A horse named Joe alive and well and no longer in East Prairie
Several weeks ago, public concern erupted over a horse in East Prairie, Missouri, described as starving and showing signs of possible gunshot wounds. Multiple individuals reported trying to alert authorities without success, with complaints dating back to early 2014.
My article in the Southeast Missouri Animal Welfare Examiner highlighted the horse's dire condition and the apparent inaction by officials. The next day, a deputy from the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department reached out, explaining that a welfare check had been conducted in 2014 but led nowhere. He added that a new investigation into the same horse was underway, though he couldn't provide details due to its ongoing status.
A follow-up article informed readers of the active probe. After several weeks, inquiries to the sheriff’s department revealed that the horse had been rescued by one of its former owners before the investigation concluded. The animal was now safe in a new home, with no additional information released at the time. A promised public announcement from the department never materialized.
Recently, the horse's rescuer and original owner, Corey, was located, confirming that the horse named Joe, is recovering well.
Corey, one of Joe's prior owners, spotted the article in the Southeast Missouri Animal Welfare Examiner and immediately recognized him.
"I knew it was Joe right away," Corey said. "I pulled out his vet papers for confirmation, got more details from the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department, and verified it was indeed him."
Using info from the article, Corey enlisted the help of a local law enforcement officer, a longtime family friend, to find Joe at the Sprinkle residence outside East Prairie. Before approaching, Corey spoke with neighbors, who revealed that Sprinkle and his girlfriend rode Joe daily despite his poor state. They noted Joe had been thin for ages, never gaining weight, and several individuals had repeatedly reported the issue to authorities.
Upon arrival, Corey was horrified by Joe's condition. She spoke with Sprinkle's girlfriend (while Sprinkle was away) and persuaded her that Joe would thrive under her care. The girlfriend agreed, allowing Corey to take Joe. He was temporarily held nearby until a trailer could transport him to Corey's farm.
Back home, a closer inspection showed Joe was malnourished with extensive rain rot. There were no gunshot wounds, but sores on his hips from taut skin over bones and hair loss on his withers from neglect and constant riding.
Corey scheduled a vet visit and started a proper feeding plan, even letting Joe graze on nutrient-rich clover in neighboring yards.
The vet exam revealed Joe wasn't just old or underfed, he was infested with worms. He received deworming treatment, hoof trimming, and medications. Several teeth needed extraction so a follow-up appointment was set.
It’s unknown how old Joe really is although Joe’s vet is quoted as saying, “very old, well over 20 years”.
Corey describes Joe as calm and content now. "He's wonderful with the family, especially the kids. He shows affection constantly. I know he remembers us. He even bows his head for my four-year-old to pet him," she said.
Joe will spend his remaining years as a pasture pet, with no riding except possibly by a child once he's fully recovered.
"He's had a tough life and deserves comfort," Corey added. "Now he's enjoying endless Bermuda hay in the pasture. It's amusing watching him eat because he closes his eyes like he's savoring every bite."
Originally published on Examiner.com
July 14, 2015 8:02 PM MST
Author Gila Todd
