Officials in eastern Kentucky moved 39 feral horses from a reclaimed mine site after they were collected without permission and found to be medically at risk by the Lexington Equine Medical Group. The Kentucky Humane Society’s Equine CARE program, with support from the ASPCA, Kentucky Horse Council, and Appalachian Horse Project, coordinated the horses’ relocation to several safe holding sites for rehabilitation, as the Humane Society’s Willow Hope Farm lacked sufficient space.

As of the latest update, nine horses are housed at Willow Hope Farm, 10 with the Appalachian Horse Project, three with another reputable rescue, and the remaining 17 at a holding site awaiting transfer to additional rescue organizations. Each horse will require months of medical care, rehabilitation, and training before being ready for adoption, with officials promising ongoing updates on their progress.