The Dudette Ranch was supposed to be a riding academy but now it seems to have turned into a boarding place for rescued horses.

This was unfortunate, according to Pattie Roberts, owner and operator, who lives on the ranch.

Last July a woman asked Roberts if she could board five to six rescued horses at Signature Farms, the home of the academy. Roberts agreed, but the woman ended up sending 20 horses.

The agreement was for only a few horses. The woman could board them but was told she had to pay for feeding, veterinarian bills – basically, come and take care of them, said Roberts.

About a month ago the feed stopped arriving and Roberts called the distributor. The distributor said the woman told him to stop sending feed.

The next thing Roberts knew, the woman had surrendered the horses to the state.

Once this happens, Roberts says, authorities have five days to find homes or the horses will be put down. So Roberts has stepped up to try to keep them alive.

Since being brought to the ranch some horses have found homes, but there are nine that still need to be placed. Roberts is asking for donations to feed them, have their feet done and buy fly spray. And if anyone is interested in taking a Advertisement

Shriners Hospital for Children horse, there is a $500 re-homing fee.

Roberts wants to send these animals to good homes only. She doesn’t want first-time owners.

Recently, as word has gotten out about the horses, she has had visitors who say they heard she is giving away horses. One family was walking around her ranch unannounced and the children running in and out of horse stalls.

"They picked out my purebred stallion and wanted me to deliver him," Roberts said, frustrated.

These horses are shedding their winter coats and their feet need cleaning and she can only do so much for them with her regular duties.

According to Roberts, no one should give away a horse, because the wrong people take them in and don’t know how to care for them. She loves the horses, she said, but this isn’t her responsibility.

It would be a shame to euthanize a 1- or 2-year-old colt, she said.

Roberts also explained that there are many rescue ranches in the area, but they are too full to take in these horses.

The first Saturday of the month from 12 to 4 p.m., the ranch has an open house for those interested in the riding academy. They are at 36500 Los Alamos Road in Murrieta.

For additional information, visit www.DudetteRanch.com or call (951) 440-3536.