By JESSICA BALANZA

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Despite a serious case of swayback, parasites and worms that have turned his color from black to brown, Murphy still manages to be a happy horse.

He heightens his ears and waggles his tail at the sight of youngsters from the Florida Morgan Horse Association’s Tropical Trotters Youth Club , who approach him to feed him oranges. And although Murphy is in much better condition then he was when he arrived at his new home a month ago, he still has a long way to go.

Anne Winograd, co-owner of West Coast Morgans in Odessa, rescued Murphy from a pasture in Kentucky.

She said that the goal is to get Murphy back to good health, which could take about a year, and get him adopted to a good owner who will care for him.

Winograd said that once she saw the horse, she felt compelled to help him. She   had him hauled to West Coast Morgan, a horse stable which provides training for horses along with riders of all ages.

“There are so many cases like this,” said Winograd. “The tragedy is that instead of finding him a home, they throw them away.”

When Murphy arrived, he didn’t exactly have a place to stay. But Winograd’s neighbor stepped in and allowed her to keep Murphy in an empty stall and pasture she had available.

Since then, Murphy has made many visits to the veterinarian and has become more friendly.

He has even been eating more, said Winograd. 

So far Murphy, a saddlebred, has gained about 40 pounds. Based on Murphy’s serious case of lordosis (swayback), which has caused his back to cave in, no one will ever be able to ride him. He has also had his teeth cleaned and repaired.

Another condition Winograd is concerned about is that Murphy’s tear ducts have become calcified from being clogged for so long.

Winograd said she has spent about $700 on vaccinations and deworming, as well as on repairing Murphy’s teeth. Murphy’s mane, infested with fly eggs and parasites, was also clipped.

However, Murphy needs continued care to ensure he returns to good health, she said.

Winograd isn’t alone in her mission, though. Tropical Trotters have helped cover some of the expenses, as well. Tropical Trotters is a youth club that involves youngsters from all over Central Florida. Members meet periodically to learn about horses and attend shows. The youth group has been collecting money to help West Coast pay for the horse’s medical and living expenses.

“I needed an army to help and Tropical Trotters was there,” said Winograd.

Winograd explained that she approached the youth group and its leader, Tracy Bell, at a horse show and they quickly jumped on board to help.

The youngsters not only receive badges for their horse knowledge and experience, but also commit to community service.

“It has been one of the biggest projects we have taken on,” said Bell, who admits to having been weary about taking on a rescue project in the past.

Since they found out about the horse, the youngsters have rotated the duties of spending time with Murphy, grooming and feeding him.

The group of about 30 has raised nearly $900 from collections at various horse shows and by selling wristbands donated to the group by a member’s aunt, who rescues horses in New Jersey.

Included with the project, the youngsters have also helped Murphy become accustomed to being around people again.

“It took a long time for the horse to get this way,” said Spencer Conklin, 15, a Clearwater resident. “He deserves human attention. It’s great we can be involved.”

Murphy is estimated to be about 17 or 18 years old, according to Winograd.

All of Murphy’s past wasn’t grim.

While stumping for donations for the horse at a recent show, Bell said she found someone who recognized Murphy. He was a champion, whose show name was All Natural.

According to Bell, the trainer said Murphy won many competitions.

The revelation explains Murphy’s excellent posture and stance despite his present condition, Bell said.

“It’s amazing that a show horse can get this bad,” said Amanda Stacy, 12, of Town ‘N Country.

Members of the youth group are also planning on collecting funds outside of supermarkets and fundraising at their schools, which is not something they have attempted yet.

Since they found out about the horse, they have been trying to spread the word in hopes of receiving as much help from the community as possible.

“Everyone has come together to help,” said Diane Stacy, Amanda’s mother. “Even people from out of state.”

To completely cover the remainder of the expenses, Winograd said about $2,000 is needed. The horse needs about a year before his health is restored.

It is a slow process because his condition is so bad, she said.

Once Murphy is healthy, Winograd hopes to begin an interview process for possible owners.

She said she wants to find someone who will care for his condition.

She emphasized that although he can no longer be ridden, he will be an excellent petting horse that will cheer anyone up with his spunky attitude.

“We are really looking to get a happy ending,” said Bell. “He deserves so much more than what he has received.”

To donate money toward Murphy’s fund, call Anne or Glenn Winograd at 920-9870 or visit http://www.westcoastmorgans.com.