These horses are a part of a group of nine that became the Barren County Government’s responsibility after they were abandoned in early 2019.
(GLASGOW-BARREN COUNTY TOURISM)
Editor’s Note: The group of horses seized in September 2019 included one that was already dead. It had been euthanized after being treated for a neurological condition. The Animal Clinic of Glasgow was overseeing the care of the horse. WCLU News previously reported it was alive and was later euthanized. WCLU News regrets this error.
Story by Angela Briggs, special to WCLU News
GLASGOW — Frolicking in the grass of southern Barren County are eight horses. And they have become quite the center of attention in recent months.
Local animal control officers responded to a complaint of abandoned horses at Barren River Lake State Park in early 2019. Officials found 10 horses in ailing conditions.
County officials called the United States Department of Agriculture to help remove the animals from the property. They also contacted Dr. Steve Webb, a local veterinarian. He provided the initial evaluation of the horses and determined they were between 150 and 200 pounds underweight. One of the 10 horses was euthanized because of its health.
The horses were moved and kept on an area farm belonging to Steve Bulle. They remained there until they regained better overall health. The horses were again moved.
The Barren Fiscal Court voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the State Tourism Board, which agreed the horses could be kept at Barren River Lake State Park. The agreement considered upkeep costs and veterinary care, too.
Kathryn Thomas, county attorney, said charges were brought against the man who abandoned the horses. They then became evidence, and a court date was set in April 2020. And then a two-year delay ensued in the court system due to the pandemic.
Micheal Hale, Barren County judge executive, told a joint meeting of the Building and Property Committee and Emergency Management and Solid Waste Committee approximately $40,000 has been spent since the horses became the county’s responsibility. About $26,000 was recouped through the first round of American Rescue Plan Act funding.
The horses are back in southern Barren County at the state park, and they have become quite the sight. Park staff and local tourism officials said the horses have been a boom to tourism and have attracted people from around the state.
Special needs children across the county have also benefited from the horses’ placement at the park. Students were able to undergo equine therapy sessions with them.
The state park has invested money into the barn that houses the horses. New lighting and other investments have been made for the horses.
The county is slated to sell the horses at an upcoming fiscal court meeting.
