NIANTIC — An Alabama couple hopes two horses seized by Connecticut officials in an animal abuse investigation will help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dan and Amy Thomas bought the Friesians through an auction held by the state. Last week, they picked up the animals at the Department of Agriculture’s large animal rehabilitation facility at York Correctional Center in Niantic.
The couple is retired members of the U.S. Army.
Dan Thomas lost sight in his right eye after a rocket attack on his base in Afghanistan in 2013. To help his recovery, he worked with horses at an equine therapy program at the Walter Reed National Military Center. He hopes to replicate the program.
The two horses they purchased are among 32 seized in February from an East Hampton breeding facility.
