By Jason Sloss, News Channel 3 Reporter
jsloss@kesq.com

MORONGO VALLEY - George Nudson is a Morongo Valley man with a soft spot for horses.

"I've had horses all my life. Since I was 12 years old I've been breaking horses," says Nudson, who's running a horse rescue called Save-A-Horse.

For the last year, the 90 year old World War II vet and former rodeo rider has been taking care of abused and abandoned horses.

"I figured I could save some horses from going to the slaughter house. Find homes for them.. where people will take care of them."

Right now, Nudson is working with two horses -- to make sure they're healthy and unafraid.

"It's hard to get 'em to calm down when people beat on them. They're expecting it all the time."

Nudson is working to develop five acres of land he owns near Yucca Valley, where he would like to build a corral and eventually take care of nearly two dozen horses.

But that would take more money. Money Nudson doesn't have.

He says he's using most of his social security checks to take care of the animals.

He has had to turn down requests to take on more horses.

He is hoping desert residents will help him in his cause.

"There's a lot of people who love horses, love animals and don't want to see them abused."

For more information about Save-A-Horse or to make a donation, call 760-363-6136.