Beginning in February 2026, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received multiple reports of malnourished horses on a property near the 3800 block of Bar 10 Road in Calhan, Colorado.
Patrol deputies responded to the property and spoke with the owner, 42-year-old Robert Bardwine, who stated he had recently rescued the horses and was providing sustenance “under the guidelines and care advice from his veterinarian.”
Contrary to what Bardwine described to deputies as to his plans for caring for the horses, reports continued to come into the Sheriff’s Office, and conditions for the animals did not improve when deputies followed up.
Patrol deputies referred the case to the Sheriff’s Office Specialized Patrol Unit (SPU) for review. The SPU consists of deputies specially trained to evaluate the health conditions of large animals and livestock.
On May 15, 2026, SPU deputies returned to the Bar 10 Road property to conduct a follow-up interview with Bardwine and visually assess the horses. During the investigation, deputies determined the horses were not receiving adequate care or nutrition.
A search warrant was secured for the property, and on May 21, 2026, SPU deputies, Posse members, a representative from the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP), a representative from the Colorado State Brand Inspector, and a veterinarian returned to the property.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Bardwine, and the veterinarian evaluated nine horses, six of which required immediate medical intervention.
The horses were loaded into trailers and transported to a local large-animal rescue, and laboratory samples collected during the evaluation were submitted for processing.
Before departing the property, Bardwine received instructions from deputies to comply with specific care requirements for the three remaining horses on the property.
On May 22, after lab results were received, deputies charged Bardwine with six counts of Cruelty to Animals, a Class 1 Misdemeanor as determined by Colorado statute.