A Lifeline for Joline: One Woman’s Act of Compassion Changes Everything
There’s nothing quite like hearing a feel-good story in the equestrian community, and this one will warm your heart. Meet Joline, a stunning mare whose life was transformed thanks to one woman’s determination to do the right thing. Her rescue from neglect at Born to Fly Stables in Miami County is a powerful reminder of why we must stay vigilant about horse welfare and never look away from animal cruelty.
From Despair to Hope: Joline’s Journey Begins
Emily Cromer’s journey with Joline started with a simple Facebook ad. Curious about the beautiful horse featured in the post, Emily decided to visit Born to Fly Stables north of Huber Heights to see Joline in person. What she discovered shocked her to her core. The conditions at the facility were heartbreaking—Joline and several other horses were severely malnourished, and their owner wasn’t providing the basic care these magnificent animals desperately needed.
“I was absolutely stunned when I first saw what was happening,” Emily recalls. Rather than simply turning away, she made a bold decision that would change Joline’s life forever. Emily purchased Joline and immediately transferred her to a proper facility where she could receive the veterinary care and nutrition she so desperately needed.
The Numbers Tell a Heartbreaking Story
When Joline arrived at her new home, the veterinary assessment revealed just how severe her condition had been. A healthy horse of Joline’s breed should weigh approximately 1,200 pounds. When examined, Joline tipped the scales at just 895 pounds—nearly 300 pounds underweight. It’s hard to imagine how this beautiful mare had survived in such a state of malnutrition.
But here’s where the amazing part begins: Joline’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. Her new owner has focused entirely on helping her regain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and consistent care. In her first days at the new stable, Joline’s appetite was voracious—she devoured everything offered and consumed approximately 15 gallons of water on her very first day alone.
The Recovery: A Race Against Time That She’s Winning
The initial veterinary reports are incredibly encouraging. Joline is responding beautifully to proper care and nutrition, making rapid progress on her journey back to health. Every day brings visible improvements, and her new owner watches with growing optimism as the mare gains strength and weight. It’s a testament to the resilience of horses and the power of proper equine care.
Justice and Accountability in Horse Welfare
While Joline’s rescue is cause for celebration, the case against the facility’s owner is serious. Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak confirmed that six separate animal cruelty complaints were filed against Dayna Cocca, the owner of Born to Fly Stables, specifically for failing to feed the horses in her care. These official charges underscore the gravity of the situation and the systematic neglect that took place.
Though specific details about enforcement actions remain unclear, this public case serves as an important message: horse owners have a legal and moral obligation to provide proper nutrition and care. Neglecting these fundamental responsibilities can and will result in criminal charges.
What We Can Learn From Joline’s Story
Joline’s rescue reminds us all of the importance of vigilance within our equestrian community. If you suspect horse abuse or neglect, don’t stay silent. Emily Cromer’s willingness to act when she saw something wrong made all the difference for Joline and potentially for the other horses still at that facility. We encourage all horse lovers to report suspected animal cruelty to local authorities immediately.
This is a powerful example of why we must continue advocating for horse welfare standards and hold owners accountable for their animals’ care. Every horse deserves the opportunity that Joline now has: a safe home, proper nutrition, and a loving owner who cares about their wellbeing.
As Joline continues her recovery journey, she represents hope for all neglected and abused horses. Her story proves that with compassion, proper care, and determination, even the most traumatized horses can bounce back and thrive. Here’s to Joline’s continued progress and to Emily Cromer’s beautiful act of rescue and kindness!