Editor’s Note: Some images in this story may be disturbing to viewers.
Sevierville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) UPDATE: Representatives for Jayell Ranch Family Park provided a statement to WVLT News following coverage of their horses:
Since Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park’s start in 2011, we have prided ourselves on providing to our visitors a safe and fun experience, suitable for all ages. With that said, we acknowledge that we are currently cooperating with officials from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as they visited our facilities, including our horse ranch, on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, as part of their work to confirm the health and safety of our animals. Because of the number of animals on our property, we understand these officials plan to come back to our horse ranch on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, as part of the process to complete their investigation. Through our preliminary discussions with them, we have confidence that any allegations brought forth publicly will be deemed false and unsubstantiated, and the well-being of our animals will be confirmed.
Throughout the course of our existence, we proactively care for all our animals, upholding appropriate standards of care, including visits by veterinarians, and fulfill any and all regulatory obligations to ensure the safety of our facilities in our animals at all times.
For the purposes of full transparency, we want to address photographs that accompany your story, images your news station says you captured during a recent visit to our horse ranch. These photographs (captured by WVLT) provide a limited glimpse of our horse population, showcasing only a fraction of these majestic creatures. Among the equines depicted in these images, a notable portion shows horses in their advanced years, displaying evident markers of aging in their physical features, much akin humans. Such manifestations include a potential leaner physique, despite receiving a diet rich in nutrients and supplements. Additionally, these horses might be visible scars, remnants of past injuries or surgeries accumulated over the course of their lifetimes. Notably, the collection of images also encompasses newly arrived, horses, undergoing specialized care for their pre-existing health conditions.
It is important to note that an integral part of our parks ethos revolves around serving as a safe haven for rescue animals, particularly horses that come to us with pre-existing conditions. The journey of rehabilitation is a gradual process, and some of the pictures of horses that are ranch feature these horses at the start of their treatment under our care. They are the embodiment of our dedication to providing a safe harbor for animals in need.
At the heart of our operations, Jayell Ranch has a steadfast, zero tolerance policy against animal mistreatment. Immediate action is taken against any staff member found neglecting their duties in animal care. We uphold our commitment to animal welfare, vigilantly treating each member of our herd with the dignity, care, and respect they rightly deserve.
We will continue to fully cooperate with the appropriate officials until the matter is resolved.
We appreciate your attention relative to this matter, and for providing us with an opportunity to address it. – Jayell Family Ranch Adventure Park
In the statement, ranch representatives deny claims from past employees that animals in their care were mistreated or harmed.
“Through our preliminary discussions with [the state], we have confidence that any allegations that have been brought forth publicly will be deemed false and unsubstantiated, and the well-being of our animals confirmed,” the statement reads.
However, a total of nine previous employees and one potential employee who went through the interview process at the ranch reached out to or spoke with WVLT News, expressing concern for the horses and sharing their experiences at the ranch.
ORIGINAL STORY: Jayell Ranch Adventure Park, a horse ranch located in Sevierville, is under investigation by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
That finding coming today (Wednesday) through exclusive investigation by our news partner WVLT who visited the ranch and has documented the condition of the horses to include bones showing through the skin and visible wounds; the state would not share details about the ongoing investigation.
Previous employees also told reporters the horses were mistreated by the ranch, some saying that horses were only allowed a short water break between rides.
A request for comment from ranch representatives had not been returned.
