Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue takes in emaciated mare with foal as it continues storm clean-up

A 5-week-old foal seized by Franklin County Animal Control with its severely emaciated mother. Photo by RVHR.

The Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue sees a lot of sadness, but as was once again illustrated this week, tragedy and difficulties don’t keep the rescue from helping horses in need.

On June 18, a thunderstorm hit hard at the farm, killing a horse. Daisy, an 8-year-old rescue, was hit by a large piece of tin during the storm. Several other horses also received minor injuries.

Volunteers have been helping the rescue clean up the damage from the storm, and new buildings have been donated. Pine Creek Structures of Rocky Mount made several barns for the facility. A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise money for the clean-up of the facility. As of June 25, the account had raised $3,120 of the $35,000 goal.

Daisy was killed in the storm.
Photo courtesy RVHR.

But even after a blow such as this, the rescue’s work goes on. Franklin County Animal Control seized a mare and foal from their owner on June 24 and brought them to the facility.

The black Tennessee Walking Horse mare is 18 years old and severely emaciated. The attending veterinarian rated the mare a 1.5 on a body scale of 10. She is 300 pounds underweight and nursing a 5-week-old baby. The foal does not have any obvious conditions but his dam is struggling to produce the amount of milk needed.

An investigation into the case is ongoing.

The rescue reports it is in great need of monetary donations to help cover each horse’s medical bills along with supplies of senior feeds, timothy/alfalfa chopped hay, alfalfa cubes, weight builders, rice bran, legends omega plus (weight builder) beet pulp, canned corn, corn oil and corn flakes. Feeds can be purchased at the following stores that work with RVHR:

Moneta Farm in Bedford, Va. (Triple Crown Senior, Omega Plus), ask for Tina at 540-297-5558.
Doc’s Feeds in Salem, Va.(Sentinel LS, Sentinel Senior) 540-380-3433
Tractor Supply in Rocky Mount, VA. (Sentinel LS, or Senior) 540-334-1109 ask for Trina Beverly

The rescue also could use donations of gift cards from Tractor Supply, Kroger, Food Lion, Wal-mart or Sam’s Club to purchase needed items. For monetary donations, use their online Givedirect or Paypal. Please note on your donation for “Mare and foal” if desired.