In a breaking turn of events, GoHorseShow.com has learned that as of January 10, a case is pending with the Johnson County Texas District Attorney's office involving an alleged horse's abuse while in the care of Cleve Wells Quarter Horses in Burleson.

News on the matter has been well documented as information continues to circulate throughout the internet.  Graphic photographs of the horse’s injuries, along with signed statements from two veterinarians, a witness and the horse’s owner (see below for links) have the horse world talking.

In a signed statement from Nicole Marr, co-owner of Slow Lopin Scotch, she alleges that “the horse was cruelly and unnecessarily abused while in training at Cleve Wells Quarter Horses in Burleson.”  We spoke at length with Cleve Wells and Nicloe Marr for an update on the situation.

According to an email GoHorseShow.com received Saturday afternoon, owner Nicole Marr stated the following:

          "As of this morning (Jan 10) there is a case pending with the District Attorney's office in Johnson County
          Texas against Cleve Wells. Detective Shaw is the man in charge of our investigation, and told the
          person that contacted them that he was not at liberty to discuss the matter any further.

          We have learned through dealing with this matter that the County Attorney handles the misdemeanor
          charges and all felony charges are handled through the District Attorney's office."

Reached by phone on Friday evening, owner Nicole Marr offered the following on the current status of the situation.

          “I had watched the Cleve (Wells) tapes before and decided to send my horse for an evaluation. That
          was it. He kept the horse in training and we were always told he was doing very well. I was starting to
          feel like he could end up being a champion and that’s what I wanted. But if that’s the price of having a
          world champion, I don’t want it. He has a permanent home now and he will never be sold.

          Mentally, he’s doing great. The injury on the left is now about 1” x 3”. He still has swelling in his mouth. I
          had to have his check ligaments cut. He has a tooth coming in that’s basically growing straight forward
          and the vet said it’s more than likely from the swelling in his mouth. But, he’s still very trusting and
          loving.

          This is very disappointing. I feel as though I’m the only person who hadn’t heard all the rumors. I guess
          you can’t be too careful. I was disillusioned with what I was getting and what I got.”

GoHorseShow.com also reached Cleve Wells for comment on Friday. Following several lengthy phone conversations, Cleve provided a statement citing his side of the story, including his version of what happened regarding the alleged abuse. Saturday morning, after discussing with advisors, he changed his mind and decided not to come forward at this time with his statement and version of the events. We were informed of this decision via the following text message:

          “Good morning --- customers suggested to continue silence an let everyone bury themselves then they
          will move in…i have to support there decision because they support me as i said i have a very loyal and
          wealth set of clients… That speaks for my integrity honesty and loyalty. Thank u for ur respect and i do
          believe u will do what is right”

Below are links to the documents which owner Nicole Marr has made public as proof to her allegations.

    Nicole Marr, Owner Statement   
    Karen Adler, D.V.M. Statement
    Larry McConnell, D.V.M. Statement
    Gary Russ, Witness Statement

Click the slideshow link located below the main image to view photographs of the horse’s injuries.
WARNING - the images are graphic in nature.

GoHorseShow.com will keep our readers informed as this situation continues to unravel.