IS this neglect and can someone tell me who to call?

[thomas beck]

I saw 10-15 horses in similar shape at a local place where horses are rented for trail rides parties and the like. Snuck these photos and put them on facebook and a few horse people said this was bad but couldnt tell me who to contact.

[Randi~Kay]

i would call a local aspca.

[thomas beck]

I live in Charlotte nc any numbers?

[Randi~Kay]

no sry:( im in michigan

[Joan Spinner]

This horse looks like it has rain rot and is a little under weight. No, this isn't necessarily neglect. It looks like an older horse with the sway back. But he might be a high withered thoroughbred, either way he may be hard to keep weight on. There is no way to tell from just looking. I can’t see his condition from these pictures. His coat is looks good and the stall is very nicely kept. The barn looks new and well kept from what little I can see. If this is the worst horse they need more food but this isn't neglect.

You might point out the rain rot and suggest they should do something before it gets worse. They can use MTG and bathe all the affected areas, loosening the scabs and keeping the horse dry. It spreads across herds so probably others have it too and should be treated. Clean the brushes and saddle pads and girths with bleach (or something) so as not to spread it any more than it does from horses having casual contact.

If you enjoy working around the horses you might even offer to help bath and clean them. If you do know that because the skin is affected he may well be tender and it will hurt a bit to scrub as hard as you need to, to remove the scabs that MUST be removed. It may take months to actually get rid of it altogether and it will most likely return. It lives in the environment and some horses get it and some don't. My horse tends to get it whenever it is wet and warm for a prolonged period.

Good luck,
Joan