ARLINGTON, Wash. - The sluggish economy is now driving horse lovers to do the unthinkable: abandon their animals. It's happening at such a growing rate, rescuers and shelters can't keep up.

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Factors leading the trend, high food, gas prices, homes lost to foreclosures lead the trend that is spreading across Washington state and the nation. Horses are being abandoned in fields and along roads.  And horse rescue operations are being inundated.

"Where we believe she was shot is right here in her forehead," said Gretchen Salstrom, founder of People Helping Horses in Arlington, Wash. "And as a result she has a little bit of a lazy eye."

Shot and left to die, the stories of how they got here are painful. Abused, neglected, one mare at People Helping Horses again being cared for after her rescue and adoption and now return. 

"We've had four horses returned to us due to financial situations," said Salstrom.

More than ever, owners of these beautiful and sometimes pricey animals are walking away. 

"I get calls from people in different states," said Salstrom.  "There are 100 horses that have been abandoned on the Indian reservation looking to help. It's definitely something I'm hearing more of."

The reason: rising food costs. Seed up from nine dollars a bag a year ago to about $14. Hay is up $150 dollars a ton, and horse rescues like People Helping Horses see donations down-way down.

"It's sad," said Salstrom. "We're not going to say, 'No you can't bring the horse back.'"

With some non-profits reportedly fielding 100 calls per month in parts of the state, horse rescuers brace for the worst they believe is yet to come.

"We're going to get plenty of horse this winter.  I can guarantee it.  They'll be coming we'll be taking care of them," said Salstrom.

Last year,this groups hay bill was $45,000.  This year will top $60,000. Across the nation, ranchers are struggling with a moral dilemma.  There are no slaughter houses in the U.S.; the last were closed last year due to public outcry.