Hope After Heartbreak: Marion County Horses Begin A New Chapter

This spring, a tragic case of animal cruelty shocked Marion County—but it also revealed the strength of compassion and community.

On February 13, deputies and a humane agent from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a property in Montgomery Township, where they found a severely emaciated horse entangled in a pasture fence. The horse was too far gone to be saved and was humanely euthanized on the scene. The investigation uncovered 11 surviving horses, 2 goats, and the heartbreaking remains of 6 deceased horses. The owner was arrested on 21 counts of cruelty to animals.

But this is where the story begins to turn for the better.

Thanks to the swift and selfless intervention of Wyandot County Equine Rescue, the surviving animals were seized and transported to safety. Rescue staff immediately began providing vaccines, dental and hoof care, parasite treatment, and—perhaps most importantly—daily compassion and attention.

Among the survivors was Xena, a 3–4-year-old mare who arrived thin, scared, and carrying more than just trauma—she was also pregnant.

And then, in the early hours of Easter morning, something extraordinary happened: a healthy filly named Eve was born.

While breeding under such circumstances is never encouraged, Eve’s safe arrival is seen as a symbol of resilience, recovery, and rebirth. She’ll remain at the rescue until she is 4–5 years old, receiving the training and care she needs to grow into a safe, well-rounded horse ready for adoption.

💔 The Cost of Care

The path to healing is long—and expensive. Each rescued horse requires $500 or more in initial care alone. That includes:

🦷 Dental treatment (thank you, Kade Stump!)

🐴 Hoof trimming (thanks to Julie Schlachter of Shoe4U)

💉 Vaccines, parasite control, and medical evaluations

🌾 Daily feed, hay, and shelter

Additional medical conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome or Cushing’s can increase these costs substantially.

🐾 How You Can Help

The team at Wyandot County Equine Rescue is committed to giving these animals a second chance—but they can’t do it alone.

💛 You can donate directly to support Xena, Eve, and the other survivors here:

 🔗 Click to Donate via PayPal

Whether it’s $5 or $50, every dollar makes a difference in these horses’ journey from heartbreak to healing.

From all of us at Homeless to Home and The Woods, thank you to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Wyandot County Humane Society, and every vet, volunteer, and donor helping these horses reclaim their lives. Together, we’re proving that even in the darkest moments—hope can rise.

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