Abandoned racehorse found in poor condition on Kentucky mountain

KENTUCKY, USA — The Kentucky Humane Society is asking for support to care for a former racehorse found abandoned on a mountaintop.

Kate, previously known as Make It Kate, is a 17-year-old registered Standardbred mare who earned more than $100,000 during her eight-year harness racing career, according to KHS.

She competed in over 200 races and finished in the top three more than 80 times. KHS added that her grandfather, Matt’s Scooter, once held the title of the world’s fastest Standardbred.

According to KHS Equine CARE, crews discovered Kate last week at an old mine site in eastern Kentucky while conducting a welfare check.

Officials said the signs of abandonment were immediately clear.

Kate was severely underweight and suffering from rain rot, a bacterial skin infection caused by prolonged exposure to wet and humid conditions.

Her vision is also significantly affected, with a partially detached lens in her left eye, corneal disease in her right eye, and cataracts in both eyes.

Officials noted a visible indentation on her nose from a halter, and she had only two horseshoes, one of which was partially detached, causing her to walk unevenly.

“Kate deserved far better,” KHS said. “It breaks our heart to watch her struggle to see right in front of her. Thankfully, her sense of smell helps her find every meal. She is lethargic, but she is eating and absolutely loves attention!”

Kate was taken to KHS’s Willow Hope Farm in Simpsonville for treatment, where officials expect her recovery will take several months.

Her last registered owner died years ago, and officials said it is unclear who last cared for her. They believe she may have passed through multiple owners before being abandoned.

“Somewhere beneath all of this is a horse who remembers kindness and is ready to receive it again,” KHS said. “Our team is committed to giving her every chance.”

The organization is accepting donations to support Kate’s care and other equine rescues. Two donors, Paul and Wendy Kubitskey, have pledged to match contributions up to $10,000.

“We’re all rooting for Kate to ‘Make It,’” officials said. “We believe she will and hope you do too!”

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