More Georgians are giving up their horses due to economy

ATHENS - During the economic boom of the 1990s, many Georgians used their newfound wealth to buy horses. But since the economy turned sour, equine rescue agencies have been seeing more people give them up. <br> <br> The president of the Georgia Horse Council -- Jim Gibby -- says too many new owners bought animals before learning how much time and money horse ownership requires. <br> <br> Last year, a record 120 horses were impounded by the state. <br> <br> Ronnie Pesserilo -- vice-president of the Equine Rescue League says it could be higher in 2003. In January, 18 horses were seized from just one Elbert County farm. <br> <br> The Equine Rescue League arranges for horse adoptions and foster care. It also raises money to operate the state Department of Agriculture&#39;s two equine impoundment facilities, where abused and neglected horses are kept.