Abandoned, Blind Horse: Pass Area Rescue Steps Up

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A starving, abandoned, blind horse found in unincorporated area east of Lake Elsinore is now being cared for thanks to Riverside County’s equestrian community that includes Cherry Valley rescue organization.

The skin-and-bones Appaloosa-looking mare — estimated to be 18-20 years old — was discovered June 4 on a dirt road, Sony Way, north of Highway 74, in Good Hope.

Riverside County Department of Animal Services was called, and Officer Adam Haisten responded to the location.

It was a tragic situation — a blind horse left to defend for herself.

“I found a Home Depot bucket nearby and filled it with water and she drank at least two gallons,” Haisten said. “In addition to her severe condition, the horse also had a large wound to the neck that appeared to still be in a healing stage.”

Animal Services Director Julie Bank also saw the horse.

“She was in very bad shape and it was extremely difficult to see her in that way,” Bank explained.

According to the officials, the mare was listed as a “2” on the body condition scale of 1-5 (one being the worst case). In layman’s terms, the horse was in a very poor state of health.

But life is getting better for the red mare. Far-From-Perfect Mustang Rescue in Cherry Valley took over her care on Tuesday and immediately called out its equine veterinarian to examine the neglected animal, described as the worst the team has seen.

The horse, now appropriately named Hope, is receiving antibiotics and is under the close observation of the team at Far-From-Perfect, according to the county's Animal Services team.

“We are grateful to our equine partners that help us save these beautiful beasts and give them a much deserved second chance,” Bank said.

Indeed, saving Hope has been a community effort. The horse’s journey to Far-From-Perfect was helped along by All Things Hooved in Woodcrest, a new rescue organization. The All Things Hooved co-founder drove to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter Tuesday afternoon to temporarily care for the mare on behalf of Far-From-Perfect in preparation for her journey to Cherry Valley.

Annette and Joel Sappingfield founded Far-From-Perfect to assist in the rescue, rehabilitation and retraining of mustangs and other horses in need.

“When Hope was brought to our attention, we could not say no,” Annette said. “Hope is the worst case we have ever had here and we will do our absolute best to meet every single one of her needs and make sure she knows she is loved and safe here with us. She is eating, she is drinking, and she is just the sweetest thing you have ever met, despite everything she has been through.”

Bank said there is no excuse for animal abandonment: “People that need help can reach out to us and we can help find resources for pet owners."

County residents who are overwhelmed with pet and/or livestock care can contact Riverside County Department of Animal Services at 951-358-7387 or rcdas.org.