A Montana horse breeder whose neglected horses were seized from his ranch between Sheridan and Virginia City last year has been ordered to pay almost $80,000 in restitution to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), who took over care of the horses.

Bryan Blatt, 75, pleaded no contest in June to a single felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty after 86 horses on his ranch were found in need of veterinary care due to neglect, according to court documents.

Blatt’s breeding business, Westwind Morgans, has been producing Morgan horses for about 30 years, according to a 2022 Idaho Senior Independent article.

Morgan horses are an American breed of horse known for intelligence and versatility.

“They are incredibly smart,” ASPCA Vice President of Equine Welfar

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