Franklin County – Roanoke Equestrian

The Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue has welcomed Stallone, a 28-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, to its herd.

In a news release, RVHR wrote, “It is the second week of June and we can’t understand why this sweet 28 year old TB gelding is in such unthinkable condition. He was found loose in Franklin County searching for food. As we can all see why he only weights 823 LBs! His past owner has signed him over to the county and his situation is being investigated at this time. Our vet was here last night to draw blood and do a fecal to see if there are any underline issues we need to help him with other then he was being starved to death.”

unnamed(2) — Stallone, a 28-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, was found walking loose in Franklin County. He has been surrendered to Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue. Photo courtesy RVHR

The rescue will start his rehabilitation with getting Stallone’s teeth floated. That alone will cost about $200.

Because his rehabilitation will take a long time, the rescue is seeking monthly sponsors to help care for his needs. (to become a recurring monthly sponsor please got to https://www.givedirectcharity.org/donate/?cid=11590 to set up your donation)

They are also in need of grain for Stallone. The rescue will be using Sentential Senior which can be purchased from Tractor Supply in Rocky Mount. If you like to donate a bag you can call and speak to Trina at 540-334-1109. The rescue will also need bagged hay and bedding.

Stallone will also need:

Weight builder any kind
Canned Corn
Canned Carrots
Apple sauce
Corn Flakes
Lots of Corn Oil

Anyone who makes a donation to help care for Stallone will be sent information on how to access his stall camera so that you can check in on him whenever you like.

Donations are also appreciated, even if you cannot do a monthly sponsorship, and can be made through the rescue’s online donations partners Givedirect, JustGive or on the rescue’s website.

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The Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue has taken in seven starving horses from Franklin County. On Feb. 25, staff from the horse rescue assisted Franklin County Animal Control to investigate a case of four to five neglected horses.

The Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue says four mares and one colt were found in a field, emaciated with body scores of 1 to 2, with no access to water or hay.

The horse rescue said that after being told by the owner there were no other horses on the property, they continued to investigate and found two more horses — a stallion and a mini — locked in small stalls and left standing in wet manure. Those two horses also had no access to hay or water, the rescue said.

This photo was shared by Franklin County Animal Control on Facebook. This stallion was found locked in to a stall without food and water, the RVHR staff said. “Captain Hook” is believed to be a 15 year old thoroughbred.

The 7 horses were signed over to the county and removed immediately from the property and brought to the horse rescue for care.

The horses will be seen by a vet to be evaluated for any medical issues.

How you can help:

With the additional horses, the horse rescue is now caring for 62 horses. If you like to help these horses these are the items that the horse rescue needs:

Grain – Sentinel feeds (LS and Senior) can be purchased at Tractor Supply in Rocky Mount (our contact is Trina at 540-334-1109) or Doc’s Feeds in Salem (Brett – 540-380-3433)
Hay – Bagged Timothy Alfalfa from Tractor Supply, Square Bales of hay
Supplements- Corn Oil, Canned Corn, Canned Carrots, Applesauce and sugar cookies from any grocery food store.
Bedding – we use the cedar bedding which can be purchased at Walmart along with any bedding from Southern States or Tractor supply
Dewormers – 7 Strongid Paste, 7 Quest Gel, 7 Anthelcide EQ and 7 Safe-guard.
Blankets– 5 size 74 -76 and 1 size 70 we have one to fit the mini.
Tack items – 5 full size halter (4 mares, 1 stud) 1 Yearling halter and 1 pony halter. 7 additional hang on fence buckets, additional lead ropes.
Donations – For Information on how to make a monetary donations to help with the horses veterinary bills visit the rescue’s website at www.rvhr.com. Donations can be made online. All donors who contribute to the care of these horses will have access to the rescue’s barn cam where the horses can be visited via the internet at any time for 30 days. The instructions on how to use the webcams will be emailed to each donor.