A Worcestershire horse owner has been banned from keeping horses for five years after admitting welfare offences involving two neglected geldings who were later euthanised due to the severity of their health problems.Stacey Price, 39, of Cleobury Mortimer, appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court on 9 June, where she pleaded guilty to failing to meet the welfare needs of Doc and Ludo, who were found underweight, suffering from untreated health conditions and carrying heavy parasite burdens.The horses were rescued by authorities and placed in the care of the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare after welfare concerns were raised in November 2024. However, despite efforts by veterinary professionals and the charities equine teams, both geldings were later put to sleep because of their ongoing health issues.The court sentenced Price to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, pay 300 in costs and a victim surcharge of 154. In addition, she was disqualified from owning or keeping horses for five years.Emaciated conditionThe case followed concerns raised in November 2024, when both the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare received reports about the condition of the two geldings. It was alleged that the horses were not being attended to regularly and were showing signs of poor health, including weight loss and skin problems.RSPCA officers and World Horse Welfare representatives visited a farm near Kidderminster where the horses were being kept. According to evidence presented to the court, Doc was found in a stable in an emaciated condition.RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Rachel Ward described seeing visible ribs, hips and spine, along with severe rain scald covering much of the horses body. Some of the affected areas were reported to have scabs and green discharge.The second gelding, Ludo, was found in a nearby field and was also assessed as being underweight and in poor body condition.A specialist equine vet was called to examine both horses and certified that they were at risk. Worcestershire Police subsequently seized the animals and placed them into the care of the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.Veterinary examinations later revealed that both horses were carrying significant tapeworm burdens.No horse should have to endure thatEvidence presented to the court stated that Doc would have experienced hunger and pain associated with his untreated skin conditions, while his nutritional needs had likely not been met for several weeks. The vet also concluded that the widespread rain scald appeared long-standing and showed no signs of having received treatment.Ludo was found to be suffering from malnutrition and hunger, with evidence suggesting that his nutritional requirements had not been met and that parasite control measures had been inadequate.Charlotte Melvin, a field officer with World Horse Welfare, said the condition of the horses was absolutely heartbreaking.Doc especially was extremely thin and looked weak when he was walking, she said. The untreated rain scald on his back would have been very sore and could have been completely avoidable with proper care. No horse should have to endure that.Ongoing health complicationsDespite efforts by the RSPCAs equine teams and veterinary professionals, both Doc and Ludo were later euthanised because of ongoing health complications.In mitigation, the court heard that Price had not intended to harm the horses and had believed a third party was responsible for their care.Price admitted failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the horses welfare, including providing adequate nutrition, parasite control and veterinary treatment, as well as failing to make suitable arrangements for their care when left unattended.Images RSPCAMore from Your HorseCommon horse skin conditions shown in picturesRain scald in horses explainedEssential horse worming schedule and management tips from a vetEuthanasia: when is the right time to put a horse to sleep?The post Horse owner banned after neglect case ends in death of two geldings appeared first on Your Horse.