Fresh hay and water are not your typical Christmas gifts, but an Iowa animal rescue group says that's what a small herd of horses need to survive.

There was no hay in the manger when animal rescuers checked on a herd of seven horses at a farm in Tabor, Iowa. "You can see they ate this stuff because there's no food to eat," says Genea Stoops of Hooves & Paws Rescue.

A few bales found in the rickety barn were fed to the four Shetlands, two quarter horses and a thoroughbred. "Still too rich for them, but at least they'll get something in their bellies,” says Stoops.

And the only source of water is a nearby creek where a hole was cut through the ice. "That's not a good idea. These animals need freshwater."

Living in an unstable stable, some of the herd suffers from eye and hoof ailments and all have parasites. The Hooves & Paws Animal Rescue team estimates it will cost $1,400 for vet bills to get these horses healthy enough for adoption.

“We can take some back to our rescue temporarily, but we are completely full at the rescue and I have a waiting list," says Stoops.

The neglect hasn't been intentional. The 76-year-old widow who’s owned the horses for 15 years says it's harder to give loving care since her husband passed away a few months ago.

Living alone, she asked not to be identified. "Weather like this really bothers me a lot. I'm afraid I'll fall down sometime and break my hip and I can't do that.”

“Sure and we can't leave them here,” says Stoops. “It would be better if we found them a forever home."

With fresh hay, water and much needed veterinary care, all but one horse should recover enough for adoption. A quarter horse with ribs showing may need a miracle to survive, but it’s rescue did come on Christmas Eve. "They are good-natured horses, they just fell into a bad situation."

The horse in the most serious condition will be taken to the Hooves & Paws shelter in Glenwood, Iowa.

The others will remain on the property, but under the care of volunteers. Eventually, all seven horses will need new homes, even if they have to be split up.

Call 712-527-3721 or check hoovespaws.org to help.