Connecticut authorities have taken temporary custody of fifteen neglected horses from a property in Lebanon, as announced by Attorney General William Tong and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt. The state has filed for permanent custody of the animals after seizing them from Stirrup Fun Stables Rescue.
The petition, filed in Hartford Superior Court, names Jeanna Prink, owner of Stirrup Fun Stables, and Ashley Sackschewsky, an employee and horse owner, as defendants. The court granted temporary custody to the state pending further hearings. The state is also seeking reimbursement for the care of the horses.
Stirrup Fun Stables operated as both a horse rescue farm and a business offering trail rides and lessons. Issues at the stables first arose in May 2024 when two rescue horses were found trapped in mud. In September 2024, complaints were made regarding underfed horses lacking shelter and clean water. State Animal Control officers discovered 34 horses on the property with inadequate conditions.
Following continued reports of poor conditions, a cease-and-desist order was issued on January 30, 2025. This required the cessation of riding activities involving unfit horses and demanded improvements in care standards. Despite these orders, some horses were moved without notice to undeveloped land at 744 Trumbull Highway in Lebanon.
Upon inspection on May 7, authorities found 15 horses exposed to harsh weather conditions without proper facilities or fencing. As a result, the state took custody of these animals due to imminent risk concerns.
Attorney General Tong emphasized that “these horses were neglected and left to fend for themselves,” highlighting that efforts were made to allow owners to correct their actions before state intervention became necessary.
Commissioner Hurlburt expressed appreciation for Attorney General Tong’s support in animal welfare issues and commended the animal control unit’s efforts in education and intervention.
Currently, the rescued horses are receiving care at Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Facility in Niantic. Authorities urge individuals suspecting animal cruelty or neglect to report such cases directly to local animal control departments or contact the Department of Agriculture.
Assistant Attorney General Daniel Salton and Deputy Associate Attorney General Matthew Levine are assisting Attorney General Tong with this case.
