Seized Gage County horses are ‘lively’ after being transferred to rescue

CRETE, Neb. (KLKN) – Authorities brought three dozen horses seized in Gage County last month to a new rescue, where the owner says they’re doing much better.

Over about two months, the sheriff’s office said 17 horses died at two locations while under the care of veterinarian Dr. Jennafer Glaesemann.

SEE MORE: Beatrice woman accused of neglecting horses; sheriff’s office says 17 have died

“Key point! Not a single horse has died since they arrived here,” said Lin Guyton, the founder and owner of Epona Horse Rescue, where the horses were taken.

Glaesemann owns two clinics, one in Pickrell and one in Beatrice.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office cited her on 37 counts of animal neglect.

“That’s insane,” Guyton said. “I get angry. There’s no excuse for it.”

The remaining horses were transferred to Epona about two weeks ago.

“They just had that dead, defeated look in their eyes, and that’s the way every single one of these foals looked,” Guyton said. “There was no life, no energy, nothing.”

But in the short time they’ve been with her, Guyton said the horses are starting to act normal.

“They’re lively, they’re interested in life,” she said. “They play back and forth, they go out and graze in the meadow, and they’re just relaxed.”

Glaesemann is set to have a court hearing on Sept. 5.

When Channel 8 previously covered the story, Glaesemann sent a statement saying she believed liver disease to be the cause of death for many of the horses.

“Yeah, there very well could be some liver issues in these horses because malnourished horses are going to have all sorts of issues,” Guyton said.

Guyton and the sheriff’s office have been receiving feed and donations to help cover the cost of caring for the horses.

Guyton said the community has really stepped up to help.

“I walk through the herd, and I tell them they’re loved,” she said.

“That’s insane,” Guyton said. “I get angry. There’s no excuse for it.”