57 horses, hundreds of pounds underweight were seized this weekend from a North Texas property.

The owner had 58, but for one horse, help came a day late.

"Just absolutely the worst thing I've seen," said Melanie DeAeth, with True Blue Animal Rescue (TBAR), in Washington County.

TBAR and Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society of Brenham, both made the trip to Sulphur Springs Saturday. Both groups are housing some of the horses until next week's court hearing.

"It was a very, very sad situation that these guys had to live in these conditions," said Teresa Gaskamp, a TBAR volunteer.

Volunteers said the pens hadn't been cleaned in months, maybe longer.

"They were in three to four feet of feces that had just built up over the years," said Gaskamp

Gates were molded shut.

"We had to get a hammer to get em open," said Gaskamp.

Days later, signs of neglect were still visible.

"You'll see the extent, but they're really much better even just from being allowed to run," said DeAeth.

The stallions are taking advantage of their new found freedom and fresh air.

Freedom and food, the rescuers are more than happy to provide.

"We'll make sure those horses are never in that kind of situation again," said DeAeth.

The shelters are looking for foster homes and adopted homes for those horses, and are also taking hay and feed donations.

True Blue Animal Rescue
help@t-bar.org
(936) 878-2349
www.t-bar.org

Jennifer Williams, President Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
jenn@bluebonnetequine.org
(888) 542 5163
www.bluebonnetequine.org