View New York’s Holly Stanley Criminal Case
A New York pony breeder is facing two counts of animal cruelty after allegedly starving a pony stallion.
New York State Police arrested Holly C. Stanley, 45, Tuesday night at the Millbrook farm she rents. Authorities processed the Bayridge Farm & Show Stables [Bayridge Show Stables] owner at the Dutchess County Jail before her arraignment. The state filed two misdemeanor animal cruelty counts. Consequently, the statute includes the torture and failure to provide an animal sustenance.


State police spokesman Trooper Aaron Hicks tells Horse Authority that investigators began looking into allegations that Stanley neglected at least two ponies in early July.
Stanley leased the 23-year-old Welsh Pony Stallion Gayfield’s Way Too Cool from his owner. She offered the proven producer of champion ponies at stud for $1000. Trooper Hicks says a vet report from Rhinebeck Equine reports the pony had a “lack of sustenance and medical care.”
A veterinarian euthanized Cool in the spring.
Kerri Emerson authorized the removal of her 19-year-old pony mare Blue Bayou from Stanley’s care when she was notified regarding the pony’s low body weight. Stanley was free leasing Emerson’s mare for breeding purposes, although the pony didn’t take.
Emerson’s attorney Philip Wolf tells us Blue Bayou recovered despite the ordeal. “All it took was hay and water.” After a few weeks, the pony’s condition improved dramatically. Stanley allegedly abused horses elsewhere, Wolf says.
Stanley is out on $10,000 bond as of Wednesday at 6 p.m. She is scheduled to be back in court on August 28.
The state is processing our document request so look for more information soon. If you have documents or something you’d like to share, send us a news tip!

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