Horse Rescued from Southeast King County Farm in 2010 to Compete in Equestrian Events

A horse rescued from neglect by Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) more than three years ago is now set to compete in this weekend's Dressage Northwest Great American Insurance Group Region 6 Championships, an event that puts her natural talent on display.

Delilah is one of five horses that were seized from a southeast King County farm in January 2010. The then-pregnant mare was underfed, standing in knee-deep mud, and facing a bleak future. Several other animals were also found on the property in various states of distress, and some died or were euthanized. The owner was cited for animal cruelty and fined.

After taking Delilah into custody, Regional Animal Services worked with Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) in Woodinville to treat the horse and find a new home. Shortly after being rescued, Delilah had her foal, named Sampson. Both were eventually adopted out to new families.

"Delilah is a real success story, and illustrates the value of a robust regional animal care and control program," said RASKC Manager Dr. Gene Mueller. "The financial support we receive from pet licensing fees, as well as donations from the public, allows Regional Animal Services to help animals like Delilah and give them a new lease on life."

"Delilah was a barn favorite during her time with us," said Bonnie Hammond, executive director of SAFE. "While in our care, she put on muscle and now looks like a completely different horse. We recognized Delilah's natural talent during her recovery, and we are thrilled to see her now competing in dressage."

Delilah and her rider Andrea Lucianna will be at Donida Farm this weekend for the Region 6 Dressage Championships. In dressage, a horse and rider perform a standard series of movements designed to showcase the horse's athletic ability. Dressage is an Olympic sport, and has been featured in every Summer Games since 1912. Delilah and Lucianna are scheduled to ride in the Region 6 event on Sunday, September 22 at about 2 p.m. Donida Farm is located at 16600 SE 376th St. in Auburn.

"All of us at Regional Animal Services will be cheering for Delilah," added Dr. Mueller. "To see her thriving now is very rewarding."

For more information about Regional Animal Services of King County, visitwww.kingcounty.gov/pets. To learn more about Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE), go to www.safehorses.org.