OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Dozens of horses are back at a Milford stable after Oakland County Animal Control seized them last month following complaints of alleged mistreatment — claims the stable’s owner firmly denies.
Oakland County Animal Control seized 38 horses from High Vibes Trail Rides last month after receiving multiple complaints alleging the animals’ care was not compliant with Michigan law.
A district judge issued two search warrants based on initial evidence, and the horses were removed so veterinary staff could examine and care for them.
Dozens of horses are back at a Milford stable after Oakland County Animal Control seized them last month following complaints of alleged mistreatment — claims the stable’s owner firmly denies. (Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
After a thorough investigation, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office declined to move forward with charges.
“The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office takes animal welfare cases seriously,” said David Williams, Chief Assistant Prosecutor. “After a careful review of the investigation in this case, our office determined that no criminal charges should be authorized at this time.”
The owner of High Vibes Trail Rides — whose first name is Lucille — described the past few weeks as an emotional ordeal.
“It’s just been heart-wrenching. Every single step of the way it’s just been like surviving every single day, just surviving,” she said.
Her attorney, Todd Flood, said the case took a serious toll on her livelihood.
“She ran one of the most successful businesses in our area.
In metropolitan Detroit. One of the most successful businesses, and because of all of this, her life has been turned upside down,” Flood said. “No law was violated. That’s as simple as that.”
What the veterinary records show
Veterinary notes obtained from examinations conducted while the horses were under Oakland County’s care indicated some animals were underweight, had gaps in deworming and showed saddle fit injuries.
Lucille, her team and family dispute those findings.
Her sister, Jeannie Maciejewski, said the public response to the seizure caught her off guard.
“Animal control wouldn’t take horses for no reason. That was like the biggest comment out there, and I’m like, you guys wake up, they did, unfortunately, you know,” Maciejewski said.
The family also says that while the horses were away, some animals’ health deteriorated. One horse, Knox, was euthanized during the period the animals were in the county’s care.
“I don’t know what condition Knox was in. I don’t know why they put him down. I just know that I was never contacted and I didn’t get to say goodbye,” Lucille said.
A former stable employee, who asked to remain anonymous, told Local 4 by phone that she hopes Lucille will take responsibility and ensure the horses receive proper veterinary care — rather than treating them as a source of income.
Animal control stands by its process
Oakland County Animal Control Division Manager Bob Gatt released a statement defending the agency’s actions while acknowledging the prosecutor’s decision.
“We received multiple reports alleging the care of these horses was not compliant with Michigan law. Based on the evidence during the initial investigation, a district judge issued two search warrants,” Gatt said in the statement. “We respect the prosecutor’s decision not to bring charges in this case.”
Gatt added that the division conducted what he called a comprehensive investigation, with officers interviewing witnesses and enlisting experienced equine professionals and a veterinarian specializing in horse care.
Back home, but the road ahead is long
When the horses finally arrived back at the stable, the moment was met with cheers — and a few tears.
Lucille says she got into the business for the right reasons and hopes to eventually rebuild.
“I was a little girl with a big dream, and I just wanted to share the love, the gift of horseback riding with the world,” she said.
Getting the business back up and running will take time, but for now, the horses are home.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.