NewsChannel 13 was able to meet Jazzaphone at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga Springs. He’s a registered thoroughbred that never had the chance to race.

Jazzaphone is recovering from a necessary surgery days after being seized from a Corinth home on Monday, March 31. Nine animals were taken.

Deputy Nikki Voegler helped save Jazzaphone’s life. She said the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office received a tip one week earlier.

“It was a neighbor that was concerned about the welfare of the animals on scene. NewsChannel 13 went there, interviewed her and that’s where the investigation began.”

Seven horses, a goat and a pig were taken from the home.

The sheriff’s office arrested Tamara DeStanko, 57, on nine counts of animal cruelty related charges. DeStanko voluntarily surrendered the horses, including Jazzaphone, to Colleen Segarra with Equine Rescue Resource.

The pig and goat went to other farms.

“Within hours of the removal, we immediately removed them and brought them here to Rood & Riddle,” Segarra said.

Rood & Riddle vets rushed Jazzaphone into surgery to reopen an old wound that was not healing properly. Segarra said a thoroughbred stallion had to be euthanized. The injuries were too severe.

“It was heartbreaking because he had the sweetest face. Very neglected,” Segarra said. “His feet were so overgrown and twisted. It caused bone abnormalities, severe arthritis. He couldn’t walk in a straight line properly.”

If you’d like to adopt or help care for one of the horses, message Equine Rescue Resource on Facebook.