Efforts to Revive Starving Horses

     Jess Ahumada took in two neglected horses a few weeks ago to help them recover.  He runs A and F Equine Rescue in Exeter.  He found a horse called “Red” abandoned in Richgrove, at which time she was nearly starving to death. Ahumada says because of the drought, pastures have turned into dust and Red’s owner likely couldn’t afford the alternative, which is hay. “Lack of water, lack of feed for them, and because of the drought the price of hay has gone through the roof,” said Ahumada. The number of abandoned horses has also gone through the roof. In 2 years, A and F has rescued 65 of them; 40 in Tulare County alone.  Cassidy Aiello is a volunteer and a member of the COS Equestrian Team. She says there are other options such as surrendering them, or calling animal control for help. “Letting them sit there, or tying them to a railroad track, there’s better places to take them so they have a chance,” said Aiello.