Experienced horse people who notice neglect should contact the proper authorities to ensure the best outcome for the horse involved.

Every morning on the way to work, you drive by a small pasture that contains seven horses. It is winter and the ground is frozen and covered with snow. There is no hay on the ground, and the horses appear to be thin under their shaggy coats. You want to help, but what should you do? What can you do?

Should you drive up to the house and suggest that the owner provide feed for the horses? Should you just bring some hay over and toss it across the fence?

“We normally don’t recommend that you confront the owner,” says Sara Spensieri, one of six animal control officers for the Boulder County (Colorado) Sheriff’s office. “There are issues concerning trespassing on private property that can be involved, and we have to be careful of that.”

Scot Dutcher, who heads up Colorado’s Bureau of Animal Protection, adds, “Sometimes feeding the horses can do more harm than good in the long run. Starving horses can become impacted and also can colic when not fed appropriately. Plus, it can harm a case if there is a criminal prosecution