Saturday, August 14th 2010, 8:25 pm
By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9
CALUMET, Oklahoma -- Three months ago, a truck driver hauling 30 horses fell asleep at the wheel on the Turner Turnpike killing more than a dozen horses, but now the horses that survived the crash are beginning their road to recovery thanks to an Oklahoma organization.
Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue out of Jones has helped care for hundreds of horses. When the group heard about the wreck they wanted nothing more than to help the horses.
"They deserved a second chance. They survived that," said Natalee Cross, Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue.
Out of the 30 that were involved in the crash, 17 of them survived. Their injuries extend from scrapes and bruises to others that have broken bones.
One of the worst injured horses was one whose jaw was fractured and now can't be corrected.
"She has to eat a mashed type feed, which is watered down feed which is easily digestible, so we have to help her digest her own food now," said Steve Cross, Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue.
The Crosses said fortunately none of the horses' injuries are life-threatening.
"We can get them back to where they are supposed to be. It will take longer than others, but as for right now I don't see anything that says we can't pull them through it," said Natalee Cross.
Natalee Cross said since the crash back in May, the owner of the horses, who was hauling them to Mexico to be slaughtered, did little to take care of them. However, now in rescue's care, the group said these horses will finally be able to get the care they so desperately need.
"We are going to have our vet go in and examine every horse have there feet trimmed and get them to where they need to be and comfortable and sound, and those without the least problems we will put them up for adoption," said Natalee Cross, Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue.
A vet told the rescue group that some of the horses could be available for adoption as early as a week. However, the ones that suffered more extensive injuries could be recovering for another six months.
Funds can be sent to:
Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue
17667 Markita Drive
Jones, OK 743049
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