Identifying a starved horse and legally removing it from its surroundings is only the first step in the lengthy, uncertain, and costly process of rescue and rehabilitation.

Caring for an emaciated horse requires more than a love of animals. The list of necessities includes assorted equipment and gear, proper housing,  fencing, pasture and/or an exercise area, high-quality feed, water, a means of disposing of manure, veterinary medical care, hoof care, extensive amounts of time, and substantial financial resources. 

Abrupt refeeding of starved horses can lead to death. It is best to feed them small, frequent meals (up to six times per day). Results of a Canadian report suggest that it can take from six to 10 months for a severely malnourished horse to regain its normal body condition. The study report also notes that 20 percent of severely malnourished rescue horses can be expected to die despite attempts at refeeding.

Horses that have been abused or neglected may suffer from any number of issues in addition to the outwardly-apparent weight loss: dehydration; intestinal parasites; colic; diarrhea, skin problems and parasites that may cause hair loss (rain rot, mange, lice, ticks); joint problems; weakness; inability to rise; difficulty standing or walking; hoof problems (thrush, laminitis, cracked hooves); sores comparable to bed/pressure sores in humans; cut, abrasions, and open wounds; equine distemper (Strangles) and accompanying abscesses and nasal discharge; pneumonia; liver failure; heart murmurs ...

Those suffering from extreme instances of starvation, or lack of  water for extended periods, may have bone-integrity development issues or suffer from mental retardation.

Nearly all rescued horses need attention to overgrown hooves. 

It is prudent to vaccinate all ages against infectious diseases.

A great many rescue horses present with neurological and behavioral problems brought about by abuse from humans and/or other horses. They may bite, charge, kick, or strike out in defense. On the other hand, they may act depressed, dull and withdrawn.

Older horses, in particular, may have dental problems, impacting their ability to eat. It may be necessary to provide them specialized geriatric feed stuffs. Some may be blind.

Breeding-age mares may be pregnant. Stallions should be castrated to prevent unwanted foals and reduce the dangers involved with having a stud on the premise.

NOTE: For a detailed summary of caring for rescued and geriatric horses, refer to the publication prepared by the American Association of Equine Practitioners:              Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue & Retirement Facilities
 

Legalities of Horse Rescue

Horse Neglect: What to Do?
The Horse.com, Article #11985 - 6/1/08

To Rescue a Starving Horse
by Robert O. Dawson, Professor of Law, University of Texas School of Law, Secretary/Treasurer, AAHS. [Posted by the University of Vermont; reproduced from Caution: Horses, Vol. 3, No. 4, Winter 1998]
 

Rescue & Rehabilitation Resources

American Association of Equine Practitioners
Care guidelines for equine rescue & retirement facilities
 

TheHorse.com

Saving Survivors, by Marcia King
~ Article # 4283, 4/1/03

Recognizing and Responding to Neglect
~ Article # 5628, 4/1/05

Safely Increasing Weight in Emaciated Horses
~ Article # 13547, 1/31/09

Saving a Starving Horse: Part 1
~ Article # 13353, 12/31/08

Saving a Starving Horse: Part 2
~ Article # 13352, 1/1/09

Nutrition for Rehabilitating the Starved Horse
~ UC-Davis Center for Equine Health guidelines for refeeding starved horses
 

Rescue & Rehabilitation Research Findings