SAN JOSE, Calif. - The manager of a popular horse riding ranch in the South Bay has been charged with animal cruelty after a horse she was supposed to care for died from malnutrition and heat stroke, authorities said.

Reports of animal abuse

What we know:

Jennifer Bryant, 25, was a manager at Chaparral Ranch’s Bear Creek Stables in Los Gatos. Chaparral Ranch provides horseback rides and riding lessons at several locations.

Animal control officers had received complaints about abused horses at the property, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. In March 2024, officers visited the site and found a horse named Honey that had lice and appeared sickly, prosecutors said.

Authorities said Honey was unable to stand, severely emaciated, and infested with intestin

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