Horses abandoned, shot at Martin Stables South in FL?

[Shammy Davis]

redhart1 posted:

. . . Just because an unidentified poster made these claims means they're true or accurate? This board's rules are they do not tolerate "accusations" and false claims. I am here to disseminate accurate information . . .

I truly hope this matter is resolved and that the horses are placed in good situations. It has been remarked numerous times on the website that w/the troubled economy, it will be the horses that will suffer.

I don't think that anyone who previously posted was making unfounded accusations or false claims. I think they were honestly reporting what they knew, heard, or saw. From your own post, it is clear that the FL farm had some personnel problems as well as financial woes, so it is apparent that recent events were very troubling for all concerned.

Once again, I wish the best for this situation.

[Crystal]

I personally spoke to Eddie Martin this morning. He took the time to not only call me but he also emailed me a detailed letter explaining the circumstances he has been dealing with and the alligations made by many different parties proving they were false.
He confirmed with me that different organizations had been out to his farm recently and had not given him one citation for any animal or management violations. This can be verified by contacting the people he had mentioned in his statement above. If anyone feels the need to read the provided statement I will provide Eddie with YOUR contact information and if he sees fit he will provide it to you. I will not forward it anyone unless approved to do so.
Eddie's response to the mass hysteria of this board unfortunetly is nothing new. This fire was put out before it erupted into a barn burner by the party in question. It has not been beyond members of ANY public forum to be quick to make accusations before researching an issue and going to directly to the source. I Am one of those people in this situation and have sent my apoligese to Eddie Martin and I again am doing so here as well.
These type of situations has become more and more common and I made the mistake of classifing him with the likes of (charged) Ernie Paragallo and essentually striking the match to burn him at the stake. For that again I am sorry. Horseman are the first ones to throw each other under the bus and make it harder and harder for others to do well when really this is just one common goal - raising healthy horses.

If anyone wants to address my statement please do so in a respectful manner and I will reply in a respectful manner as well. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and as long as we can all communicate that in a better manner then we have before I think we can all get the answers we seek.

Crystal

[redhart1]

Shammy. Eddie would like to know if you know Trainer Randy Klopp?

Crystal, well said, Thank You.

Again, Eddie is going thru a friend to respond to these allegations and rumors as he had signed up for this message board on Tuesday of this week but the "moderator" has not activated him yet.

Thank You.

[Shammy Davis]

Redhart1 posted:

Shammy. Eddie would like to know if you know Trainer Randy Klopp?

No, I have no connection w/Randly Klopp. The only thing I know about IN is when there are heavy rains, it floods. Got stuck there years ago bringing a horse back to VA from IL.

[Patuxet]

Crystal, you're in Lexington. Why you, of all people, did Martin chose to bare his soul to? Have you actually seen any of the Martin horses in Florida?

I have. I saw them in the Ocala January sale and by and large they were in shameful condition. Who was responsible for that? If it wasn't Eddie Martin, as you seem to want to suggest, then who was it? Given your post here you have an obligation to set the record straight or you'll look suspiciously like an apologist or a facilitator.

[Crystal]

If you saw the horses were in questionable condition 4 months ago did you make a statement to OBS? Did OBS say anything to the consignor? Why did they allow them to go thorough the ring?

These are questions I do not have the answer to. What I do know is that because Eddie saw I had commented on this thread and the company I work for had a good history with helping him sell horses he contacted me personally to tell me he had not seen the statement I made about comparing him to Ernie Paragallo as fair, which I agreed and made a personal appology to him for jumping to conclusions. It was unfair of me to make that asumption without full knowledge of what was going on.

In a time when it is so hard to move stock I really think we all as horseman should have more compassion to each other and offer our help before we offer our criticism. People do what they can but un forseen problems can occur and we all know that. I told Eddie I will still do what I can to help him move his horses and I thanked him for contacting me directly. Other then that I am a nuteral party and will not become involved in anything else.

[EM]

My wife, my employees and my neighbor have been threatened by people who have read about the false claims of abandoment and shooting of horses on message boards this week. God forbid if some wako zealot should harm my family employees or friends as a result of false claims posted on message boards. I have provided proof that objective 3rd parties such as the HPAF and Animal welfare of Marion county will dispell these rumors. Please understand that your anonimity will not protect you in a court of law. Please stop this nonsese. It may get someone injured or worse and that would be unforgivable.

-Eddie Martin

[Shammy Davis]

EM: I am truly sorry for your circumstances but I'm offended by your threats. The last time I checked our first amendment rights to free speech were still in place and that covers posts to public forums on the internet.

I've noted this subject on numerous boards so it is apparent that information about your FL farm is readily available and out in the public. Some of that information is very negative. There have also been some positive remarks. I personally don't know what to make of it. I just hope your situation improves and that your horses are placed in safe healthy environs.

If your wife, friends, and employees are receiving threats you need to contact law enforcement.

As a businessman, I am sure you are aware that the quality of your product, or lack thereof, is open to public critique and discussion. It is just part of business. Apparently, there are some that have personally seen your horses and they consider their condition to be lacking. There have been some comments concerning the manner at which you handled your business, but to put this in perspective, they/we have every right to make those comments.

Redhart1 and you have now stated your case and you don't need to threaten anyone. To be honest, threats make me more skeptical about the information being provided. I know you don't want that.

Once again, I hope things work out for you.

[springboro]

I've known Eddie Martin for years and I believe him. I also know that many people hide and lurk behind the internet and hurl accusations. I trust Eddie on this one.

[hpkingjr]

Please stop this nonsese. It may get someone injured or worse and that would be unforgivable.

-Eddie Martin

Shammy: I read this a little different than you. I read this that EM is worried about HIS family and is asking that everyone stands down so some misguided person does not go outside the law and injure someone close to EM or his family. I do not believe EM is threatening anyone physically. I thought his remark about the courts indicated a belief in the court system and defamation law.

I also believe your thought about contacting the police was excellent.

[BlazingColours]

I hope all the horses find homes over the next several months.

For anyone saying the horses were in bad shape at OBS... did you take any pictures?

[ct2346]

EM: I am truly sorry for your circumstances but I'm offended by your threats. The last time I checked our first amendment rights to free speech were still in place and that covers posts to public forums on the internet.

I've noted this subject on numerous boards so it is apparent that information about your FL farm is readily available and out in the public. Some of that information is very negative. There have also been some positive remarks. I personally don't know what to make of it. I just hope your situation improves and that your horses are placed in safe healthy environs.

If your wife, friends, and employees are receiving threats you need to contact law enforcement.

As a businessman, I am sure you are aware that the quality of your product, or lack thereof, is open to public critique and discussion. It is just part of business. Apparently, there are some that have personally seen your horses and they consider their condition to be lacking. There have been some comments concerning the manner at which you handled your business, but to put this in perspective, they/we have every right to make those comments.

Redhart1 and you have now stated your case and you don't need to threaten anyone. To be honest, threats make me more skeptical about the information being provided. I know you don't want that.

Once again, I hope things work out for you.

Shammy-

You achieve nothing and seemingly have no real involvement here. What, other than drama, is your goal?

Just go away.

[Shammy Davis]

hpkingjr posted:

Shammy: I read this a little different than you.

I understand what you are saying. None of us wants anyone hurt. I won't post to this subject again.

[springboro]

hpkingjr posted:

Shammy: I read this a little different than you.

I understand what you are saying. None of us wants anyone hurt. I won't post to this subject again.

An excellent idea.... some things are best not discussed in an open forum with only speculation and rumor.

[horselover1]

regarding these allegations, I have had a horse in training at the training center formerly a part of this farm. I have been on that farm at least once a week with unlimited access for the past 5 months. I have continued with amazement to drive around the farm looking for this carnage that is not there. The latest rumor of the television story came on the heels of me commenting to my wife that in the 7 or 8 trips that we made by the farm that weekend, each time the horses were eating hay. I don't know where the rumors are coming from. Here is what I do know, Eddie Martin took a big risk and spent a fortune. Imagine the money that was made off of this man during the "good times". Again, every time I drive by the farm, the horses are eating hay or grain. They may not be ready for the show ring but they reflect a business that is winding down and certainly meeting its responsibilities.