Updated: February 17, 2025

Thoroughbred Seattle Sunrise was purchased by Stephanie Redlick at an auction on November 28, 2024.

Born on February 15, 2020, he was in excellent condition at the time of purchase.

After just 10 weeks under Redlick’s so-called care, Seattle Sunrise was humanely euthanized this morning, February 17, 2025, following veterinary advice.

Seattle Sunrise was one of 20 horses owned by Stephanie Redlick. 16 remain in her ‘care’.

Recognizing his critical condition, Crystal Mitchell persuaded Redlick to relinquish him—along with three other horses—on February 6, 2025.

Documentation of his condition at the time of surrender is available here.

Immediately placed under the care of experienced equine veterinarians, Seattle Sunrise received a carefully planned and meticulously followed treatment protocol.

However, from the moment he arrived, Crystal, her family, and supporters were warned that the severe neglect he suffered under Stephanie Redlick might be too much for him to overcome.

It appears that Stephanie Redlick purchased Seattle Sunrise November 28, 2024.  His auction video may be viewed here.

The first video and pictures after he was relinquished Thursday, February 6, 2025 here.

The second series of photos is on February 14, 2025. below.

Rehabilitating a starved horse is a slow, delicate process that can take several months to over a year, depending on the severity of the malnutrition.

Proper refeeding must be gradual to avoid refeeding syndrome, and full recovery involves not just weight gain, but also rebuilding muscle, restoring organ function, and addressing emotional trauma.

Patience and careful management are key to successful rehabilitation.

When horses suffer from starvation due to neglect, their recovery is a delicate, time-consuming process requiring expert care and unwavering patience.

Malnutrition doesn’t just strip away their body fat—it weakens their muscles, organs, and immune system, sometimes causing irreversible damage.

Rehabilitating these horses is a race against time, balancing their need for nourishment with the risks of refeeding too quickly.

Refeeding Syndrome.

One of the greatest challenges in helping a starved horse recover is avoiding refeeding syndrome.

After prolonged starvation, a horse’s body shifts into survival mode, breaking down fat and muscle for energy.

If they are suddenly given too much feed, especially rich grains or high-sugar foods, it can shock their system, leading to fatal imbalances in electrolytes. This is why their diet must be reintroduced slowly, beginning with small, frequent meals of easily digestible forage.

Physical and Emotional Trauma often go hand in hand.

Starved horses often suffer from more than just weight loss.

Their hooves may be overgrown and riddled with cracks, their teeth in poor condition, and their skin covered in sores or rain rot due to a weakened immune system.

Internally, their organs have likely suffered, making them prone to colic, infections, and metabolic disorders.

Additionally, the emotional toll of neglect can leave them anxious, fearful, or withdrawn, making trust-building a crucial part of their rehabilitation.

Rehab takes Months of Patience and Care.

It can take many months for a starved horse to regain a healthy body condition.

Even once they reach a normal weight, their muscle tone and stamina must be carefully rebuilt through controlled exercise.

Veterinary oversight, dental care, deworming, and balanced nutrition all play vital roles in their recovery.

And while some horses make full recoveries, others may never fully regain their former strength, especially if they were deprived for too long.

Rehabilitating a starved horse is a labour of love, requiring not just medical expertise but deep compassion. Every pound gained, every flicker of life returning to their eyes, is a victory. These horses are survivors, and with the right care, they can once again know what it means to be healthy, loved, and free from suffering.

This situation highlights both the cruelty some humans are capable of and the compassion of those who choose to step up, take action and show kindness.

We spoke with Summer (Mitchell) Secord and her mother, Crystal Mitchell after Jim Horne reached out to them regarding a lack of care that resulted in the death of a foal and the poor condition of horses in the 'care' of Stephanie Redlick  - along with a lack of water and feed - he had seen.  [Read about Jim's experience here.]

Stephanie Redlick relinquished 4 horses of 20 she owned and was holding on a leased property in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada to Summer Secord and Crystal Mitchell.  We are grateful that Summer, Crystal along with Celia Carletti have carefully documented what they witnessed at the property and the condition each of the horses were in when relinquished.

It's important to note that 16 horses remain in the 'care' of Stephanie Redlick.  Please scroll down for how you can help remedy this situation.

Note: We originally posted that Redlick owned 17 horses, that number has been corrected to 20.

Pictures and videos on this page are courtesy of Summer Secord, Crystal Mitchell and Celia Carletti.

Press contact: echovalleystables@gmail.com or phone: 250 801 8231