YardahGate
IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!
Marji has been unfairly targeted by RSPCA, as a reprisal for challenging them. We invite you to read & share the story if you feel the same.
Hello, I am Marji Armstrong of Yardah Stud in Western Australia. I have a special horse breeding programme of more than 30 years, I have developed a new breed of horses, which is now categorised as a pure breed as these genetics are unique.
I am a 74 year widow and suffered a stroke in Austria. Life decided I needed another challenge and I have cancer. I have been able to hold everything together but being attacked by the RSPCA has been a horrendous stress in my life.
In February 2017 I had an illegal entry by a RSPCA Inspector. This was the third visit from the RSPCA due to reports since my husband died. It was obvious on the first 2 visits that the reports were just fiction. But during this visit the inspector was on a mission and someone who had been on the farm illegally to get photos of a very thin horse, which was recovering slowly from an infection. Despite all the other horses were in good condition my explanations were not listened to. After several ignorant claims were made by this Inspector, (she didn’t even know the difference between a gelding and a stallion) and my less than diplomatic rejoinders (as I was frustrated by the stupidity) she seized the horse and I had to take the RSPCA to court to get the horse back. I was successful.
Within 36 hours of the horse being returned to me at Yardah, another one of my (my best mate) stallion, Foggy, was shot and killed in the paddock.
There have been on-going court proceedings to recoup the legal costs from the RSPCA for the return of the horse. This has not been satisfied since September 2017.
In retaliation, I have now been targeted by the RSPCA and on 28 March 2018, I was raided on my farm by 5 RSPCA staff and 2 armed police. Three RSPCA staff travelled 640 km for this raid. As a result, another 2 horses were seized which I will now have to face more court trauma and costs. Both these horses are very valuable to the breeding programme. The older mare is/was carrying the first baby from Foggy the stallion who was shot so it is not just Yardah Fogoso’s genetics, it is also the emotional pain of losing the child of a much loved family member.
A couple of leading citizens have said that while they want to help, they are frightened of RSPCA reprisals and have suggested that we do a crowdfunding and in that way they can show their support but remain Anonymous.
They have recognised that it is not just the money, but also the number of people who consider there is merit to give protection for me, and others, from the RSPCA.
Any donations that are in excess than the legal and associated costs will be donated to the Cancer Council who have helped me enormously through my illness.
(If you are interested in reading more about the story, it is expanded below. ... )
Marji's Story and YardahGate
Our story is called YardahGate as it started with illegal entry by the RSPCA. As a widow and alone on the farm at times, Marji has the gate locked to Yardah for security. Yardah, is the horse stud and training establishment that Marji Armstrong has run for 45 years. The day that the RSPCA Inspector climbed over the gate was the start to a story that you hope will never happen to you. Like Watergate, I hope that justice and truth will be revealed.
Why Add the Word "Gate"
The suffix “gate” is now known to suggest a far-reaching scandal, unethical behaviour and cover-up.
About Animal Welfare
Marji has spent her life, teaching other people how to improve their relationship with their horses, to be accused of not caring for several of her horses has struck her to her very soul and she is at a loss to understand why she has been targeted unfairly.
Despite many challenges in the last 10 years, starting with her husband’s death, Marji has always put her animals first. Balancing the economic realities of farming horses and making hard decisions and staying up for days with little sleep for her horses when they were not well or foaling.
Slim had a Kidney/Bladder Infection
Many of us were in the loop of the story of “Slim” the horse that she was nursing last year, so we were surprised to discover that the horse had been seized by the RSPCA.
The fact that Marji identified that Slim had a kidney/bladder infection seemed to annoy the vets. Despite that she told each of the vets and the Murdoch University not one of them mentioned it as a possibility. Marji said “Most vets don’t even want to acknowledge that there is something like kidney/bladder infection in horses. When you see an animal is pissing pus it seems logical that there is an infection: one doesn’t need to be a Rhodes Scholar to figure that out. Fortunately, I saw it at the last moment and was able to give him antibiotics and he responded within a couple of days. I knew that he still needed dental attention, but the biggest threat had been stopped. From looking like a corpse, he started to put weight on and was happy and alert. Why would the RSPCA want to Seize the horse?”
We knew that Marji had been transparent about the condition of the horse and that she recognised that Slim needed specialist equine dentistry. Very few vets have the knowledge and experience to provide the expertise she felt was required and she had contacted a specialist equine dentist and experienced vet to come and see Slim as she also did not want the horse to be faced with the trauma of a long trip to the only fully qualified Equine Dentist vet located in this state and anyway, that particular vet had a 2 month wait. Before the specialists could arrive for the appointment, the RSPCA seized “Slim.” Marji had been put in a situation by the RSPCA Inspector that she would be forced to euthanise him, instead she decided to fight. Slim was seized, in spite of the fact although he was unwell, he was being well cared for and fed numerous times a day and all the other horses on the property were in excellent condition.
Unnecessary 5 hour road trip
Marji suffered the trauma of having the RSPCA vehicles and police seizing the horse which she had been nursing and then the RSPCA subjected him to a road trip over 5 hours when all was needed to wait another 10 days for a specialist equine dentist and vet at attend Yardah.
After the seize, Marji attempted to arrange the above specialist equine dentist and accompanying vet assess the horse, the RSPCA avoided the appointment. Marji was also informed that she had no rights to see him.
Being ambushed with a raid including armed police is pretty scary. Marji grew up thinking that the police were “the good guys” but being alone and not even being given time to phone her legal adviser or even get dressed. She said “as I do not have a dog, perhaps they were frightened of my cat, Fleabag. Or perhaps, they thought that I might “run away.” Do have a look at my efforts of running in the paddock. If it wasn’t so terrifying, it would be laughable”.
Seizing My Horse.
RSPCA Inspector refused to tell me where the horse was going. I had no information where the horse was kept and who was responsible for his care. When “Slim” came back his behaviour could only be called crazy. He left an alert (but with compromised health) well behaved happy horse in February and he came back in July crazy and so fat he was showing sights of laminitis. I also found out Murdoch University was asked to arrange his castration (by, I am assuming the RSPCA Inspector who took the horse). And the owner has no rights.
Successful Legal Battle but Foggy was Murdered
Following the seizure of Slim, Marji went through a legal battle to have him returned, which she won in court. Slim was finally returned after 4 months in July 2017. Within 36 hours of Slims’ return home, Marji’s beloved stallion Foggy (Yardah Fogoso) was shot in the paddock. 
This event was shared via social media and received a great deal of sympathy and support.
Mystery Injury and Mystery Informant
In March (2018) this year “Horse” had a paddock injury which was being treated daily, with appropriate wound care and careful bandaging. Although “Horse” was kept close to the house, somehow, he became the subject of a Warrant to Enter and a Warrant to Seize.
For the FIFTH time, Marji was the subject of an RSPCA visit on 28 March 2018 and “Horse” and one of the older pregnant mares were seized.
The death of Foggy and the unexplained injury of “Horse” are of great concern to Marji and she wonders how this situation could possibly have happened and who could benefit from the situation…..?
In addition to the reality and trauma of two raids and a total of 3 horses seized for no good reason except malevolence, the threats of fines of $50,000 and/or 5 years in jail and/or not allowed near horses has made Marji very determined to fight this but she needs YOU to help.
What is Cruel.
Marji says, “seizing my horse which was recovering from a very serious health condition and travelling him for more than 5 hours in a horse float to Perth could be categorised as CRUEL. The second horse with the neck injury, after cutting off the bandage so the vet could make the claim that the horse needed to be seized, Marji had to insist that they rebandage it before the put him on the float. They were just in a hurry to seize him, not his welfare. Trying to load a very pregnant elder mare into a horse float beside a wire fence with a stallion on the other side, is not only stupid and ignorant, but not taking care of the mare. I was given no reason for them taking the mare. Once again, was it the Seize which was more important than the welfare of the animal. Someone had to go and ask them to move the float before the mare and the stallion were hurt”.
Dynamics of a Natural Herd and Drought in the Country
The RSPCA and their advisors do not seem to understand the dynamics of a natural herd. Nor do they seem have any understanding, or even want to know, what happens with animals when they are changed from dam water to bore water. It is normal for the animals to drop in condition while they adjust to the different water. If you only have one horse, you can carry water from the tank or just turn on a tap as the government provides the water. We don’t have that luxury. We have to provide the water. We have just had a very long dry summer.
No pasture and short of water. Compared to the other nearby properties all the horses on Yardah had ad libitum hay or were given additional feed and those that needed it, had their water shandied while they acclimated the new water.
“These horses are a business but with each of them I have had a relationship. As a genetic programme I did not even have to sell them unless they did not fit the profile of the breed and I was able to place them in an excellent home. “
“In the herd, some were closer than others, but murdering Foggy was the end of a love story. We only have a couple of very special horses in our lives. Dulcero was one and Foggy was another. I respect and thank every one of the horses for what they have given me over the years.
This matter needs to be brought to the court and defended. Not just for me but for every other farmer and livestock owner. Even better would be a Royal Commission. “
About Marji
Marji says “I have had several recent challenges in my life, starting with the loss of my husband. I had a stroke; which I have pretty much overcome but it did put me in a very financially precarious position which I am still attempting to crawl out of and I then discovered that I have cancer. Cancer is something we cannot control or catch, it is just life. It is the things which can be avoided that are so senseless.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marji_Armstrong
Attacked by the RSPCA
Being attacked by a so-called “charity” and
1. Having to find the funds to defend myself,
2. Losing the horses and their unique genetics that I have developed
3. The time, physical and emotional cost have been spent on this defence so far has been shattering.
4. The distress associated with a raid with armed police and a group in quasi police uniforms.
When, all I have wanted to do is take care of my horses, work the farm and share my knowledge with my students. At the moment, I am frightened to leave the farm as I do not know what next dirty trick is coming.
This crowdfunding campaign will give me the opportunity to prevent the RSPCA from targeting me, give me back my horses that have been seized, investigate the shooting of Foggy and the injury of my horse/s. Even better would be if I (and others) will only have to deal with a government department which is accountable and transparent in its’ dealings with the public.
I have cancer and while I do not know what my time line is, I guess as I am 74 there are certain assumptions we can make. What I want from whatever time I have been given is to leave a legacy of what I have learned and taught to people around the world. Because of this I have been working very hard to finish several of my projects to leave as my legacy”.
What Your Donation Will Do
Marji intends to defend herself, if YOU can help her. She says “I know that many people are so afraid of the power of the RSPCA that they do not want to be seen to support me (or others.) It was a farmer who made the suggestion that I do a crowdfunding initiative as it would allow he, and others, to support me anonymously with a donation without drawing attention to themselves and their own animals.”
It is difficult to assess the costs of this situation. The immediate goal is to get the two horses back from the RSPCA. The on-going costs are uncertain. It really depends on how much money the RSPCA is prepared to spend as part of their revenge.
We hope that the goal is exceeded to help with the investigation of Foggy and the other issues. Your donations will not be wasted, and any excess is going to the Cancer Council.
Even Five Dollars ($5.00aud) Will Make a Difference
If others, like me think that there is an appalling inequity being shown by the RSPCA, we need to show numbers as well as amounts of money to the world. I understand that for many people, particularly livestock owners every Dollar is important. 
................................................... . LET US PUSH TOGETHER ................................................
Even Five Dollars ($5.00aud) will act as a petition to the lawmakers, the media and the justice system. Hopefully, there will be thousands of people and the power of numbers will give me and others protection.
Payment is Protected by STRIPE.
Your donation is collected by Stripe. Your details are protected by Stripe.
Destroying Someone’s Reputation
Calling RSPCA is a great way to ruin someone’s reputation. To see constant visits from the RSPCA and having horses seized, people see that and think there must be something to it.
“She has had several visits from the RSPCA she must have done something”……. 
It just needs someone/or more who have the intention to create pain, all they have to do is make a “report” to the RSPCA and have a local inspector keen to support that. When all this started on 7 February 2017 Marji had absolutely no idea what path she was being forced down.
The RSPCA - Your Choice
We do not want to prejudice the evidence or an investigation. Whether you think the RSPCA is a wonderful organisation or someone thinks it is an evil organisation, one would hope that you will want to see truth and justice. Whatever your opinion of the RSPCA I hope that you will believe in our justice system and that Marji should be able to plead her case in court to have her horses returned to her and her innocence of neglect and/or cruelty.
She says “I will welcome my day in court and will enjoy that everyone else will have to attend and testify under oath. Hopefully, no-one will be able to crawl under a rock. I also hope that it will be very public and the RSPCA and their cronies, will be forced to look everyone in the face”.
Let’s hope that “Yardahgate” becomes as famous as “Watergate”. While the campaign is live, we will try to give updates every couple of days.
Marji’s Manifesto.
1. I will fight for justice for myself and others.
2. I will fight for my reputation.
3. I will fight to protect my animals from people who want to harm them.
4. I will fight to bring the murderer of Foggy accountable and what caused the injury of “Horse”, if possible.
5. I will fight to get my horses back before any damage is done to them by the RSPCA.
6. Any donations excess of the costs in this fight, will be donated to the Cancer Council.
'No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that's in the right and keeps on a-comin'. Captain Bill McDonald Texas Ranger
Marji says “as my reputation has been tainted I have videoed the animals and the conditions on Yardah. Sadly, it is not as nice as it was once due to “life challenges” and the season but I do not consider that any of these horses are/or were in any way at risk. To suggest that I have been neglectful or cruel has pained me to the core.”
Marji has many years of video on You Tube that shows happy horses, achieving beautiful, classical training that has always been done with the relationship and mental and physical well-being of the horse as a foundation for her horses and those of her students around the world.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Yardahstud
Confront the Immorality
Please support this campaign. It is only by someone being prepared to confront the immorality, that this will cease. The RSPCA depend that they have unlimited funds and the normal person simply cannot defend themselves. The advice to Marji was to “just roll over” but she is not that sort of person. She has always stood up for the vulnerable and fought injustice- whether it has been hers or another’s.
Since Marji was diagnosed with cancer, she has experienced the support of the Cancer Council who are doing so much wonderful work for people. We all know that cancer is a possibility in families. Any excess after the costs of fighting the RSPCA and associated investigations, will be given to the Cancer Council.
Duck Soup
It seems that people in U.K. are having the same problems that we are having here.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/765717/Police-RSPCA-homeless-man-raising-ducks-confiscate
In U.K. it took 11 people, a riot van, 2 police cars to take 2 ducks which were free to leave at any time.
Marji Says
“If we win, and the RSPCA are forced to pay for what they caused, there will be a lot of money for the Cancer Council; if not, I will have to face the horror that is being presented.
I have had an amazing journey and been part of the lives of so many people around the world. After realising that I am not “bullet-proof” I have been organising my legacy as I want to leave behind my knowledge and ideas. It is taking a bit longer due to this debacle.
A Way to Give Something Back
It is very close to fruition and for that reason, I am able to offer people something back for their donations. Well, that is if they are horsey or a book of my saga with the RSPCA - "It Can Happen To You." I do not like the word “Perks” but that is one of the terminology for donations. I have been looking to have my work published and hope that it will allow my fiscal responsibilities to be put to rest. My books, the On-Line Lessons, Monthly Membership and 3,000 hours of clinics around the World and some specialised Merchandise can be claimed using a voucher from those giving donations.”
How To Donate Anonymously
When donating on GoFundMe you can hide your name and contribution details will be anonymous to all but the organiser. GoFundMe will be send you an email with the donation summary.
PLEASE ENSURE that you check the message under your name. Hide name and comment from everyone but the organizer and team.
In that way, I will be able to Thank You and read any comments but your name and comment will not be available to the public.
Claim a Voucher
If you contact [email redacted] you may claim a voucher to the nett value of your donation from the goods and/or services which will be listed on www.classicalhorse.com . Sadly the website was about to be launched until this road bump happened in March. All donors’ details will be kept strictly confidential.
Cancer Council
If we win the case the excess money will be donated to the Cancer Council.
Marji Thanks You
Marji asked In advance, “I want to THANK YOU and wishes to acknowledge the people who have supported me financially and emotionally since this drama started in February 2017.”
Message from the Team
We will support Marji by helping bring you updates.
We are a group of students, friends and Yardah friends. We have known Marji for many years, in fact combined more than 150 years. Marji has requested that as campaign leaders we do not give our names until we see that we are not going to be “hang out to dry.” She has said that she does not want the responsibility of others being targeted in the same way as she has had to endure. There is strength in numbers.
” Theft of my horses is one thing and challenging to redeem,
Tyranny is difficult but makes us stronger
Taint my reputation is even harder to redeem but
Terminating Foggy was heart-breaking.”
Testimonials
