Neglected horse gets guardian angel; investigation continues

FREEPORT - A guardian angel has arrived for Champ.

Destinite Woody Hoblitzell owns 14 race horses and was horrified to read of a local horse’s struggle after being found almost dead from starvation. Hoblitzell offered to help with Champ’s care by donating the winnings from his horses’ next win.

“When I read about Champ, I was disappointed in the owners,” said Hoblitzell. “You never know another person’s circumstances, but it doesn’t make any sense to me. When we have a horse that’s done racing, we find a good home for it and check the credentials of potential owners and make sure they have a field where it can graze that’s fenced and all that. It’s sad there are people out there who don’t do that.”

What Hoblitzell did like, though, was the way the community pulled together to help the miniature horse and support him in getting healthy. That is what spurred him to think, “What can I do to help?”

Champ is currently being cared for by Laurie Hood at Alaqua Animal Refuge, where he was taken Aug. 20.

On hearing of Hoblitzell’s offer, Hood was ecstatic.

“That is awesome,” she said.

Hood reports that Champ’s condition continues to improve and he now sports a shiny black coat and has gained about 30 pounds in the month she has had him.

“I can confidently say now that Champ is totally out of the woods and looks healthy and is running around like a normal horse,” said Hood.

When she first saw Champ on Aug. 20, he was so weak that he could not stand on his own.

“When he was first brought in, I could put my arms under him and lift him. I couldn’t do that now,” said Hood.

Hood has devoted so much time and energy in nursing the 2-year-old miniature horse back to health that she says, “I would just die if I had to give him back now (to his previous owners).”

Walton County Sheriff’s Office Major Graham Fountain said the case is still open and being investigated.

“We are currently following up on new leads and hope to resubmit to the State Attorney’s Office by Monday,” said Fountain.

Fountain said the new leads include consulting with a second veterinarian and the Florida Department of Agriculture, but he could not reveal any more details.