PLEASE DON'T FEED HORSES

To the editor:

My name is Catherine E. Conte, and I am an island resident. I am writing this letter to ask the community for your support, assistance, cooperation and understanding regarding my four horses stabled at 128 Hummock Pond Road - their paddocks are adjacent to the road.

Please do not feed them.

I am very aware how everyone, especially children, loves horses, and I do not want to deny anyone that opportunity. You may contact me to schedule a visit (508) 751-2850.

Last month, I lost my 17-year-old registered Arabian horse, Abdallah, whom I had raised and trained from a foal, to an allergic reaction and complications from colic, a stomach disorder. Last week, another horse had an extreme reaction from ingesting sugars fed by someone, but he has now recovered.

Two of the horses have a condition known as Cushing's disease. Cushing's disease is like diabetes in people - the horses are extremely allergic/sensitive to sugar. Carrots and apples have large amounts of natural sugar. The horses have what is equivalent to a diabetic reaction when they eat sugar, carrots and apples, etc. They are all on a strict diet and exercise program to keep them healthy, and take medication everyday to help them regulate their bodies.

Signs ask that the horses not be fed by visitors, yet the feeding has continued.

These horses are going to be therapy horses for a program I am beginning here on the island for children and adults with disabilities.

I am trying to save my horses so they may be able to serve the community. I look forward to hearing from you to visit the horses.

Thank you. Sincerely,

- Catherine E. Conte