Wyoming Trainer Assists in Rescue of 86 Neglected Morgan Horses in Montana
Some of the 86 seized horses being kept at a Montana ranch (Courtesy Christian Heidorf via Facebook)
A rescue effort involving 86 neglected Morgan horses in Montana has drawn attention from animal welfare organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Cowboy State Daily reports.
A Wyoming-based trainer has been actively involved in the operation to save the horses, which had been allegedly neglected by their breeder, Bryan Blatt.
The horses, which were scheduled to be auctioned off in January, were rescued after the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to concerns raised by two ranch hands who noticed the horses were not being properly cared for. A subsequent investigation led authorities to seize the herd, with court documents charging Blatt with aggravated animal cruelty for failing to provide food and veterinary care for the animals.
Emmalie Krueger, a Morgan horse enthusiast and trainer from Riverton, Wyoming, was one of the key figures in the rescue effort. Krueger, who runs Absaroka Morgans, has been working to raise funds and organize efforts to prevent the horses from being sold off at auction, potentially leading to them being sent for slaughter. The effort has attracted support from the broader Morgan horse community.
The case has sparked concern about the costs associated with caring for a large herd of horses. The 86 Morgans were in various states of health, with some being malnourished and requiring immediate care. Krueger estimates that it would cost around $35,000 per month to care for all 80 of the horses that need proper care, a figure that underscores the financial and logistical challenges of handling such a large rescue.
Following the seizure, the ASPCA deployed a rapid response team, which included veterinarians and behaviorists, to assess the horses’ condition and provide the necessary care. Some of the horses were found to be underweight and suffering from untreated injuries and hoof issues. With the support of the Humane Society of Western Montana and donations from community members, the horses are now receiving hay and basic care as they await a final resolution.
The horses’ future remains uncertain due to the ongoing investigation into Blatt’s alleged actions. While Krueger and other Morgan horse supporters are working to rehome the horses, the legal status of the horses as evidence in the case complicates the process. The ASPCA has stated that their goal is to find “appropriate, safe, and loving homes” for the horses, while also taking into account their genetic significance as part of the Morgan breed.
