The Texas 27
In the second week of October, 27 thoroughbreds, from one farm, were dumped into a Kemp, Texas kill pen. Most of these were babies, fillies, colts and pregnant mares all unhandled, not all halter broke, all in poor condition. This would start a massive group rescue network from all over the U.S. with rescues and individuals. Bail was covered from one of our supporters for half of them.
What happened?
A veterinarian and breeder developed dementia, he apparently was ill for some time. All these horses whether gelded or not, babies and adults were running together in one herd for over three years. It was clear these horses hadn't been handled for a while nor cared for due to feet and body condition with mares and fillies of all ages bred; possibly inbred. His son, Heath White recently got involved and dumped all 27 into the direct ship kill lot in Kemp, TX.
We are proud to say, all 27 have been saved.
You can follow all 27 here.
Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue took in one of the pregnant mares. This is her story…
BTRE and numerous other rescues were notified in October, 2023 of 27 thoroughbreds in a kill pen that were all taken from the same farm. BTRE agreed to help one of the older mares. Funds were raised and she was saved from Last Chance Kill Pen in Texas. We called her Sierra. Jockey Club donated a DNA test to us to try to determine who she is. After her quarantine was completed, she was shipped to our farm in Michigan. Upon arrival it was determined that she was definitely in foal. BTRE also got the DNA results back. Sierra is a 2005 registered mare named “I’m Not Bluffing”. It was also determined that she had placentitis, which is an infection of the placenta. Due to this infection, shortly before Christmas she lost her foal.
When we acquired I’m Not Bluffing, we were told that she came from a herd of horses that all lived together in the same pasture, never being handled for at least 3 years. She never raced. I’m Not Bluffing was halter broke when coming to BTRE but not handled much. She loves people and is currently a Sanctuary member of Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. in Oklahoma.
