-
HIstoric Context (Timespan of Several Decades)
Additional Historic Context at Smokey Mountain Ranch: The ranch was established as a sheep and cattle venture by Myron Childs, Trudy's late father-in-law. They later established the horse breeding program. In the early 90s, they were sued by the Bureau of Reclamation. From 2009-present, they have been in a real estate lawsuit with Steve Turley, currently on trial for several counts of fraud with multiple parties. Childs states Turley battle has cost $200,000 in legal fees. -
Loose Horse Accidents and Citations (Timespan)
Sometime between 2009 and 2011, Smokey Mountain Ranch lost 4 stallions to at least 2 separate traffic accidents due to the horses being out of their pens, and being hit by trucks on the road. According to Utah County Sheriff's Office, there were other non-fatal incidents of loose horses in this period, and it was at this time that they started monitoring Smokey Mountain Ranch. -
Trudy Childs pleads guilty to numerous animal citations
In a court hearing about several citations and warrants, Trudy Childs pleaded guilty to the citations. According to Childs, charges included loose animals, and one unburied dead horse, -
Courts Require Horses be Moved
Trudy Childs' attorney settles with courts that in order to avoid jail time, Childs must sell or relocate her animals from Smokey Mountain Ranch. -
Contract made with Barrow Land and Livestock
Childs signs contract with Barrow Land and Livestock to care for 92 mares. Childs states they agreed to a certain amount of feed a day, a stallion trade, and that the Barrows could use Smokey Mountain Ranch for 100 cattle in the summer of 2012. She says they made a large down payment to the Barrows at that time. -
First Dispute with Barrows
Childs ask Barrows to release 20 of the mares, and according to Childs, the Barrows refuse. Childs states that she managed to get 3 horses home, and that 1 died and 2 aborted. -
Utah Dept. of Agriculture finds Childs Horses in Logan
Childs states she got a call from Utah State Dept. of Agriculture informing them that horses with their brand were found on public property, around 50 horses. By August, Childs alleges they had found 21 of them. -
Childs Confiscates Horses from Weber County
Childs alleges that remaining horses were moved to Weber County, and she and her family moved horses out as Justin Barrows of Barrows Land and Livestock arrives. According to Salt Lake Tribune, authorities were involved, and Weber County Deputy Attorney allowed Childs to take the horses- SL Trib says 60 horses, Childs says 42. Barrows claims he had a legal lien to maintain rights to the horses, but they were moved anyway. -
Period: to
Time of Childs Possession of Horses (Timespan)
The Childs had custody of the horses from sometime in September until Feb 13th when the Utah County Sheriff's office began caring for the animals and Rory and Trudy Childs were arrested. This was a period of at least 4 months. -
Rory Childs posts Youtube of Starving Horses
On 12/27/2012, Trudy's son Rory Childs posts youtube video asking for help and explaining the legal dispute from their perspective. He admits that some of their horses have already died in their care, and are starving. He asks for hay or for money to buy hay, stating "we are now trying to nurse these horses back to health." See Youtube Video on TheUtahTrotter -
Justin Barrows Charged for Animal Cruelty
Sometime in January, Barrows was charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty. 14 of the 15 were related to Childs case. On the 20th of February, the 14 related to the Childs case were dismissed without prejudice, and the last Barrows pleaded not guilty. He allages 1 count was thin because it was a recent rescue. Read SL Trib Story Here. -
UT County Sheriff Arrives at Ranch
Sheriff department arrives at one SMR location to find dead and suffering horses. Full statement available below. Sheriff Jim Tracy's Statement of Condition of Horses -
Trudy Childs sentenced to 1 year in jail
Childs was sentenced to one year in Jail for violation of probation relating to improper management of her animals. The original probation was set in July, 2012. Her sentence began immediately. -
50 SMR horses sold at auction
To pay the lien owed by the Childs to the UCSO for care of the horses, 50 mares, weanlings, and one stud were sold at a public auction in Spanish Fork. Disputee Justin Barrow purchased back a number of horses. Majority purchasers included Equine Pavillion, and Blue Sky Ranch. -
Barrow found guilty of animal cruelty
Justin Barrow was found guilty of 7 counts of animal cruelty and three counts of failing to dispose of a dead animal properly. At least 4 of the horses involved were Smokey Mountain Ranch Horses.