GO HERE to read the story.
I'm glad this is making news and I am passing it on here because it's important for people to know that just because someone achieves a high level of success in the competition world it DOES NOT MEAN they are always good horse people. Or that they care deeply about horses.
The sad thing is that I recognize the name of the Hanoverian she is currently riding, Drambuie. I fell in love with his photos and videos when he was a baby. I hope he escapes the same fate as the horses who were mistreated by her.
billie hinton’s camera-obscura:
life and lessons on November Hill Farm
Yes. It is quite true. I was one of the volunteers that cared for the 2 starving horses at Lost Hearts and Souls Rescue in Santa Rosa. There is no excuse for this. Period.
ReplyDeleteWe feel it is indeed a great Christmas Gift to the starvation horses, Sister and Valerie, that we stand up for them as victims of such depraved indifference from Gwen. Especially a professional who has made her life's living from horses, even these 2 horses, and she willingly and knowinly allowed them to starve. Gwen was cited last October 2010 by Sonoma County Animal Control and was required to have a vet come out. He did their teeth. So this is not a dental problem. Upon their arrival to Lost HEarts and Souls Rescue, we took blood samples for disease. Nothing at all. Only lack of groceries.
The horse Valerie, scored Heneke 1, and is now up to Heneke 3 and well on her way to recovery. Unfortunately, we lost the horse Sister to a brain hemorhage which we discovered from UC Davis Necropsy. May she rest in peace. But she never missed a meal at the rescue and was doted upon by so many good volunteers.
It is appalling what Gwen has done. She should never be allowed to touch another horse again.
Thank you, Anon, for commenting, but especially for your care of these two mares. Please feel free to post a link to your rescue and I will do a new post so that folks can donate if they wish to. I'm on my way to the feed store right now or I would look it up myself! (and still will later if you don't post it here)
ReplyDeleteIf you have further news of the outcome of this court case and want to update here, I would appreciate it. You can also use the Contact Me button at the top right if you prefer to send it private and let me post it.
What an unfeeling piece of garbage this woman is. She should never be allowed near a horse again and she should be banned from competition. The poor horses. It just makes you wonder why she even got into riding if she cares so little for the horses in her care that have done so much for her.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear from Anonymous that the one horse is doing better and sorry that the other poor horse didn't make it. Thank goodness for rescue people.
A, I have to agree. :/
ReplyDeleteOh what a fall from grace for Gwen Stockebrand, a woman who could ride like nobodies business. I'll never forget taking a lesson from her on her great Bao. My first, maybe only passage. Reminds me of another trainer I worked with years ago, Barney Ward.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens to people? What happened to Gwen? I feel so sad. Those poor animals.
Anon, I wish I knew... :/ It's sad and upsetting enough when it's not someone who rides well, but seems especially so in this case.
ReplyDeleteIndeed a fall from grace. I used to ride with Gwen and she was amazing. I wondered what ever happened to her. I never expected this.... so sad. Something you would never expect from any kind of horsewoman.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's even more unsettling if you know/knew her - I can't imagine having a mentor in the equine world and then hearing this terrible news. :/
ReplyDeleteI was a working student at Gwen's in the 80's. The horses were well cared for then. I have been in a state of shock as Gwen was my idol as far as riding ability. No one looks like Gwen on a horse. There must be more to this sorry episode than meets the eye. No one would throw away their career in horses unless there was some kind of breakdown. I am keeping Gwen and all the hungry horses in CA. in my prayers. Debbie Kruse
ReplyDeleteDebbie, if you find out any more info that reveals more to this story, please share it.
ReplyDeleteConsider how easily people plop their unwanted horses on other horse people and expect a "happy ever after"....; Horse ownership is a commitment far greater than having a pet; its not so easy to "rehome" a horse- no matter who you are! And some folks have a hard time saying no until they find themselves overwhelmed and the hay just doesn't stretch that far....
ReplyDeletemany rescues find themselves in that very same situation. Just having the property and the space doesn't mean you can feed all those mouths... but you try....
I fully understand how easy it is for SOME horse owners to give their horses away - I am the recipient of regular emails asking if I will take them.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, MY responsibility is to the six equines I already have, and it is MY job to make sure they are cared for and remain safe, healthy, and loved RIGHT HERE for the rest of their lives. So I say NO to the pleas and the offers of "free" horses.
We do no one any favors by being the tender heart who takes on more than we can manage. It's not enough to try when it comes to feeding an animal - if we can't do it, we have no business taking them on.
Sorry - this is one of my huge pet peeves. I have no empathy for people who take on animals they can't properly care for. I understand the impulse - of course - but ultimately we have to remind ourselves that horses, and all domesticated animals, require care that costs money.