Maria Borell is an Italian equestrian trainer, who was charged with a total of 43 cases of animal cruelty in 2016. The jury’s decision was delayed because of several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the judges have finally spoken and have arrived at a decision. Seven years ago, it was alleged that Maria Borell and her father, Charles Borell, were responsible for second-degree animal cruelty. A state veterinarian had stumbled upon the 43 malnourished horses that gave rise to the allegations. 

The horses were found at a farm in Mercer County in Kentucky. Apparently, the veterinarian was investigating a case of two missing horses when he came across this deprived lot. The equestrian trainer was charged with depriving the horses of adequate food, water, and care. However, this was just one side of the story.

The acquittal of the equestrian

The Kentucky District Court ruled in favor of Maria Borell, the defendant. This acquitted her of all 43 animal abuse charges. The jury based its decision on the fact that the Mercer County Attorney could not provide any proof to the court that could be used for a conviction. While the equestrian trainer has now been freed of all her charges, the years of trial took a toll on her. After the decision of the jury was made, Maria expressed herself via a Facebook post. She said that her livelihood was immediately thwarted after the charges were levied on her.

This made things very difficult for her as she couldn’t gather enough funds to hire a defense attorney for herself till 2018. Maria also had to pay $7500 to secure her bail to live freely. Borell also said that arresting her for something that happened over a thousand miles away was odd. She emphasized, “I had no connection with the property in Mercer County, including the employees, care, and oversight of the horses. I was living and training horses 1,000 miles away in Florida for seven months prior. Those who know me, know I would never knowingly harm any animal.” Borell asserted that the people who know about her could easily tell that she is not someone who could ever harm an animal.

Despite delayed verdict, an honorable next step

After the ruling of 20th July 2023, instead of reclaiming her bail amount, Maria gave it away to Thoroughbred Charities of America. She said that this was her thanks to the organization for taking care of horses in the past and for the coming future. Maria last worked as an equestrian trainer before she was charged. Under her care and guidance, the horse Runhappy won the Grade 1 Breeder’s Cup Sprint of 2015.

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Runhappy is a leading racehorse in the equestrian world. It is an Eclipse and Breeder’s Cup Champion. The horse has earned a total of $13 million in its career and has received praise for taking part in all of its races without medication. Moreover, Runhappy was also a leading 3rd Crop Sire of 2022. However, Runhappy was removed from Borell’s care due to disagreements between her and Runhappy’s racing manager. 

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