Avalon Appaloosas, Horses, is a PMU Facility, where the Young Foals, a by-product of Pregnant Mares Urine Ranchers-- are put up for 'adoption' each year to 'save' them from slaughter. Prices vary greatly depending on breed and whether the Animal is registered or not.
In 2002, I purchased one of these foals from a picture on the internet, through a dealer, Ropin-R Appaloosas. She was a cute Grade Filly in the early picture, the only one I was allowed to see.
I used Paypal to send my monies for The Filly, Naeric Registration and micro-chipping, to Ropin-R Appaloosas in South Carolina. I was asked by Avalon's owner to keep the shipping monies here in cash for when he arrived with my baby.
When she did arrive, I was appalled, to say the least!! I had the Vet out right away. She was nothing more than a bag of bones and was infested with internal parasites as well external parasites, having both forms of Equine Lice. She was also diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and was put on Penicillin for 37 Days!! The Vet also treated her internal parasites, but she was given a barely 50% chance of survival.
The Vet also stated she cold not handle the cold weather, and I was to build a stall for her in my 'heated basement' for the entire winter.
We had several close calls with her illness and her colicing at least once a week. This was emotionally draining for us all mainly my 12 year old daughter.
I contacted Mr. Meggison about this situation, and added costs in receiving a near dead filly from him. I requested some aid from him to help with these costly expenses not just financial, but any kind of help such as a load of hay or something to offset the unexpected costs of caring for this very ill filly.
He replied that he would not help and stated, "Just think If you had not adopted her she would have died here. At least she has some kind of chance with you." Unbelieveable!!!
In doing some investigating, I found 2 other of his foals delivered to the US. had died shortly after arriving to their homes and were ill Before they left Canada. I also spoke with 2 individuals who had extremely sick foals, beside myself.
This Ranch and it's owner are without conscience!! He didn't even Report my filly to Naeric, or the fact that she existed!! I think he felt she would not survive anyway.
After a long, long hard road with her, I have a healthy yearling, but she is stunted in growth due to all her trials.
If you do not want your heart broken, or be financially stressed to the max don't even consider getting a horse from this place!!
There are plenty of legitamate rescues out there who will provide you with a 'Healthy' Horse to love and enjoy!!
Deb
Claremont, New Hampshire
U.S.A.