Giving abused and abandoned horses a second chance

The economy isn't only hurting humans it's hurting the horse population as well. Some cash strapped an out of work owners are being forced to give up their clients. But some of these animals have an Angel. Michelle bearden introduces us to a Tampa woman who is dedicated more than three decades to giving abused and abandoned horses. A second chance.

He's a little bit antsy if the current. The date start early -- dismissed farm borderline apple decides five dogs and two dozen feral cats. Equestrian -- is home to 29 equine. Including a -- And three miniature horses some of them have been badly beaten and abused some of them have been in just just totally abandoned. Some have been injured on the race tracking can no longer you know reproduce or they can't run anymore Smith tells why she got into the all volunteer charitable operation I've bred Arabian horses in the eighties. And when they were just all over the market. And the market fell out their horses abandon their Ocala less tied to trees and so we stopped reading and started rescue chicken -- The to help with cost people can sponsor a horse for a monthly fee thing come out in bride or visit anytime. Now the economy is impacting all animal rescue organizations these days and equestrian ink is no different. With the increasing numbers of abandoned horses Glenda is depending on community support. And planning a prayer to keep this sanctuary open we get calls on a daily basis. From people that it would be able to keep their horses if they could afford to feed them decides monthly expenses of about 2700 dollars. The fire is facing another financial hurdle for a lease agreement is that we pay the taxes. And so this year rather than paying in April when we haven't for the past six years. Today the owners on the investment group would like this to pay them by the end December. So we're trying to raise about 7000 dollars -- responsibilities of taking care of these rescue horses goes on while Smith looks for ways to raise funds to keep them safe in this sanctuary they're very grateful and they're very wonderful. And dime I think I'm truly truly blessed and and and very lucky to be able to do them for news Channel 8 I'm Michelle bearden.

An equestrian ink is offering guided horse and pony holiday trail rides through the month of December to raise funds for the operation. Just go to TV Kodak common search horse rescue for more information.