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Ex-Olympic Equestrian Accused Of Horse Abuse In Sonoma County

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.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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