Ex-Olympic Equestrian Accused Of Horse Abuse In Sonoma County

December 28, 2011 5:27 PM

(Mayela Lopez/AFP/Getty Images)

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SANTA ROSA (CBS) — A former Olympic-level equestrian faces an animal cruelty charge for allegedly starving at least one of her horses.

Gwen Stockebrand was arraigned Wednesday in Sonoma County Superior Court. She did not enter a plea.

The charges were brought after an animal rescue group received two emaciated horses in September from a man who said they were given to him by Stockebrand. One, named Sister, had to be euthanized, while another thoroughbred mare named Valerie has since recovered.

Stockebrand is charged with abusing Valerie but has not been charged in Sister’s death.

The 57-year-old Stockebrand has belonged to several U.S. equestrian teams, including the 1980 Olympic team that competed in an alternate competition during the U.S.-led boycott of the Moscow games.

Her attorney, Robert Weems, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Ex Olympic Equestrian Accused Of Horse Abuse In Sonoma County

Lori, MSW

How could you?

Lori, MSW
http://www.stophorseabuse.org/horse-abuse/ex-olympic-equestrian-accused-of-horse-abuse-in-sonoma-county.html Ex-Olympic Equestrian Accused Of Horse Abuse In Sonoma County | Stop Horse Abuse

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AMY KIRCHER

I lived and worked at Flying Changes Farm in 1987-1992. It makes me very sad to hear this . Both horses I cared for on a daily basis. They were both brood mares. What will happen to the rest of Gwens horses?
S

How is it that she let her horses get into such a condition in the first place?
G

I met Gwen the other day… I was showing a gelding to her client, and had no idea who Gwen was. Came home and googled her…I am sad to see this.. Those poor horses…