Last week the first Black family to race quarter horses in Texas revealed that their beloved colt named "Black Lives Matter" inexplicably passed away moments after being dropped off at an equestrian veterinary clinic called Weems & Stephens Equine Hospital for a routine checkup. According to reports, when the Hartley family (from Oak Cliff, Texas) returned to the clinic to pick up BLM, they were met with the shocking news that their prize-winning animal was unresponsive. This prompted suspicion of foul play, which only intensified after the Hartleys learned that the cameras that were supposed to monitor their horse were mysteriously turned off during its visit.
“We took our horse BLM an hour away for a VET for a short, simple procedure that will collect sperm for future breeding and also have him castrated so that he can perform without overactive hormones and have better success during the race,” wrote Keeundra Hatley-Smith in an emotional Instagram post. “We left him healthy! But when we returned to pick him up, he didn’t respond...“There is no proof of post-op care and documentation. We are so hurt!” said Hatley-Smith. “We need answers, and we want justice! This is proof that Black people AND THEIR PETS are neglected in all aspects of the medical fields,” concluded Hatley-Smith. “My children loved him and knew exactly what his name stood for. Now it’s gone!”
Keeundra Hately-Smith and her family purchased "Return Ivory" back in 2020, before renaming the horse "Black Lives Matter." The horse went viral back in January after winning its debut race at Lousiana Downs. BLM followed that effort with another victory back on April 30th, earning $15,000 in prize money. While the Hatley family certainly suspects foul play, they still waiting on the results of an autopsy before they determine whether or not they are going to file a lawsuit against Weems & Stephens Equine Hospital.
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Source: Yahoo! News
