5) Even someone who knows NOTHING about horses can see that the horses here are in terrible shape. News flash, people - regardless of a horse's age, you should NEVER be able to see hipbones or spines sticking out. (Go ahead, look under those big Western saddle pads they use.) Hooves should NEVER be flaking or chipping off. Horses soaked in sweat should NEVER be given to riders just arriving for the next hour's trail ride.\r
\r
6) I will swear to all of the things I have personally witnessed there on a Bible, in a court of law. Go ahead and subpoena me, I would LOVE to testify. I have no reason to lie or exaggerate - the truth is right there for all to see, if they choose to see it. \r
\r
7) The sad reason Sparks has never been shut down is because Grand Island values it as a tourist attraction. The next closest trail riding stables are in Double DAB in Ripley, NY (highly recommended) and Wolcott Farms (never been there, have heard good things) in Letchworth State Park. Those are both 45 mins - 1 hour away. So Sparks fills the need of non-riders in the WNY area who want to ride a horse for fun. It is a moneymaker and a tourist attraction, and that is why Grand Island values it. When Mr. Gail Lazenby was on the town council, he tried to convince his fellow members to look into shutting it down. He was vetoed. Thanks for trying, Mr. Lazenby.\r
\r
SPREAD THE WORD, and if you do go there, bring your camera and document all you see. I would do it myself, but I don't want my cover blown (yet) since they know my face. I am not on a mission to tick people off - I simply want those horses out of a neglectful situation and into decent care where they can have enough feed, hay, and proper veterinary and farrier care.\r
\r
- A horseperson, horse owner and rider (trained in hunter/jumper and dressage) for over 22 years and former employee of Sparks Trading Post
Pros: absolutely nothing
Cons: Where do I even start?
more