Former Olympic Rider Charged with Animal Cruelty

According to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, a former US Equestrian Team member is facing charges of animal cruelty in Sonoma Country, California, for her inadequate care of two older horses.

Gwen Stockebrand, 57, an international dressage rider, had been under investigation by county animal control for the condition of a Thoroughbred mare called Valerie, and a second mare named Sister.  

Stockebrand apparently gave the two mares to a private family.  After she dropped them off, the familyr passed them on to a horse rescue because the animals were extremely emaciated.

The rescue organization nursed Valerie back to health, but Sister has since died.  A  volunteer for the rescue told the Press-Democrat that, "Valerie was skin over bones," and now she is doing well. 

For more information, check the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.