GRACE UPDATE

  On July 22, Grace passed on. She had been in failing health for some time, but fought hard to be able to move to the forever ranch with the rest of the herd. What was beautiful to watch was her pasture-mate, Duchess, who seemed to sense her struggles, and literally stood guard over Grace, not allowing other horses to bother her. Sadly, on July 22, it was determined that her time had come. But through the pain of loss comes the joy in knowing that Grace lived 33 years, the last of them under the loving protection of Forever Free. Nothing can protect you from a loss, when you’ve nurtured these wonderful horses through their ailments, but I rejoice in the knowledge that she did know peace and happiness at Forever Free. The circle of life goes on, and I have 17 other horses to care for, but I will miss Grace through it all.

GRACE
She is a stunningly beautiful girl in her mid 20’s and I am so grateful animal control called me to take possession of her. Though Grace suffers from Ringbone disease once described to me by the vet. as the worst case he had seen, she is amazing girl that just seems to love life now. After spending two years with animal control due to court proceedings of all things, Grace has found a forever home at Forever Free! 

UPDATE:

When I took Grace from animal control I never knew the story behind what happened to her except she was going through a court battle of some kind. 
Captioned below is Grace’s story of abuse and seizure as told by the Press Enterprise.

   Grace Arrival

  Grace After

UPDATE: Grace

ANZA: Couple pleads guilty to neglecting and underfeeding horses

11:28 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 4, 2011

By JOHN ASBURY
The Press-Enterprise

An Anza couple has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges for neglecting and underfeeding seven horses on their property three years ago.

Franklin Cleaves, 58, and his wife Theresa Cleaves, 68, were both convicted of five misdemeanor counts and sentenced to three years probation.

In exchange for their guilty plea, Riverside County prosecutors dismissed two felony animal cruelty charges. The horses were first reported ill in March 2008 at stables off Los Corralitos Road near Temecula, Riverside County Animal Services officials said.

In 2008, animal control officers issued two mandatory citations to feed the horses and visit a veterinarian before the horses were moved to properties in Aguanga and Anza. Sgt. Lesley Huennekens said the horses were being moved to different locations to avoid detection, but were later reported by neighbors.

Animal control officers seized the horses from the Anza property in November 2008 off Reservation Road. The horses had sores, missing fur, and their ribs were visible beneath their skin.

One of the horses had to be euthanized due to poor health. Another horse was euthanized several months later when it was diagnosed with cancer, animal control officials said.

The remaining five horses were kept in animal services custody for the next year. In February 2010, a judge ordered that the horses could be adopted or placed in horse rehabilitation centers. All of the horses have been placed in new homes.

As part of the guilty plea, the Cleaveses also were ordered to not own any horses for the next three years. They were also ordered to pay Riverside County Animal Services $54,000 for rehabilitation costs while the horses were cared for.

Reach John Asbury at 951-763-3451 or jasbury@PE.com