The chestnut color is returning to the 6-year-old quarter horse. The hollowed-out skin between her ribs and thighs continues filling in. And her coat, formerly patchy, thinned out by a bout of alopecia prompted by lack of nourishment, is slowly returning.
"It's really like watching a flower bloom," said Jamie Showers, facility manager of Indiana Horse Rescue Central. "I don't know how else to put it."
When Little Bit was found in James Fitzsimons' backyard, she rated no higher than a one, or "poor," on the Henneke horse body scaling system.
"I would honestly say she was below a one," Showers said. "On a one they don't describe the things that I saw with her. On her, the skin was sucked in between the bones. On her neck you could actually count individual vertebrae."
Little Bit now is considered a four, or "moderately thin." The horse has put on 250 pounds since arriving at the facility. Another 50 to 100 pounds and Little Bit will reach her ideal weight of about 1,100 pounds.
"She was a walking anatomy lesson, and now she's starting to look like she should," Showers said. "She's happy. She's healthy."
Fitzsimons has not been charged in the case. Tippecanoe County Animal Control Officer April Keck said this week that she is finalizing her report to submit to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office.
Keck recently acquired veterinary records from Indiana Horse Rescue that document Little Bit's recovery and provide evidence of the horse's mistreatment.
"The horse is doing fantastic with what appears (to be) basic necessary care, so I just want all documentation to verify that before sending to the prosecutor," Keck said. "I have to make sure all of my work is in order."
Keck said she anticipates recommending an animal cruelty charge, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine of not more than $5,000. The other option is animal neglect, also a Class A misdemeanor.
She hopes to file the report early next week. The decision whether to charge Fitzsimons is up to the prosecutor's office.
Fitzsimons has repeatedly declined to comment on the situation. He told Keck the family couldn't afford to feed the horses.
It's unclear how long Little Bit and the deceased horse were left in the Fitzsimons' backyard before a citizen complained to animal control. Showers said there are signs Little Bit hasn't forgotten the experience.
Once, when horse in a nearby pasture lay down to take a nap, Showers said Little Bit went into "high alert."
"She was totally focused on that horse because he was just laying there," Showers said. "She was at high attention until I whistled and made him get up. It seems as though she does take attention of things that look dead and she does prefer the company of the living."
On Monday, the facility began accepting applications to adopt Little Bit. Based on her level of training, the horse will be available for $250. Applications require two personal references, a veterinary reference and a $25 fee.
"She's resumed a more normal diet," Showers said. "She is now current on her shots, up to date on de-worming. She's ready to go really."
How you can help
To donate and support Indiana Horse Rescue, visit www.ihrcentral.com or contact the facility at 765-601-4104. Contact the facility to inquire about adoption.
(Journal and Courier - June 6, 2014)
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