Editors' Note: The following was submitted to WHR by Spencer Benedict.  

Benedict Stables suffered an outbreak of sickness in their barn beginning on December 16, 2016 that has been attributed to a toxin.  Financial donations and donations of supplies have been received since that time that have greatly helped in this devastating situation.  Multiple horses have passed while others were saved and are currently recovering. The exact number of deaths is not known but has been confirmed to be in double digits.

"I have been thinking about how we could possibly begin to express the gratitude we feel to so many people for their help, prayers and unselfish sacrifice to assist us in caring for the horses over the last almost 10 days.  The losses have been devastating not only to us but to all who have had the privilege to work with them - our hearts break, especially for each of their owners who loved and cherished them.  

There are just no words I can express.  We are blessed by the horses that survived and the fact they are making improvements every day.  The team of vets who have worked tirelessly alongside of us as well as the additional vets who have been involved - we cannot thank you enough.  This event was not an infectious situation, but a toxin.  Please know we are working with the vets, laboratories, a major equine hospital, and the proper authorities to identify the source of the toxin.  

But most of all we have seen the true meaning of Christmas and the glory of God thru all of these amazing people."