The Humane Society in Somerset County has been flooded with calls since 6 News aired a story Thursday night about their rescue of a malnourished horse.

The 2-year-old horse was just skin and bones when it was found laying in the mud Thursday.

A number of people have come forward offering to help, not only that horse, but the half-dozen others who were not getting enough food and water. But Humane Society officials said people don't realize that this kind of neglect is happening across the region every day.

"It's happening right outside and people need to start being more aware of what their neighbors are doing with animals," said Humane Society officer Melissa Leonard. "Everyone has good intentions but you need to know the basic care."

6 News stopped by Curt-Itsy Acres in Hooversville on Friday to see what it takes to properly care for a horse.

"When you have a horse, it's a 24-hour job and it's a 365-day-a-year job," said Elizabeth Wyandt, the owner of Curt-Itsy Acres. "You don't get vacations and you don't get sick days because they have to eat."

Wyandt has 60 horses in her stables and said she goes through at least a thousand bales of hay every month.

"We feed twice a day, but some of them require three or four times a day," said Leonard. "They're not like a cat or dog where you can put a big dish of food and water in front of them and expect to go on vacation over the weekend."

Then there's the daily maintenance.

"You've got your upkeep on hoof care, dental work... They have to have shots," explained Leonard. "They're like taking care of a big kid."

Wyandt said people feel bad and want to help when horses are neglected, but said you need to have the resources and expertise to properly care for them.

"If not, that's where the boarding situation comes in to play," said Leonard. "You hire us to take care of your animal."

We looked up the average cost to own and properly take care of a horse. For just food, bedding and veterinary care, it'll run you at least $3,000 a year.

Horses also need land to run on, proper shelter, hygiene and grooming and lots of attention.