Miniature horses on their way to healthier life

Ten miniature horses Wednesday were loaded up and transferred to two horse farms, where they'll get immediate care.

Vern Trembly, owner of Trembly Tiny Trails in Uniontown, voluntarily agreed to surrender his horses to the outside care providers. The rescued horses were the ones in need of the most care, Bourbon County Undersheriff Ron Gray said.

Two of the minis were taken to a horse farm in Altanta, Kan. southeast of Wichita. Eight were transported to a facility in the Kansas City, Kan., area.

The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, which has been working with Trembly to improve the care of his mini horses, contacted Southern Winds Equine Rescue and Recovery, a non-profit organization based in Wellington.

Southern Winds coordinated with the two horse farms to transport and treat the animals, said Southern Winds president and founder Victor McMullen.

"They have taken responsibility for the horses to give them care and get them back healthy," McMullen said. "They've got the facility to take care of the horses."

McMullen said he knows that the two horses that went to Altanta are now getting veterinarian care in north Wichita.

"They need some tender loving care," McMullen said of the rescued horses. "They need vet care. They need their teeth done. They need their feet done. They need to get on a feeding program to bring them up gradually and that's what will happen."

It's still undetermined whether the horses will be returned to Trembly once their condition improves, Sheriff Harold Coleman said.

The horses may go back to Trembly. In order for that to happen, he must show officials that he can provide adequate infrastructure and care for the horses, McMullen said.

They were planning on taking 11 horses. However, one of the minis ran off when they loaded the animals. The horse headed to the back of the property.

"She (the horse) took off and didn't want any part of being around people, I guess," McMullen said.

Southern Winds only takes regular sized horses. His facility isn't set-up to care for minis. That's why he contracted with the horse farms to step in and take the animals.

McMullen also worked with Chances Miniature Horse Rescue, another group that has taken action in the plight of the horses.

National and international attention has recently focused on Trembly and his mini horses. Internet message boards from animal activists and horse lovers have called for action to be taken to improve the horses' care, which they say is very poor. Trembly said he's not neglecting the animals.

McMullen said there was discussion from animal activist groups about filing complaints against Trembly for alleged mistreatment of the horses. Only horse rescue groups in Kansas can take action in removing the horses. That's why Southern Winds got involved.

However, McMullen said the intent was not to attack Trembly, but rather to help him. McMullen said Trembly is overwhelmed in trying to care for all the horses.

Southern Winds and the sheriff's office will continue to help Trembly improve the care of the remaining 86 horses. On Thursday, a veterinarian who specializes in horses will inspect the farm and give recommendations for improved care.