It was apparent that the emaciated animals had been severely abused and neglected over a very long period of time. The horses were discovered when the rescue shelter received an anonymous tip. The horses which did survive had hooves so long that they could barely walk.

“The horses were found in a stall piled high with 3 to 4 feet of manure, where it is suspected that they were locked up for at least 15 years without necessary farrier or medical care”, said Caroline Robertson, the development director of Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

Both horses are evaluated in critical condition and will receive rehabilitative care. In order to transfer them to the rescue, officials said they had to sedate the horses and remove portions of their hooves.

“It is standard practice during welfare inspections to check all animals on the property, which is how the horses were discovered”.

Three Rutherford County based Tennessee Walking Horse trainers and a stable owner are being accused of soring horses by the Humane Society of The United States.

The Humane Society of Washington County announced it would be launching an investigation. The location of the property and any other particulars are being withheld.

ThorSport Farm is well-known and highly regarded within the Big Lick show world, but its trainers Chad Williams, Aaron Self and Robert Cortner, have histories of being cited for violating the law by presenting sored horses at shows. The HSUS has offered to provide assistance with the collection of evidence and handling of horses during the execution of a search warrant, and to provide transportation and care for any horses seized. Average costs generally run anywhere from $1,900 to $2,400 per horse per month.