Pat Raia
Pat Raia is a professional journalist who has covered horse industry and equestrian topics for a number of publications. Her background includes riding, showing, and training Saddlebred horses.
Articles by Pat Raia
Animal Advocates Contemplate Remedial Horse Care Classes
June 04, 2008
Sara Isaacson of California's Heart of the Redwoods Horse Rescue has seen her share of abused and neglected horses. But since looking after a herd of horses connected with an animal Read More
Treating Lymphangitis
June 01, 2008
Researchers are pondering the cause of this lymph vessel problem that can result in long-lasting effects. Read More
Horses Seized in California Ready for New Homes
May 30, 2008
Ten horses seized in a California abuse case have been released to go to new homes now that their former owner pleaded no contest to the charges against her.
"We will either auction the horses or sell them to a third party who already has Read More
Rescues Consider Cost of Equine Welfare Cases
May 30, 2008
In February the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) in Columbia, S.C., seized 45 horses. Four months and thousands of dollars later, the criminal cases against the animals' owners, Read More
Attacked Arkansas Horses Healed and Rideable, Five Years Later
May 23, 2008
Two Quarter Horses that were severely injured in a brutal attack five years ago are thriving after a long recovery.
"They're tough," said Patrice Swan, the horses' owner. "They never gave up, and now they're running around like babies." Read More
Rescue Highlights Danger of 'Free Horse' Offers
May 23, 2008
Dennis Rutherford of Elma, Wash., had the best of intentions when he offered his pair of retired Thoroughbred racehorses free to good homes on a popular giveaway Web site. Now he's warning other horse owners it's dangerous to offer something for Read More
Veterinarians Begin Testing New Equine Recovery Device
May 20, 2008
A version of a device designed to help brain injured and bariatric human patients to move more freely might also be used to assist down horses recovering from injury and surgeries.
"We were doing applications to support a 1,000-pound Read More
Prosecutors Planning to Appeal Seized Horse Reimbursement Ruling
May 19, 2008
An attorney with the Jackson County, Mich., prosecutor's office said Monday he will appeal a Circuit Court ruling that horses at the center of a controversial animal cruelty case were improperly seized, and that their former owner be reimbursed Read More
Michigan County to Reimburse Abuse Defendants for Seized Horses
May 18, 2008
A Jackson County, Mich., judge ruled on Friday that James Henderson Jr. was improperly forced to forfeit 69 horses during a controversial animal cruelty case, and that he should be reimbursed for their value.
According to Ronald J. Fabian, Read More
Horse Auction Operators Deal with Down Market
May 14, 2008
In a glutted market where some horses can be had for as little as $2, auctioneer Tim Jennings is trying to convince horse owners it's still a good time to sell their animals.
"We're telling people to compare how much they're spending o Read More
Tracking Sold Horses: Lucky Rescue of Little Cliff
May 10, 2008
During a visit to a known direct-to-slaughter holding pen in New Holland, Pa., Christy Sheidy, co-founder of equine rescue Another Chance 4 Horses, purchased a bay gelding. Thanks to a tattoo on his lip, Sheidy was able to identify the Read More
Massachusetts Horse Cruelty Case Continued Again
May 07, 2008
While her owner ponders his legal options, Quincy, the lame 29-year-old mare at the center of a controversial animal cruelty case, remains in the care of an unnamed Massachusetts equine clinic.
"She's as well as can be expected," said Read More
Ohio Horse Rescues Planning Mothers' Day Event
May 02, 2008
Horse enthusiasts will have the opportunity to both honor their mothers and contribute toward securing draft horses otherwise bound for an uncertain fate through a Mothers' Day effort organized by two Ohio horse rescue operators.
On May 9, Read More
Felony Charges in Michigan Horse Abuse Case Dismissed
May 01, 2008
A judge yesterday dismissed the felony animal torture charges leveled against two Grass Lake, Mich., men in a case that began more than one year ago.
According to attorney Ronald J. Fabian, who represents defendant Matt Mercier in the case, Read More
Horses Removed from California Ranch 'Thriving'
April 29, 2008
While their former owner faces animal neglect charges, most of the 40 horses seized from a Humboldt County, Calif., ranch are thriving, according to Sara Isaacson of Heart of the Redwoods Horse Rescue.
"They've turned the corner," said Read More
Washington Horse Rescue Operator Charged with Cruelty
April 24, 2008
The operator of two Washington State horse rescues will be arraigned in King County, Wash., Superior Court on animal cruelty charges April 29.
Dean Solomon, operator of both the former Pacific Equestrian Center and the Washington Read More
Trial Date Set for Colorado Rescue Abuse Case
April 23, 2008
A Colorado woman accused of starving more than 20 horses at a rescue facility pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges during an appearance in Larimer County District Court yesterday.
According to Linda Jensen, public information office Read More
Industry Members Discuss Imaging Technology at Soring Conference
April 17, 2008
Animal welfare advocates, breed association representatives, and veterinarians gathered at the first Sound Horse Conference, held April 11 and 12 at The Ohio State University, to brainstorm ways to eradicate the practice of soring. Generally use Read More
Former Owners Relieved to Find Seized Mare Alive
April 17, 2008
In the five years since selling Promise, breeders Eppie Ferry and daughter Terry Vince of Middlesex, N.C., worried about the Arabian broodmare's welfare.
Mare Seized in South Carolina Abuse Case Delivers Healthy Foal
April 14, 2008
Caretakers of the horses seized in a recent South Carolina abuse case got some good news last month, when one of the mares delivered a full-term foal.
"She's just beautiful," said Kelly Graham, director of public relations for the Richland Read More
31 Dead Horses Found on Kentucky Farm: No Additional Charges Yet
April 10, 2008
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has filed charges against a Rowan County man after state and local authorities discovered 31 dead horses on his farm.
Don Miller of Rowan County was charged on Wednesday with one count of violating Read More
Illinois House Passes Equine Transport Bill
April 09, 2008
A proposed measure to prohibit the transport of horses in double-decker trailers in Illinois took a step toward becoming law on Tuesday when the state House of Representatives passed HB4162. The vote was 80 to 29.
The approved bill moves Read More
Controversial Massachusetts Horse Case Pushed Back to May Date
April 08, 2008
The controversial Massachusetts animal cruelty case involving a geriatric mare that some animal welfare advocates maintain should be euthanized was continued to May 6 during a pre-trial hearing today in Uxbridge District Court.
"We're Read More
Decision to Euthanize Horse Could Bring End to Controversial Case
April 07, 2008
A controversial Massachusetts horse cruelty case might be resolved in court April 8 if the horse's owner agrees to euthanize the mare in question.
According to Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (MSPCA) Deputy Read More
74 Horses Removed from Kentucky Farm Recovering
April 03, 2008
A week after animal welfare officials removed 74 horses from a Jessamine County, Ky., farm, the animals are gaining strength and acclimating to their new surroundings.
"When they first came off the trailer, they were listless," said Kim Read More
