded and his overgrown mane indicated the thoroughbred was in desperate need of brushing.

Even his tail was slow in swaying, articulating the animal’s pain.

After lapping just a few sips of water, he tilted his head upward and looked with weary eyes to rescue President Pat Muncy to brush his nose with her hands for much needed attention and comfort.

“These animals truly need love,” Muncy said. “It is a shame what they have been through.”

It’s not often that thoroughbreds — particularly some descended from racing great Seattle Slew — from the affluent farm country around Middleburg end up needing care to survive.

But 48 thoroughbreds from the Loudoun County community were seized in January after they were found to be malnourished, diseased and lacking drinking water.

Fourteen of the horses were brought to the Roanoke rescue facility off Hardy Road outside of Vinton this weekend as the case of a horse trainer charged with animal cruelty wends through the court system.

Dennis Danley, a horse trainer who worked on the Middleburg property where the horses were found, was charged with 48 counts of animal cruelty, according to The Washington Post. Danley has denied any wrongdoing, insisting the horses were in good condition when he last saw them in November.

The county has been taking care of the animals since they were seized, Muncy said.

“We placed a call with the county as soon as we learned of the case back in January,” said Muncy, adding the animals were probably not in as bad shape as they could have been since they had been in county care before arriving at the rescue center. “We knew about two weeks ago that we would be getting them.”

Muncy said 10 out of the 14 horses aren’t used to people and don’t like to be touched.

All of the horses will require three to six months of care before they are ready to be adopted.

“It is such a shame because some of these horses are descendants of Seattle Slew,” Muncy said.

Seattle Slew was a legendary Triple Crown winner. His offspring have produced multiple Kentucky Derby, Belmont and Preakness Stakes winners.

Muncy said horses of that caliber would normally sell for $20,000 or more.

The adoption price for the rescue, however, is just $300.

“Once they come to the rescue, their racing days are over,” Muncy said. “They aren’t allowed to breed either. It’s a sad fate for a beautiful animal.”

Muncy said she has dealt with many animal cruelty cases but is baffled by how it could have taken place in Middleburg.

“Middleburg is a place where some of finest horse farms are located,” said Muncy, who received her certification as an equine cruelty investigator there.

“They could have asked the county for help if they couldn’t afford the hay. For this to happen there has a lot of people dropping their jaws.”

While medical care is important, Muncy said the horses need love and attention the most.

While 2-year-old Cordle lay in a stall Sunday afternoon, Muncy’s husband, Jason, gently brushed his nose and talked to him.

The thoroughbred playfully snorted.

“You start off giving them attention a little bit at a time,” Jason Muncy said. “But it’s a good sign that they are laying down. Horses never lay down unless they are comfortable.”

Muncy said she has placed calls asking for hay and additional volunteers.

“Right now we are at our limit,” said Pat Muncy, adding that the rescue center’s capacity is 40 horses. “Anything people give could would be great, including their time.”

Added Jason Muncy: “Sometimes people who don’t know anything about horses can make the best volunteers.”