NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Sunday night, 15 horses of the 84 that were brought there a month ago remain at the fairgrounds. About 65 others have been adopted or sent to equine groups that will find homes for them.

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The animals are part of dozens that have spent the past month at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. They were taken there after authorities found them starving in Cannon County.

The 15 that remain homeless have been left behind for a variety of reasons.

Sunday, volunteer Sara Varsa pointed out the health issues of each horse and pony left behind.

“So this pretty mare not only has a severe case of rain rot which needs continuing treatment, but when we got her, she could not lay down because her legs were essentially locked,” she said.

Others have had difficulty finding homes because of the animals' young age.

“They need a lot more care and attention,” Varsa said.

“There are still about 15 horses on site. They really need to find foster homes and/or adoptive homes, so we are here to help find homes for special needs horses still here," said Mary Hord, Director of the Almost Home Animal Rescue group from Rutherford County.

The horses were already in bad shape, but others have injuries that haven’t exactly been figured out yet. Others have been diagnosed.

Feed and grooming supplies have already been donated. Dozens of volunteers have worked around the clock caring for the animals, but the work will be all complete when every horse finds a home.

“We will find a way. I mean, we are going to find a way. We will find foster homes for them. We'll find places for them to go, but, ultimately, we need long-term adoptive homes for the few that remain,” said Hord.

Volunteers said the injured horses will most likely need to be kept as pets that just graze in a pasture as opposed to riding horses.

Humane Society volunteers from across the country have helped. Volunteers hope to move the final 15 horses out of the fairgrounds over the next couple of days so those rescue workers can be sent home for the holidays.

The Humane Society is looking for help from boarding facilities or anyone who can take the final few animals. If you're interested in helping, contact one of the following groups:

• Volunteer Equine Advocates
• Almost Home Animal Rescue of Rutherford County
  E-mail contact:mary@almosthomerutherford.com
• Horse Haven of Tennessee
  865-609-4030