WAVE 3 - Louisville, KYHorse found neglected and abandoned on Hardin County road

Horse found neglected and abandoned on Hardin County road

By Shayla Reaves

LOUISVILLE (WAVE) -- It's a stunning case of animal neglect out of Hardin County. A horse was found abandoned and starving, almost 250 pounds underweight. As WAVE 3's Shayla Reaves reports that a family rescued the animal but his health is still at risk.

She didn't bring him into the world, but now she's bringing him back to life. For Nicole Baker, it's all about Second Chance.

"Everybody wants a second chance," she said. "Reborn, he's alive again."

Second Chance is the name given to the horse Baker's husband found abandoned on the side of the road last Thursday. Now the horse is starting over.

"He's not out of the woods, yet," she said. "He could die tomorrow."

Second Chance still struggles to eat and can't drink more than a 3-gallon bucket of water a day. He has worms in his stomach and sores on his legs from lying down. Each morning, Second Chance must start the day with a penicillin shot. Silke White is a horse trainer.

"He has no muscle tone anywhere," White said. "That's a sure sign that his body has been feeding off itself.

Recovery is going to take time.

"We have to pick him up in the morning, massage his legs and walk him around a little bit," White said. "He developed like old people develop bed sores sometimes, yah that's what he has right here."

Until he's strong enough, Second Chance will stay in the Baker family garage.

"I can see him from inside my house," Nicole Baker said."I think about four or five months down the road he'll be a completely different horse. He will make us happy so I plan on keeping him."

Nicole wants to adopt Second Chance, but by law she's got to wait 30 days. To find out how you can help, If you want to help Second Chance, you can donate hay or supplies to the Baker's by calling 270-862-2518.

Online Reporter: Shayla Reaves

Online Producer: Charles Gazaway