Abanded and neglected horses and ponies are of paramount importance to the 500 members of the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society.

The group hosted Horsefest at the Four State Fair Grounds Saturday in an effort to bring attention to what members say is an increasing occurrence of mistreated horses.

BEHS board members Jackie and Leon Early of Helena, Ark., have been rescuing horses since 2007. Saturday the couple brought Outlaw, a 6-year-old stallion they have been providing care for since its owner was forced to surrender him and four others or face prosecution.