Horses and their magical power bring happiness to both children and adults. On the other hand, you have people that use their hearts as magic and assume responsibility for horses for the remainder of the horse's natural life. This is not limited to just the physical conditioning but, they provide the best environment to help promote good mental growth and development
My student Lynne Nitty and her family have become devoted to the care and rehabilitation of the 2 mares from the CI5 that had been abused, abandoned and neglected. The horses were rescued Sept. 28 after Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officials executed a search warrant at a Central Islip property. Five horses were rescued. The two mares were both undernourished among other health related issues. Belle the chestnut was found to have maggots in her feet. Wayne Dougal, had taken in the horses and nurtured them back to health, along with Dr. Farrel, at Wayne's Indian Head Ranch in Huntington. The horses' former owner, Salavatore Gandolfo, 55, of Aquebogue was charged Sept. 28 with five counts of torturing and injuring animals. He is currently free on $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 3.
Agway of Port Jeff has helped the family with some of the horse expenses and to which the family is very appreciative. Any donations, horse related help ease the care and feeding of the 2 starved horses. In the spring, depending on the mare's rehabilitation, Lynne has played around with the idea of having a loving person ½ board one of the girls. This would surely help with cost of hay these days.
Lynne is not new to rescues; every animal in her household was a rescue of some sort. Her "Nitty Ponderosa" as she calls it includes a rabbit, fish, a cat, 2 dogs, 2 birds, a pony and the love of her life Sully a TB.
Emily Lynne's step daughter also a student of mine and is just thrilled to have Lady and Belle in her life. What teenage girl that is horse crazy wouldn't be? Emily has only ridden Lady once because of the weather and is itching to get Lady on a regular riding program. For right now love, hugs and food are what the girls need, and they sure are getting plenty of that.
The mares have begun to settle down to a routine and do not kick up such a storm at feeding time. Once the weather breaks and the horses can begin light work, Lynne and Emily plan on hauling the horses out to me in Mattituck to begin a steady program until the ground at home softens up. The only problem will be which horses do you take? The girls at this time can not be separated. We are hoping Sully and Hershey, the pony help ease the separation anxiety.
The funniest part of this story is Lynne's husband Michael who is not a horse person, and had been thrown into being a stall mucker, a feeder and groom, is now calling Belle his horse! He also mentioned that he might start riding in the spring..miracles do happen!
More information on lessons/training or updates on the mares can be found at: http://www.longislandridinglessons.com/
