Horse Abuse... I Think

I didn't say go alone...and if they say no, then just walk away...I've done that before when I've gotten concerned or curious about a situation involving animals...but then, I always pack something anyway, and I never go into the stranger's home...

You never said "get a friend and..." either. That post sent red flags and alarm bells going crazy in my head.

Any concerned parent would adamantly refuse to allow such a thing and would be right furious if they found out their kid did something like that. Animals are NEVER as important as your own personal safety. The OP is not old enough to be legally packing anything short of a pelet pistol. What were we all taught in school "Don't talk to strangers." That means "don't walk up to a random stranger and ask to be taken out to see his property".

The way it sounds, the place where the horses are is not a respectable operation. Who knows who these people are? Unless the OP knows them, or knows of them, then there should be no contact with these people, except by an official, be it a cop, or ACO, or some other trained individual.

You NEVER know what you are about to walk into...especially in a domestic setting. I would not at all suggest getting "physically" involved. You may be asking for more than you bargained for...putting yourself, your family, and even your own horses at risk in the event of retaliation.

When you confront people with what they will most likely perceive as accusatory circumstances, you may not always have the opportunity to walk away.

God does not favor. And he will not interfere with someone's decision to abuse them. It is called free will.
I personally think you should take a closer look at the situation. Maybe ask the owners about the horses or make an anonymous call to a local pet rescue facility? You should take action.

To those who are making a deal about what mom2pride said to do: Just remember she was with her family so it's their decision on what she does. But me, shoot, I'd go right up there as mom2pride said. And also, as she said, I'm packing as well, all the time! I never leave my house without my trusty 38spl on my hip :)

If it were me, I couldn't NOT do something about it. What I would do, though, is drive back by there and try to get a better look. As long as they look like they have food and water, I would let them be, but try to keep checking back, so that the moment they start to look too malnourished, you can call the police - but you'll have to make sure not to take "we have higher priorities" for an answer. So, check back on them, and let us know if they appear worse.

You know, some folks just need to MYOB.

By your own admission OP, the horses didn't look to be starving. I don't know what you mean by 'not properly fed', since you're not their owner and don't know how they're fed, what they're fed, or how many times a day they're fed.

For those of you advocating trespassing and spying, how would you feel if it was YOUR horses that someone didn't think were being properly cared for just because it didn't fit their particular criteria?

Trespassing is illegal, if you weren't aware of that salient fact. Harassment is also against the law, and what some of you are advocating is harassment of the owner, plain and simple.

If you truly feel the animals aren't being cared for properly, as outlined by the laws in your area, then by all means call the proper authorities.

Other than that, you are NOT the authorities and have no business sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong.

Now what if the owner was another busy-body do-gooder and had taken some neglected horses from the local inhumane society. You would be harrassing someone for trying to do a good thing. I agree with Speedracer, mind your own darn business.

You said the area was on fire?

Around here the Amish have a lot of Percheron cross horses that look somewhat like Friesians. They often take their stuff to burn or ride them places. The horse stand tied not far from the fires. It's normal here. Also, the Amish keep their horses lean because they are worked a lot. I don't know if there is a lot of Amish around you..or maybe people who just rode over to hang out for a bit. If the horses didn't look starved I wouldn't bug. It could get you into trouble in the end. The BO where I'm keeping my horse actually took someone to court over them calling on her, she got awarded damages....so....