Latest from Horse & Hound in Horse-rescue

‘Every step was agonising’: ponies found with overgrown feet and their joints collapsing find their happy ending

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:52:11 +0000

Two Shetlands who were so neglected they could barely walk when they were rescued have recovered so well, they will be able to meet supporters next month.

Jewels and her daughter Ariel were taken in by HorseWorld in January, after the charity was contacted by the RSPCA. Both had severely overgrown hooves, “making walking almost impossible”.

“X-rays revealed both ponies had chronic laminitis, with significant rotation of the pedal bone in all four feet,” a HorseWorld spokesperson said. “The damage had developed over a prolonged period and was causing extreme pain.”

The charity’s equine welfare advisor Meg Challinor was among those who responded to the emergency call.

“When the call and initial photos came in from the RSPCA, I knew we had to act fast,” she said.

“Within 40 minutes we were onsite with the emergency vet. I knew immediately they had been suffering for a long time.

“Their hooves had grown so badly that the bones inside their feet had shifted. Their joints had begun to collapse. Every single step they took was clearly absolutely agonising. They needed to be removed immediately.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Both ponies were underweight and Jewels had a deep indentation on her face where a headcollar had been left on for a long period of time.

When they arrived at HorseWorld, the charity’s teams assessed the pair.

“Despite the severity of their condition, the ponies quickly revealed bright, curious personalities and a strong will to recover,” the spokesperson said.

“Today, Ariel and Jewels are making excellent progress thanks to ongoing specialist veterinary care, expert farriery, careful management and round-the-clock support from HorseWorld’s welfare team.

“The pair are now looking forward to a future that once seemed impossible and will be among the horses and ponies meeting visitors at HorseWorld’s annual Horse Fest Open Day on Saturday, 25 July.”

Visitors will be able to meet other horses and ponies, watch demonstrations and take part in activities, as well as learning more about the charity.

“While Ariel and Jewels’ story has a happy ending, HorseWorld warns that they are far from an isolated case,” the spokesperson said, adding that the number of calls to the charity about equines in crisis is increasing, as costs continue to rise.

“Ariel and Jewels are just two of many horses who urgently need help each year,” said Ms Challinor. “Cases like theirs remind us why it is so important that we can act immediately when concerns are reported. Every horse deserves the chance of a safe, healthy future.”

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(Image credit: HorseWorld)

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Final farewell to orphaned foal who touched hearts with his giant teddy friend after a safe and happy life

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:02:15 +0000

An orphaned foal who touched hearts across the world – and shaped shape equine welfare practice – has died aged 13 after the “safest and happiest life possible”.

Dartmoor hill pony Breeze, who was rescued at a day old and became famous when pictures of him sleeping next to his giant teddy friend Buttons were shared online, had to be put down owing to a severe case of colic.

Breeze was taken in by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary.

The charity’s Yelverton rescue facility team leader Lucy Jewell said: “Everyone at Yelverton is truly sorry and devastated to hear the news that Breeze is no longer with us.

“During his time at Yelverton he was a firm favourite for us all and was the pony who always made you smile. We will cherish our memories of him and forever hold him in our hearts.”

Picture by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Breeze was given Buttons by sanctuary staff for comfort and security during his early days, while he was being cared for round the clock. He was reunited with the teddy three years later.

“Despite the sanctuary’s work and more than a decade of skilled handling and training, Breeze’s early deprivation and hand-rearing meant he was never suitable for rehoming,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “He spent his life under the dedicated care of the sanctuary’s specialist teams, who adapted their facilities and approaches to give him the safest and happiest life possible.”

Nikki Anstey, equine training lead at the sanctuary, said Breeze had a major impact on how the charity works with complex ponies.

“He was somewhat of an icon of the sanctuary,” she said. “He came to us as an extremely poorly little pony. He was not able to be socialised with other horses for an extended period due to his lack of immunity and had to be hand-reared.

“There were many sleepless nights, bottle-feeding him every hour and having to lift him up and lay him down as he was so weak.

“His personality started shining through at a young age and he will always remain one of the most influential ponies that I have ever encountered in my career at the sanctuary. We always had an understanding, and he was incredibly loving and affectionate, despite his complex behavioural needs. I don’t think any horse, or person, could have ever taught me as much as he did.”

The charity’s head of equine expertise Sally Burton said the team adapted Breeze’s environment to suit his needs, studied the latest evidence on behaviour and welfare, and brought in external standards. His care “continues to inform the charity’s approach to equine welfare”.

Picture by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary (Image credit: Fiona Crawford)

“Breeze pushed us all to raise our standards, to think differently about how we support horses and ponies with complex needs, and to champion good practice across the wider equine sector,” she said.

“We are deeply saddened by his loss. Colic remains one of the most serious emergencies we see, and in Breeze’s case, despite prompt veterinary attention and intensive care, it was not possible to save him.”

The charity paid tribute to all those who cared for Breeze over the years, and to the “wonderful, patient, thoughtful attention he was given”. He has been described as “truly loved”, as shown in the way teams supported him every day of his life.

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‘Starting to shine again’: mare rescued pregnant, emaciated and with a heart murmur beats the odds to thrive and raise her foal

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:53:18 +0000

A mare who was rescued pregnant, extremely underweight and with a major heart murmur has beaten the odds to survive – and both she and her foal are “starting to shine” with a secure future.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary took in Thelma, whom vets did not expect to survive when she was rescued last year thanks to a multi-agency operation led by World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA.

“Thelma was extremely underweight and facing significant welfare concerns including a severe heart murmur,” a Mare and Foal Sanctuary spokesperson said. “At an RSPCA holding base she gave birth to Cindy and, for a time vets believed it unlikely Thelma would live.

“The Mare and Foal Sanctuary prepared to offer a place to Cindy in the belief she would soon be orphaned. Staff had space ready for her to join a group of Icelandic foals so she could grow up with companions her own age.

“Experienced grooms and veterinary staff were on standby to give her the specialist, round-the-clock care a vulnerable, orphaned foal would need.

“But against expectations, Thelma survived.”

The charity’s team put Thelma on a careful refeeding schedule, which meant she slowly gained weight in an appropriate way. Her heart rate stabilised, and vets could no longer detect the murmur.

“Thelma’s incredible recovery meant that on 5 March 2026, both mare and foal could be transferred together into the sanctuary’s care,” the spokesperson said. “They arrived safely at the charity’s Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Assessment Centre in Newton Abbot, where they began the next phase of their lives.”

Thelma’s care will be focused on keeping her life as calm and settled as possible and Cindy will have expert handling to help her develop as a young horse.

Thelma and Cindy now (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Their handler Jade Proctor said: “Seeing how far Thelma and Cindy have come makes me so hopeful for what’s ahead.

“They are finally safe, settled, and starting to shine again. I just know they’re going to blossom even more from here. They both deserve the happiest future.”

The sanctuary’s director of fundraising and communication Dawn Vincent said Thelma and Cindy’s story shows what is possible when charities and the public work together.

“Without specialist intervention, their story could have had a very different ending,” she said.

“Equine welfare charities are under unprecedented pressure this year during the cost-of-living crisis, as rising costs and soaring demand stretch already limited resources to breaking point. That’s why we genuinely appreciate every pound donated – allowing us to support more horses and ponies in need.”

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‘A gentleman from day one’: 30-year-old horse left to starve gets his second chance

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:02:27 +0000

The story of a 30-year-old part-thoroughbred who had suffered “prolonged starvation” and was in desperate need of help is “far from unique”, a welfare charity has warned.

The elderly gelding had a body condition score of 0 and his future was uncertain when HorseWorld took him in last August. He is now “healthy, content and thriving”.

A spokesperson for the charity said the RSPCA got in touch about the horse, who has been named Clyde.

“Following a veterinary assessment, the horse was seized on welfare grounds and transported to HorseWorld for urgent care,” she said.

“He had a body condition score of 0 and was severely emaciated, with ribs, hips and spine clearly visible. He was dehydrated, had very few teeth, no suitable food available and severely overgrown, damaged hooves. Further veterinary investigations confirmed there was no underlying disease; his condition was the result of prolonged starvation.

“On arrival, Clyde’s recovery was far from certain. Because reintroducing food too quickly after extreme starvation can be fatal, HorseWorld’s team worked closely with veterinary specialists to implement a carefully controlled rehabilitation programme.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A veterinary assessment indicated that despite his poor condition, Clyde had a good chance of recovering to enjoy life.

Horse World equine welfare advisor Meg Challinor said: “It was heartbreaking to see Clyde’s condition when we arrived on site following an urgent call from the RSPCA. Even after everything he had been through, he was a gentleman from day one and quickly won the team over.

“Rehabilitating a horse with a body condition score of 0 is really challenging. After a careful vet assessment, we believed Clyde could recover and enjoy a good life, so our team were determined to give him every chance. With expert care and careful dietary management, he has made an incredible recovery.”

Clyde was introduced to other horses as he recovered, including 33-year-old Fagan.

“The pair quickly formed a close friendship, helping Clyde settle into his new life surrounded by safety, care and companionship,” the spokesperson said.

“Now aged 31, Clyde is almost unrecognisable from the horse who first arrived. He is healthy, content and thriving within the herd and will remain at HorseWorld for the rest of his life, where his needs can be carefully managed as he grows older.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

But Clyde is just one of what the charity said is an increasing number of horses “suffering neglect, abandonment and welfare crises”.

“During 2025, HorseWorld investigated welfare concerns relating to more than 700 horses, highlighting the growing pressures facing equine welfare organisations,” the spokesperson said, adding that many of those who arrive at the charity are in a similar condition to Clyde, needing urgent vet treatment and ongoing specialist care.

Charity chief executive Jo Coombs said: “Clyde’s story shows just how critical it is that we can act quickly when a horse is in danger. Without immediate intervention, he would not have survived.

“Sadly, Clyde is not an isolated case. We are seeing more horses arriving in poor condition and more requests for help than ever before. The welfare challenges facing horses today are growing, and charities like HorseWorld are increasingly being asked to step in when owners can no longer cope. Our emergency response fund enables us to respond immediately when those calls come in, but we can only do that with public support.”

Donate to the emergency fund

Clyde’s care has cost over £1,100 so far but every rescue needs significant funds.

HorseWorld is urging supporters to donate to its emergency fund so “when the next urgent call comes, it can continue to provide immediate sanctuary, expert care and a second chance to horses in desperate need”.

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‘A very delicate rescue’ of pony found completely stuck inside tractor tyre

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:44:36 +0000

We all know the strange situations horses can find themselves in – but there can’t be many as odd as this one.

This pony was found completely stuck in a large tractor tyre, which was lying on its side in a field in Stoke-on-Trent.

Members of the public spotted that the tyre had an unexpected inhabitant and called the RSPCA, which sent animal rescue officer Nicola Riley to the scene.

“When Nicola arrived, the pony was trapped and unable to free himself,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “His coat was extremely matted and dirty, and although he was breathing, he was clearly distressed.”

People who live in the area helped by lifting the tyre while Ms Riley tried to free the pony, thought to be an adult and about 14hh, in stages. The spokesperson told H&H he was exhausted and did not need to be sedated.

“It was a very delicate rescue,” Ms Riley said. “The poor pony was completely wedged against the tyre and understandably very scared and uncomfortable.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We had to take a staggered approach to free him safely; first easing out his front feet, then carefully working his shoulder free before finally releasing his neck and front end. Thankfully, everyone worked really well together and we managed to get him out without causing any injury.”

The pony was “a little wobbly” once he was freed, and stood with his back legs still in the tyre but then managed to step out of it. Ms Riley stayed with him and his companion for an hour afterwards to ensure he had recovered.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He soon returned to grazing and walking around the field again,” she said. “But this could have ended very differently, so I’m really grateful to the local residents who stopped to help.”

The tyre was removed from the field and the spokesperson said no other welfare concerns were noted; the owner has been given advice and paperwork, and the ponies will be monitored as appropriate.

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‘We didn’t know if he would make it’: foal left to die at a day old beats the odds to survive

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 12 May 2026 14:20:34 +0000

A foal who was abandoned to die when he was less than a day old is thriving as he approaches his first birthday thanks to those who went to his rescue.

Biggles was thought to be less than 24 hours old when he was found lying in a field in County Durham, his umbilical cord still present. The horse owner who found him called Here4Horses, a charity based in the area.

“Severely dehydrated, weak and unable to stand, Biggles was in a critical condition and needed urgent veterinary treatment if he was to have any chance of survival,” a Here4Horses spokesperson said.

Charity trustee Wendy Suddes took Biggles to Clevedale Veterinary Practice in Upleatham, near Guisborough, where his treatment included IV fluids, antibiotics and feeding via a tube to prevent more dehydration.

Biggles in hospital (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Once stable, he needed round-the-clock care and was bottle-fed every two hours, day and night, by Wendy and the other dedicated Here4Horses volunteers,” the spokesperson said.

“Thanks to the expertise of vets Alistair Love and Lis Watson, alongside Wendy’s unwavering dedication, Biggles beat the odds and is now thriving ahead of his first birthday in June.”

Wendy said the first 72 hours after Biggles’ rescue were critical.

“We genuinely didn’t know if he was going to make it,” she said.

“We can only assume he’d lost his mum and had been abandoned because he needed intensive care. We threw everything at him and just hoped it would be enough. Clevedale Vets were truly exceptional, and everyone showed incredible care and commitment throughout his recovery.

Biggles keeping warm at home (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We always want to be in a position to help in situations like this one and young Biggles was so lucky because without public support we simply cannot continue.”

Clevedale Vets provides cares for all the Here4Horses residents and Mr Love has overseen Biggles’ treatment since his rescue.

“Biggles was in a very poor condition when he arrived, and there was a real risk we might lose him,” he said.

“Thanks to Wendy’s dedication and the intensive care he received, he’s made an incredible recovery. It’s fantastic to see him doing so well.

“It really was a team effort, but the credit has to go to Wendy – she was there around the clock, giving him the care he needed to survive.”

It is thought Biggles, a coloured cob, will mature at about 11hh.

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Mare keeps a watchful eye as rescuers help foal stuck in aqueduct

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:12:37 +0000

A foal who was stuck in an aqueduct three feet deep has been reunited with her mother thanks to the RSPCA.

The filly was spotted by walkers in the leat, or man-made watercourse, on Dartmoor on 1 April. It appeared she had slipped in and was unable to climb free by herself.

The walkers called the RSPCA and inspector Dale Grant went to the scene, and met the Dartmoor Commoners Council.

“Because the trapped pony was just a foal, he and one other person were able to help with the rescue without specialist equipment, and they were able to swiftly reunite the youngster with her mum who was watching close by,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Leats were historically used in the south and west of England to divert water for mining but this one was dry.

“It appeared the pony had taken an unfortunate slip down into the moat area, and was simply unable to climb out herself,” Mr Grant said.

“It’s not uncommon for the RSPCA to be contacted about large animals in need of help or rescue, and ordinarily, we’d need the assistance of the local fire and rescue service and their specialist teams and equipment to do this. Thankfully she wasn’t injured, just a little nervous, so we were happy to be able to help. It was lovely to watch her trot off to her mum.”

The RSPCA reminded walkers that local by-laws ban feeding the ponies on Dartmoor and that dogs should be kept under control near them and other livestock.

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‘I’m so proud of him’: meet Pirate Pete the one-eyed pony thriving after his rescue

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:57:34 +0000

One-eyed Pirate Pete the pony is thriving after an “awful start in life” thanks to the collaboration of charities that went to his rescue.

The coloured youngster, now two, was found last winter with one eye so badly ulcerated, it had to be removed. Thanks to the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, he now has a home and a secure future.

“Pirate Pete, as he’s fondly known, has adapted really well to life with one eye and has a bright future ahead at World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, in Norfolk,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“During the thick of winter, the charities worked together to rescue him after World Horse Welfare field officer Rebecca Carter found the tiny piebald cob fly-grazing in a huge open field in Gravesend, Kent, after he was reported to the charity in October last year.”

Rebecca said she could see how sore Pirate Pete’s eye was, adding that eye injuries should always be treated as veterinary emergencies.

“They’re incredibly painful and the sooner they’re checked, the better the chances of recovery or at least minimising the damage,” she said.

Rebecca contacted the RSPCA, which sent staff to the field along with a vet and the police. The pony was signed into the RSPCA’s care and taken to Lingfield Equine Vets.

“Sadly, Pirate Pete’s eye had been so extensively damaged because of the length of time that he had been left without treatment – thought to be around a month by the time he was found – that ultimately it had to be removed, despite the best efforts of vets to save it,” the spokesperson said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

RSPCA head equine vet Roxanne Kirton said as well as surgery to remove the eye, Pirate Pete had to be treated for strangles, and a related mass was removed from his throat area.

“It was a long journey for Pete but the teams worked incredibly hard to pull him through his ordeal,” she said. “Our thanks must go to our amazing supporters whose donations help us to pay for veterinary treatment for ponies like Pete.”

Once Pirate Pete was strong enough, he was moved to Hall Farm, having been signed over to World Horse Welfare by the RSPCA.

Senior groom Megan Jarvis, who has looked after Pirate Pete since he arrived at his new home, said: “I’m so proud of how he has come on since he got here.

“When he first arrived, he was really quite nervous and was having to adjust to life with only one eye. I’ve been amazed at how quickly he progressed once I got him into a routine of regular handling. He’s such a quick learner and very brave.

“Pirate Pete has also coped really well with being introduced to life in a herd despite his limited vision. We turned him out with just a few ponies first to see how he got on, but now he’s out with a big group of geldings and absolutely thriving. I think he’s a wonderful little boy – someone is going to have a really lovely pony when he’s ready for rehoming.”

An abandonment notice was left at the field where Pirate Pete was found, but no owner came forward to claim him, so the charities could not investigate further.

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‘Every day is a win’: tiny pony dumped to die has ‘light back in her eyes’ as she takes small steps towards recovery

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:18:50 +0000

A tiny pony dumped emaciated, alone and “utterly exhausted” has “light back in her eyes” as she continues to make progress towards health, her rescuers said.

H&H reported last month on Annie, a young 11.2hh mare who had been rescued from a field in Basingstoke by World Horse Welfare and taken to The Horse Trust.

The coloured mare was “fighting for survival” in the days after her rescue, the charity said at the time. She was very underweight, with a significant lice infestation and skin issues, and needed round-the-clock veterinary care.

“In my many years at The Horse Trust I have never seen such an utterly exhausted pony arrive into our care,” charity chief executive Jeanette Allen told H&H.

“Annie has taken full hold of our hearts and every day she is with us feels like a win. She’s still very frail but the light is back in her eyes and we will continue to do all we can to give her the best possible chance at a happy, healthy life.”

A spokesperson for the charity told H&H Annie has tested negative for strangles and has managed to get up unassisted a couple of times. She is still very underweight and suffering from the lice infestation and skin issues, which are being treated.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Recent care has included clipping and medicated bathing to treat sores and improve her comfort,” the spokesperson said. “While she appeared to enjoy this, it also highlighted just how fragile she still is.”

The spokesperson said the team is hugely grateful for the response of the public to Annie’s plight; over £20,000 has so far been raised towards her care.

“Although she still has a long way to go, her recovery is moving in a positive direction and the team are encouraged by her progress,” she added.

Anyone who would like to donate to help Annie can visit The Horse Trust website, and the charity is sharing updates on her progress on its Facebook page.

“We are so grateful for the thousands of people who have taken Annie into their hearts as well and are supporting her extremely tough journey,” Ms Allen said.

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‘I’ve never seen flooding like it’: rescue of herd trapped by rising water is a cautionary tale for owners

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:57:08 +0000

The rescue of a group of donkeys found in a “desperate situation” surrounded by rising floodwater is a cautionary tale for others, their rescuers believe.

The plight of April, Mimi, Martha, Mabel, Aida, Pippin and Lily-Mae came to the attention of the Donkey Sanctuary at the end of January, when Storm Chandra caused a river near their home to burst its banks, and water was pouring into their field.

The donkeys’ owner contacted Somerset County Council for help, and the equine welfare charity responded. Welfare advisor Sarah Kenward found the group “huddled on a small clearing that hadn’t yet become submerged”.

“In my 14 years working within the animal welfare sector, I hadn’t seen flooding like it,” Ms Kenward said. ”I would estimate that the site was 95 percent under water; it was heartbreaking to witness the animals surrounded by water, with no means of escaping.

“The constant rain had caused the donkeys’ stable area to flood; their bedding was floating on top of the water, and the only hard standing the donkeys could access was near one trailer; the storm had brought a tree down on another trailer.”

Ms Kenward and the charity’s vet Jamie Forrest worked together to remove the donkeys from the smallholding. April, one of the older jennys, was in poor condition and it was agreed that putting her down was the best option for her.

The donkeys in the sanctuary’s new arrivals unit. (Image credit: Alex Walton)

“With more wet weather forecast and a fuller understanding of the longer-term needs of the donkeys, it was agreed for the group to come into the care of the Donkey Sanctuary,” the charity spokesperson said, adding that once deemed fit to travel by the vet, they were transported to the sanctuary’s new arrivals unit in Devon.

“Since arriving at the sanctuary, the donkeys have gone from strength to strength. They’ve had their hooves trimmed and have been wormed. In the coming weeks they will have dental treatment and vaccinations.

“The donkeys have also been introduced to straw feed and have a comprehensive balancer to ensure they have the vitamins and minerals they need to improve their condition.”

The charity pointed out that donkeys evolved in dry climates and are not well adapted to wet British winters; as these may be becoming more common, there are “additional challenges for owners to consider”.

“Understanding the risks and developing a contingency plan based on your own circumstances will help in times when urgent action is needed,” Ms Kenward said. “Our donkey advice centre and regionally based donkey welfare advisers are able to provide friendly, practical advice and guidance to owners throughout Britain.”

She added: “The whole situation was incredibly sad but thanks to our amazing teams, it was so rewarding to bring the donkeys to the sanctuary, to safety, and help them on their journey to find new forever homes.”

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10 thoroughbreds including ‘one of the thinnest we’d ever seen’ now thriving in their home for life

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:03:07 +0000

Ten thoroughbreds including one of the thinnest horses Redwings had ever seen are thriving in their home for life after their owner was prosecuted for welfare offences.

The charity took in four mares last March and six last month, all owned by a man from Suffolk who was banned from keeping animals for life in an RSPCA court case.

Chloe Jefferd, one of Redwings’ welfare vets overseeing the horses’ care, said a mare named Harmonia was in the worst condition of the first four mares to arrive.

“She was severely emaciated and very weak as a result,” she said. “She was one of the thinnest horses our staff had ever seen and very poorly. Severe worm damage meant she needed a plasma transfusion and intensive care.”

The other three mares were in foal, and in very poor condition.

“Very sadly we lost Solo to severe parasitic worm disease shortly after her arrival,”Ms Jefferd said.

Harmonia and Elektra a year after their rescue (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Calypso was a wonderful mum but after a tumultuous weekend of round-the-clock care, her foal, who was born with several health issues, tragically died.

“Happily, Electra gave birth to a healthy colt, Echo, who is doing well so far.”

The four mares and the one surviving foal spent five months being cared for at Redwings’ quarantine centre. A year after their rescue, they have “settled into sanctuary life and working with Redwings’ behaviour team who are preparing them for their futures, whether that be inside or outside of sanctuary care”.

In February, they were joined by a stallion, a mare and her foal, two colts and a gelding from the same location.

“Sadly, the stallion also needed a plasma transfusion because of his parasitic worm burden,” Ms Jefferd said. “All have needed treatment for worms and the stallion and colts will need castrating.

“Whilst this is what we’re here to do, it’s becoming more and more difficult. Times are very tough and we need our supporters’ help more than ever to continue to be ready to rescue horses, ponies, donkeys and mules like these, when they need us most.”

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‘This case still haunts me’: woman with life ban on keeping animals left horses to suffer alongside their dead companions warning: upsetting pictures

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:43:13 +0000

A woman who left 22 horses to suffer alongside the rotting bodies of others has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Kerry Anne Pickersgill and her daughter Ellie Newby, of Barnard Castle, County Durham, were sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday (13 February). Pickersgill, 48, had pleaded guilty to 15 offences relating to 22 horses and 21 dogs, and one count in relation to breaching a previous ban on keeping animals. Newby, 25, admitted two offences in relation to two dogs.

An RSPCA spokesperson said its officers and those from World Horse Welfare “encountered distressing scenes at the remote property; one officer describing the smell of rotting flesh”.

“Twenty two horses, some collapsed and the majority underweight, were found living alongside dead equines in filthy barns and stables,” the spokesperson said, adding that 21 dogs, “many matted with mouldy faeces”, were discovered in sheds and trailers.

The court heard a local authority animal welfare officer visited the farm last February in response to a call about sheep and asked the RSPCA for help, having found dead horses and others in “very poor health”. Welfare concerns were also raised about a large number of dogs in sheds, stables and trailers.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“At the top of the drive was a large area where items were being dumped,” the spokesperson said. “There was evidence of a fire having been lit, and among a mound of straw, wood and bedding material were the carcasses of at least two horses, one of which was partially charred.”

In written evidence, RSPCA inspector James Smith said that as he approached the mound, he could see equine bones.

“As we walked round the pile I came across bones from various parts of an equine’s body and a head,” he said. “These had been there for some considerable time as flesh had decomposed.

“I was then taken to a stable which had no lighting but I was still able to see a chestnut foal and its dead mother lying in the corner. This stable was filthy and deep in faeces. There was no fresh bedding for this live youngster but someone had dropped some hay on to the faeces and given water.”

Mr Smith said in a large shed next door, he found seven horses, some rugged, who appeared to be in poor condition.

“This shed was split in two and in the other section there were two young equines lying dead on the floor, a skewbald and a bay which still had a rug on it,” he said.

“The conditions were very poor, filthy and soaking wet with no clean bedding whatsoever. It was clear that the animals at this establishment could not stay like this.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The court also heard the dogs were living with “mouldy faeces”, in damp buildings and trailers.

Two vets and a dog behaviourist were asked to help, and confirmed the animals were suffering or likely to suffer, so they were seized.

The court was told 16 live horses were transported for immediate veterinary treatment. Six were owned by other people and on loan to the defendants.

“Eight of the horses were in such poor condition the vet who examined them recommended they be put to sleep to prevent further suffering,” the spokesperson said.

“Many had severely overgrown hooves, which in one case hadn’t been trimmed for three years, and teeth which hadn’t been seen for two years. Lice and worm infestations were rife and several horses’ coats were stained in faeces.”

In written evidence, a vet said none of the horses had a suitable living environment or enough food and most were underweight.

“One horse seen with a foal at foot would have taken a ‘minimum of 12 weeks’ to deteriorate to that condition, said the vet, while others were so hungry they were seen eating their own faeces,” the spokesperson said.

The vet added that had the horses been left in those conditions without treatment “they were all on the same conveyor belt of deterioration in health”.

“When animals died, it is clear they were left in the same stables they were contained in, despite other horses being in there,” the vet said.

Survivors

The surviving horses are being cared for by World Horse Welfare and a Shetland has since been rehomed.

Kerry Anne Pickersgill is said to have expressed regret about what happened and “the impact it had had on the animals and her family” and “apportioned the blame to herself for ‘putting herself in this predicament’”.

Newby, who had no previous convictions, was said to be under the influence of her mother. The court was told she had “significant problems” and had led a solitary existence.

RSPCA inspector Heidi Cleaver said all those at the scene were shocked.

“The images of starving horses standing alongside dead ones, and scores of nervous dogs living in near darkness, will stay with us all for a long time,” she said.

“Our thanks also go to our colleagues at World Horse Welfare for the incredible work they have done to get the surviving horses back to good health, and to the vets, the dog behaviourist and the police officers who worked with us on site until late in the evening.”

One of the youngsters taken in by World Horse Welfare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

World Horse Welfare field officer Seema Ritson added: “Finding numerous dead horses left where they’d fallen – the whole site reeking of rotting flesh – and starving equines shut in with no food, water, or light, was truly dreadful.

“Until I turned the torch on my phone on, I couldn’t even tell that there was a foal in one stable, standing on her own in the dark beside a dead mare. There are some cases that haunt me and this is one of them – the suffering here was horrendous.”

Kerry Anne Pickersgill, who had been banned from keeping all animals for life in 2015, was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 100 hours’ unpaid work and a six-month mental health treatment order.

Newby was given a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.

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Foal who called to his dead friend during rescue now has the ‘happy ending everyone hoped for’

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:41:07 +0000

A foal who wrung rescuers’ hearts by calling to his dead friend as he was saved from a flooded field by HorseWorld has got “the happy ending everyone hoped for”.

H&H reported on Soul, who was rescued in December 2023, aged about seven months, and went on to become the face of the charity’s Christmas campaign a year later.

He has now been rehomed with his best friend Trigger, another youngster taken into HorseWorld’s care.

“In the depths of winter 2023, a single phone call set in motion a rescue that would heartbreakingly expose the reality of equine neglect and ultimately showcase the life-changing effect of animal welfare charities working together to save lives,” a HorseWorld spokesperson said.

“A member of the public had discovered a dead, emaciated pony lying in a flooded field and immediately contacted the RSPCA. When officers arrived, they found another young pony still alive nearby, painfully thin, weak and fighting to survive. With time running out, the RSPCA called HorseWorld for urgent help.”

The spokesperson said Soul, named to “reflect the quiet strength he had shown against the odds”, was rescued on a very wet day, and that it was clear how hungry he was. But he appeared used to human handling, walking calmly on to the trailer – but calling to his friend, who was lying dead nearby.

The ponies’ owner was prosecuted and Soul started his rehabilitation at HorseWorld.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Rather than dwelling on the trauma these ponies had suffered, our focus had to be on helping Soul heal both physically and emotionally,” said the charity’s head of equine welfare, Sarah Hollister. “He was still just a baby.”

The pony was the face of HorseWorld’s “Soul’s stable of stars” campaign a year later, celebrating the lives of people’s two- and four-legged loved ones, including Soul’s friend.

“Now, two years on, Soul’s story has the happy ending everyone hoped for,” the spokesperson said. “Fully rehabilitated and thriving, Soul has been rehomed alongside his best friend Trigger; another young rescue pony who grew up with him during their recovery at HorseWorld. Together, the inseparable pair settled into their new home, where they spent Christmas safe, loved and finally at peace.”

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Advice and support are available: struggling owners urged to ‘do the right thing’ as dangerously thin horse highlights a ‘desperate situation’

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:32:43 +0000

Horse owners are reminded that there is confidential, non-judgemental advice available, as a “dangerously underweight” rescued colt highlights the “desperate situation” many horses and owners are in.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has shared the story of two-year-old Arab Bourbon, who was found in a “barren” field in Cornwall this year, very underweight and showing signs of prolonged poor health.

“Bourbon was in a desperate situation,” said senior field officer Leah Brock.

“The field was overgrazed, with no real grass for him to eat. He was extremely thin, and we suspected there were underlying health conditions that needed urgent, specialist investigation.

“Despite how he must have felt, he was calm throughout and took everything in his stride. When he arrived at the sanctuary we were all shocked that he just walked quietly off the lorry.”

Bourbon was signed into the care of the charity, which started a specialised recovery plan. Investigations showed liver issues were preventing weight gain; these have been treated and tests are ongoing on other veterinary issues.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The youngster’s story is the focus of the Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Christmas appeal; the charity highlighted the RSPCA’s Horse Sense report, which found most horses in England and Wales do not have a good life, highlighting lack of owner knowledge and turnout among the key factors.

“The Mare and Foal Sanctuary provides confidential, non‑judgemental advice to anyone struggling with their horse or pony,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “The charity believes most owners want to do the right thing, but may be facing financial pressures, health challenges or gaps in their knowledge. Wherever possible, the sanctuary’s welfare team works alongside owners to find solutions that keep horses safe and well.

“But combined with increasingly unpredictable weather and grazing conditions, it fears that this winter could push more owners and horses into crisis.

“This December, as many families make difficult choices about heating and food, equine charities are also bracing for a surge in welfare concerns. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is asking the public to support its work so that horses like Bourbon can be given specialist care they need to survive and recover, before it is too late.”

Bourbon is now living in a herd, “experiencing freedom, proper grazing and specialist care”.

But the charity’s Dawn Vincent said that as winter kicks in, there will be many horses like him who still need help.

“We are deeply grateful to our supporters, because without them we simply could not respond to these emergencies,” she said. “Their generosity has given Bourbon a second chance and a safe, loving home this Christmas, but there are many more still in need. Without our supporters, more lives would be lost, and more animals would continue to suffer.”

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‘Heartbreaking to see him so afraid’ but foal dumped at six weeks old learns to trust thanks to positive reinforcement training

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:52:37 +0000

A tiny foal who was dumped at six weeks old has been taken on by a broody mare – and learned to trust people thanks to positive reinforcement training.

The colt, named Malcolm after one of his rescuers was found alone and terrified a few months ago, but has made huge progress, and is learning to “be a normal horse”.

A spokesperson for World Horse Welfare said: “Malcolm was utterly terrified of humans after being found in July in a large open field, with a railway line on one side and a busy road on the other. Staff from World Horse Welfare rushed to his aid, fearing the frightened foal could bolt into danger at any moment.”

The charity’s director of UK Malcolm Morley, an experienced equine vet who leads UK welfare operations, said staff knew they had to get Malcolm to safety as soon as possible.

“He was so terrified after what he’d gone through that he needed to be sedated before he could be caught and loaded safely. It was a huge relief when he was on his way to our centre and the compassionate care he so deserved.”

The colt arrived at World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm “absolutely petrified of humans”.

Centre manager Claire Dickie said even stepping into the crew yard, an area designed for working safely with unhandled horses, would “send him careering around in panic”.

“At six weeks old, he should have been playful and curious about the world around him, so it was heartbreaking to see him so afraid,” she said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It was far too early for Malcolm to have been weaned so the charity’s team has been hand-rearing him, which gave groom Amy McCormack the chance to build a relationship with him.

“Positive reinforcement is a vital training tool for us,” Amy said. “This means we’ve used feeding time to help Malcolm link people with good things. Wither scratches – a favourite friendly gesture for horses – have also helped to teach him that humans can be associated with comfort and safety.

“He’s now happy for me to touch him all over, which is huge progress. We’re taking it steady so as not to overwhelm him at any point, but I’m so proud of him already.”

The team also found a foster mother for Malcolm to help him learn to interact with other horses.

“We can’t tell you her story yet, as she’s part of a prosecution case,” said Claire. “But it’s amazing how she immediately took Malcolm under her wing. She’s had a foal of her own previously and got very broody when we had new foals born on the farm this summer, so we thought we’d try her with him.

“She adopted him straight away and is doing a wonderful job showing him how to be a normal horse.

“Given how his story began, it’s amazing to see how far he’s come. In time, we hope his tragic start will be just a distant memory and that he’ll go on to live a happy, healthy life in a loving home.”

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Young mare trampled in lorry and thought dead is unrecognisable and happy in her forever home

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:22:51 +0000

A young mare who suffered a fractured skull and injuries all over her body when she was trampled in a “grossly overloaded” lorry is now almost unrecognisable, in her forever home.

H&H reported in January that Redwings had taken in Glorious; a spokesperson for the charity said a driver heading for the Continent with a lorryload of horses told people at an authorised stopping place that he had a dead horse on board.

“Glorious, as she was named by the horse welfare charity, had sustained crushing injuries after being unavoidably trampled by other horses on a grossly overloaded lorry,” a Redwings spokesperson said. “She had a large wound on her head, a fractured skull, and injuries all over her body that got worse before they got better as her damaged skin sloughed off revealing deep open wounds.”

Glorious on arrival (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Redwings has today (25 September) shared pictures of the mare’s transformation, as she lives among friends.

“Glorious is simply unrecognisable as the same horse we took in, which is testament to the skills, expertise and experience of every member of staff who has been involved with her,” said Nic De Brauwere, Redwings’ head of welfare and behaviour. “Glorious’ recovery from her injuries involved many months of treatment from our experienced welfare vets, as well as other veterinary experts brought in to help.”

Mr De Brauwere said the issue was not simply Glorious’s physical injuries; she had to recover from the mental trauma as well, so the charity’s behaviour team stepped in.

“Their work is vital in turning a frightened horse into a happy one, which is of course our aim,” he said.

“What isn’t obvious from the photos is the severe protective behaviour Glorious has around food. We can only imagine what led an otherwise relaxed and happy horse to be so difficult when anyone gets between her and any nearby food. This turned out to be a much bigger challenge than overcoming her understandable dislike of the handling needed to care for her various wounds.

Glorious recently with her friend Bruni (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Thanks to our supporters we can provide Glorious with all of the specialist support our behaviour team can provide in a safe, sanctuary home for the rest of her life.”

Redwings launched its Ready to Rescue appeal this year to raise funds and awareness of its work.

“To help ensure Redwings is always Ready to Rescue and provide treatment and ongoing care for horses like Glorious, please donate whatever you can,” the spokesperson said.

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Rescuers ‘horrified’ as neglected, underweight horse found almost bald from untreated skin condition warning: upsetting pictures

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:24:31 +0000

A horse whose skin was so sore, inflamed and broken that he was almost bald – and whose condition “horrified” those sent to rescue him – was put down after police were called.

Two people responsible for the care of Dynamite have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years. Wayne Kenneth Brown, 55, and 83-year-old Margaret Jean Southall, of Broughton Claverley, Wolverhampton, both pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences and were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 21 August.

“Dynamite was underweight and suffering from severe skin disease,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “He had hair loss, thickened skin, scabs, ulcers and bleeding from self-trauma due to intense itching.

“He also experienced diarrhoea and had gastric ulcers, likely due to a lack of adequate food. Sand was also present in his large intestine, and there was inflammation in his small and large intestines.”

Brown and Southall had not sought veterinary attention, the spokesperson said, and had “neglected basic preventative healthcare”.

RSPCA inspector Fiona Howell, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, was “horrified” by Dynamite’s condition.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He had 80% hair loss, and wounds covering his face, head and body; the worst of them on his rear end from the dock to his thighs, and on his forehead.

“The skin over his body resembled leather. He was visibly underweight and passing watery droppings in the form of diarrhoea. There was a large amount of mud and normal faeces in the field shelter. The gateway and area surrounding the field shelter was covered by deep mud which was difficult to walk through.

“He was standing with his hind quarters tucked under him. His ears were back and his muzzle tightly clenched. He was also grinding his teeth. He looked like he was in pain and uncomfortable.”

Ms Howell contacted police to seize Dynamite, and a horse transporter to take him to a vet, but Southall, the horse’s legal owner, took the decision to put him down on site.

A vet who examined the evidence on Dynamite’s condition after a post-mortem, said: “All the problems and suffering seen in Dynamite could all have been avoided by reasonable practical means. It is my expert opinion that the owner has not taken reasonable steps to meet the needs of the horses to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.”

Warning, graphic and distressing images

The court heard both were of previous good character, which was taken into account, and that Southall had been suffering from ill health at the time.

As well as the 10-year ban, which cannot be appealed for two years, Brown was given a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 80 hours’ unpaid work. Southall was also given a 12-month order and ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation days, and ordered to pay £200 costs.

Ms Howell said: “All animals deserve better than to have their suffering ignored. Those caring for animals have a responsibility to ensure the needs of their animals are met, which includes making sure they have a suitable diet and veterinary care for any health conditions.”

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‘Teamwork at its best’ as 17hh 800kg horse stuck neck-deep in bog is lifted free

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:56:21 +0000

It was a case of “teamwork at its best” in Herefordshire yesterday (3 September) as 800kg Belgian draught horse Ruby was rescued from a bog.

The 17hh mare was stuck neck-deep but her rescuers worked together to lift her out, uninjured and “in good health”.

A spokesperson for Bromyard Fire Station, part of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said its large animal rescue team and firefighters from Wyre Forest Fire Station were called to Ruby’s rescue.

Picture by Bromyard Fire Station (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Ruby had got through the electrical fencing and into a bog, and was unable to get out,” the spokesperson said. “The owner had called for a local farmer to come with his teleporter and a vet from Severn Edge Equine Vets. On arrival the fire crew found Ruby up to her neck in the bog; straw was placed in front her and pushed down to try and give her something to stand on and hopefully get out but she was already very tired and wasn’t able to.”

The rescue team made a plan to lift the mare out; the spokesperson said it was a difficult task to get strops round Ruby’s body.

“But after some time the crews were successful,” he said. “Once the front and rear strops were in place and spills harness fitted front and rear, Georgie the vet sedated Ruby to keep her calm during the lifting process. She was lifted clear of the bog and carried to a place of safety; she was allowed to stand in the lifting harness for a time to find her legs again.

Picture by Bromyard Fire Station (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“The harness was released and she was walked back to her stable where Georgie could give her a thorough health check; she confirmed that Ruby was uninjured and in good health and will be fine after a good rest.

“Thanks to everyone that was involved in this rescue, teamwork at its best delivering a brilliant result for Ruby.”

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‘Out of sadness a wonderful friendship has blossomed’: abandoned donkey finds new friend in loving home

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 11:11:56 +0000

A donkey who was abandoned while pregnant and who lost her friend has found a loving new home – and a new soul mate.

Young jenny Mia was taken in, heavily in foal, by World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm after she was abandoned last summer. She is now living with rehomer Alicia, whose donkey Duffy had lost her friend at about the same time Mia lost her companion Molly.

“Out of sadness, a wonderful friendship has blossomed,” a World Horse Welfare spokesperson said. “Mia and Duffy bonded very quickly and are now thriving together.”

World Horse Welfare groom Jodie worked with Mia before and after the birth of her foal Peanut.

“When Mia first arrived, she was very cautious of people – it took a long time to gain her trust,” said Jodie. “To catch Mia and her friend Molly, who was abandoned with her, for the vet the first time we had to use special treats and all our powers of persuasion! Mia was also very protective of her tummy and hind end and before she had Peanut, she would kick out at anyone who went near either area.

Mia with her foal Peanut. Picture by World Horse Welfare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“With a lot of time, patience, and careful training, Mia’s relationship with people has completely transformed. Seeing her go from being so apprehensive to enjoying a cuddle and being ready to rehome has been amazing. It’s been a very rewarding journey with Mia and I’m so happy that she’s found a loving home.”

Alicia, who had already rehomed a horse from the charity, took Mia in last month.

“Mia is adorable,” she said. “She and Duffy spent five minutes zooming around together when they were first introduced, then they had a bit of a chat together, and that was it: best friends immediately.

“They’d both sadly lost their friend at a similar time – I hadn’t the heart to rush straight into finding a new donkey and I knew Duffy needed time to mourn. When I felt the time was right, Mia came up for rehoming just a couple of days later.

“Having already rehomed from World Horse Welfare once, I was pleased to do my bit by rehoming again to make space for another animal in need to be rescued. I also knew that Mia would have been fully checked over and that any considerations would be disclosed. Jodie explained that I’d probably need food to catch Mia, but after a couple of weeks in her new home she’s very happy to be caught without it. The team at Belwade Farm has done a great job with her and she’s lovely to handle. She’s a very sweet, gentle little donkey and she loves a fuss. I’m so pleased she and Duffy have bonded so well.”

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Emaciated, wounded and suffering from strangles: tiny pony dumped and left for dead

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:51:14 +0000

The rescuers of a young pony “left for dead” at half his ideal bodyweight, wounded and suffering from strangles say he may not pull through, as they appeal for information on those responsible.

The RSPCA took in Casper, who was found by a member of the public in a field near Ambion Lane in Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire, on 23 July. He weighed 75kg – the RSPCA described him as “severely emaciated” – and had a large open, infected wound under his jaw.

“The RSPCA attended and contacted a vet to assess the pony and administer first aid,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “The police also attended to seize the pony, who is thought to be a three-year-old Shetland cross and only 8hh, and he is now in RSPCA care.

“Casper is currently under a vet and being cared for at a private boarding facility. His prognosis is sadly still uncertain at this stage.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Casper also tested positive for strangles on arrival.

RSPCA chief inspector Sarah Bate, said: “Poor Casper was in a terrible state when he was found; he only weighs around 75kg and a healthy pony of his size should be at least double that.

“He has a large gaping infected wound under his jaw and he is so emaciated you can see his bones. He is now in our care at a private boarding facility – his prognosis at this stage is still uncertain – but we are doing all we can to help him. He’s a sweet friendly boy and it’s so sad to think that he has just been abandoned alone.

“He was microchipped but it was not registered, so we are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

Anyone who has any information about Casper, or who saw anything relevant, is asked to call the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1585183.

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Charity warns abandoned horses are ‘on the rise’ – as two mares and their foals receive ‘second chance’

Becky Murray — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 17:03:29 +0000

Two mares and their foals have been given “second chances and a lifetime of love and happiness” – as charity warns abandonment cases are a “growing concern”.

Last winter pregnant Welsh mares 15-year-old Ariel and six-year-old Jasmine were rescued by the RSPCA in separate cases. Ariel had lice and was suffering with an eye infection, and Jasmine was found in poor condition.

Ariel welcomed a filly, named Moana, and Jasmine welcomed a filly, named Belle. This summer the four were given “a new start” at HAPPA, where they will continue their rehabilitation.

“As soon as Jasmine, Belle, Ariel and Moana stepped onto Shores Hey Farm, the team embraced them with open arms,” said Amanda Berry, HAPPA’s head of equine operations.

“It is heart-warming to see horses that have not previously experienced love begin to trust the team. Now enjoying time in the paddocks, the foursome are coming to call after a day playing out in the paddocks.”

A HAPPA spokesperson added that although Ariel and Jasmine were separate cases, they both have “similar stories”.

“It’s a reminder of how horse abandonment is a growing concern and is on the rise across the UK,” he said.

“Jasmine, Ariel, and their foals now have the chance to live the rest of their lives free from fear. Our team is taking everything at their pace to ensure they are happy, healthy and prepared for their futures.”

The ponies will be prepared for HAPPA’s fostering and rehoming scheme.

“Importantly, Jasmine and Ariel will never be bred from again. Their futures are now safe under HAPPA’s lifelong promise of care and protection. HAPPA will continue to be a safety net for abused, neglected and unwanted equines,” said the spokesperson.

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Police with tape measure and string catch loose horse in the road – with help from a vocal peacock

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:32:29 +0000

It’s hard enough anyway trying to catch a loose horse who’s having a lovely time, let alone when you haven’t got a headcollar or rope – and there’s a peacock trying to help.

This is the situation Essex Police officers found themselves in last week (10 June), when they came across a stray horse in the road on Deanery Hill, Braintree.

“What do eight members of the public, four police officers, a peacock and a tape measure all have in common?” a spokesperson for the police said.

“Officers from the Braintree and Uttlesford local policing team, members of the community and a peacock came together on Deanery Hill, Braintree to corral a stray horse out of the road. After a poorly thought-out plan involving a tape measure and a piece of string to move the horse from the road, members of the community came together, supplying headcollars, offers of help to convey the horse home and offers of food and water for the horse.

After some supportive shouts from the local peacock who came to watch, we have been able to locate the horse’s owner and return him back to his field.”

Sergeant Tom Baskeyfield, one of the officers on the scene, told H&H they found the young gelding standing in the road, surrounded by people who were stopping him getting into traffic.

“A working plan was composed between the three officers on scene to use a 25m tape measure with various knots in as a makeshift headcollar with a piece of thick string as a makeshift lead rope,” he said.

“Whilst this was ongoing police were joined by several members of the public who provided food, water and a headcollar. As this happened, a curious peacock approached and proceeded to shout…. not particularly helpfully… at the officers, horse and members of the public.”

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‘Something special about him’: obese pony dumped with headcollar embedded in his face embarks on new happy life

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:00:47 +0000

An obese pony found abandoned on a roadside with a headcollar deeply embedded in his face is now happy in his new home – where staff say there is “something special about him”.

Piebald cob Arty was found by police in Somerset and rescued by the RSPCA. After veterinary treatment, he needed a new home, which he found thanks to the Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon.

“Arty has just arrived at the charity’s Newton Abbot veterinary and welfare assessment centre and supporters on social media are now being invited to follow regular news updates, photos and film clips of his recovery,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “They will also be able to watch his first steps into a happier new life at one of the sanctuary’s four beautiful equine reserves, meeting new companions and enjoying playing and foraging in a natural habitat.”

The sanctuary’s director of fundraising and communications Dawn Vincent said the charity was glad to offer 12-year-old Arty a new home.

“Just a few months ago, Arty’s life was very different,” she said. “He was badly overweight, suffering with mites, and his headcollar had grown into his skin and caused deep wounds.

Warning, graphic image

“Thanks to the swift actions of our colleagues at the RSPCA, he received immediate care, along with diet control and liver health testing – key steps in managing obesity, which can cause lameness, laminitis, and other serious health issues. We’re continuing to assess his health and help him settle into his new life with us.”

Ms Vincent added that it is early days but Arty is doing very well.

“His care team says there’s something a bit special about him,” she said. “He’s a very sweet and gentle pony, despite his traumatic past, and he seems to be a real character. He’s already won our hearts very quickly and we can’t wait to see what happens next when he moves out of quarantine.”

Once Art is shown to be clear of any infections, he will join one of the charity’s herds, and supporters can follow his progress.

“Our team is already capturing lovely moments on film and we’re looking forward to discovering how his story unfolds and showing more of the work that goes into caring full-time for a pony like Arty,” Ms Vincent said.

“Our work is funded entirely by the kind donations of our supporters. We hope Arty’s story will help us to show how their generosity is transforming the lives of the hundreds of horses and ponies who have safe sanctuary with us.”

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Warning against buying unseen after maggot-infested, ‘ragwort-poisoned’ foal had to be put down – and his friend is not out of the woods yet

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 14 May 2025 15:11:52 +0000

One of two foals found infested with maggots and suffering with liver disease has had to be put down – and the other is not out of the woods yet.

Months-old cobs Billy and Patch were taken in by Redwings at the end of April after a member of the public raised concerns about their welfare. Both were bought online, and their story “should be a warning to anyone buying a horse unseen”, Redwings said.

A spokesperson for the charity said blood results for Billy, who was four months old, and Patch, who was about seven months, showed liver disease. It is suspected that Billy was suffering from ragwort toxicity.

“One of the effects of the poisoning is sensitivity to sunlight, which can cause significant skin damage,” said Redwings senior vet Nicola Berryman. “Billy had areas of skin damage over his neck and shoulders, which on closer inspection were maggot-infested, along with his feet, but the full severity of his condition became apparent once his long coat was clipped, revealing further sores across his body and the extent of his emaciation. He had worms, which was likely the cause of his weight loss, and lice.

Warning: very graphic image

“Very sadly, despite our best efforts, Billy struggled with so many significant health issues that when his condition dipped, we decided we had to let him go for his own welfare. He was put to sleep kindly and caringly last Wednesday.”

Patch also had maggots in his feet and a high worm burden as well as the evidence of liver disease.

“As he is in much better condition than poor Billy, I’m hopeful that we can get him through this,” Ms Berryman said. “Although he’s not out of the woods yet, he is responding well to treatment and is bright and cheeky.”

Patch has been responding well to treatment (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Redwings launched its “Ready to rescue campaign” in March, to raise funds for and awareness of its work with ponies like Billy and Patch.

Redwings senior field officer and reception centre manager Julie Harding said: “Billy and Patch had been purchased recently online, and their story should be a warning to anyone buying a horse unseen, with an unknown history.

“They were living in an idyllic environment, where the other horses are in great condition. They were signed over to Redwings on behalf of their elderly owner, who has also sadly become ill. They were horrified when they realised Billy’s condition and wanted to do the right thing for him and Patch, and we are grateful for their co-operation.”

A Redwings spokesperson said it is thanks to supporter donations that the charity could rescue the foals.

“And it is their generosity that enables the charity to be there for the next Billy and Patch, and the next,” she said.

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Drones and search dog find missing elderly pony stuck – and invisible – 12 feet deep in blackthorn hedge

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:33:11 +0000

The owner of an elderly pony who got himself stuck 12 feet deep – and completely out of sight – in blackthorn has paid tribute to the volunteers who came to his rescue, saying he would probably have died in there without them.

Ben, a 26-year-old Welsh section A belonging to Sue Wright, was found thanks to DroneSAR for Lost Dogs IoW, the Isle of Wight branch of the national service for reuniting animals and owners. He has now fully recovered from his ordeal.

“I can’t praise them enough,” Sue told H&H. “They’re all volunteers; they give up their time for the love of animals. I’ve had Ben 25 years and he’s part of the family. I’m so grateful to the team, they do fantastic work.”

Sue said she went to bring the horses in as normal on the morning of 14 April after her night shift but there were only two there, and a broken electric fence.

She searched thoroughly, expecting Ben to appear at any moment, posted on Facebook, then called a friend nearby who has horses, and suggested the DroneSAR team.

“I didn’t sleep that day; I couldn’t go home not knowing where he was,” Sue said. “I’d walked miles trying to find him.

“The drone people came within quarter of an hour, but of course didn’t look in the field because I’d already searched it. This went on all day.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sue then had a phone call from Kate Lewis, who is part of the group and suggested bringing search dog Dylan to the field.

“I put a rug of Ben’s down for the dog to sniff; he walked 100 yards and froze, and Kate said ‘We’ve found him’,” Sue said. “I’d never have found him in a million years.”

Sue said she thinks Ben, who is scared of electric fencing, must somehow have had a shock when the fence broke, and shot so deep into the blackthorn he could not free himself. Even when Dylan found him, he was still not visible.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I was there, right next to where he was, calling him, and he never murmured; he must have been in shock,” she said, adding that her partner came with a mini digger to clear the blackthorn enough to get Ben out.

“It was so dense; wrapped round his legs and head, and his eyes were closed – I thought he’d lost them,” Sue said. “But the team didn’t go until he was safe in his stable.”

Suzzy Lee, who coordinates the rescue team’s efforts, told H&H the community volunteer group was set up as a branch of the national organisation last June. The +50 volunteers use their own and donated equipment, including thermal drones. The group has stands at events and gives out collection kits of sterile gauze, so owners can collect their dogs’ scent and keep it safe, to be used if they ever go missing.

She added that the drones are good at finding nervous animals as they can see them without being close enough to make them more scared.

“And if we do need the search dogs, the drones can see which direction to send them,” she said. “We have found more than 34 dogs so far, and we helped the zoo find some raccoons, and a Harris hawk – and Ben.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We sent three drone pilots at first but started a bit further out, so of course they couldn’t see him, and then it got a bit gusty so we brought them in. Then the second time, we sent Dyli dog, who hadn’t searched for a horse before, but he sniffed the blanket and went straight to the pony.

“Thank goodness it all ended well – that’s what we hope for, and the volunteers do it for. They’re a fabulous team.”

The team, which has also been shortlisted for the 2025 Animal Star Awards, has had to press pause on its latest mission, looking for a 90-year-old missing tortoise called Joan.

“The weather got a bit colder so we think she’s buried herself somewhere; we hope we’ll be able to find her as soon as it warms up,” Suzzy said.

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See how a tiny filly found on the brink of death with ticks ‘sucking the life out of her’ looks now

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:21:00 +0000

A tiny filly discovered with hundreds of ticks “sucking the life out of her” and on the edge of survival has been given a second chance at a happy life.

Elouise, an 11.2hh three-year-old cob, was found alone on a fell in Northumberland by a World Horse Welfare field officer, after concerns were raised about her condition.

“She had only recently appeared on the land and the charity believes she had been abandoned,” a World Horse Welfare spokesperson said.

“Elouise was dangerously thin and on the very edge of survival. But what made her suffering more acute were the hundreds of ticks that were literally sucking the life out of her.”

Elouise was covered in hundreds of ticks. Picture by World Horse Welfare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Elouise was transferred to World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool, where staff mobilised everything to give her a chance of life.

The spokesperson said Elouise was in very poor condition.

“The team faced some challenging moments due to significant medical concerns, including liver issues and malnutrition,” she said. “However, with intensive veterinary care and a great deal of care and attention, Elouise has made a remarkable recovery.

“The sweet and gentle pony is now thriving and is easy to handle and groom, and is affectionate with all the grooms. She is doing well, and the team is happy with the progress she is making.”

Elouise is now on the road to recovery. Picture by World Horse Welfare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The spokesperson added that Elouise is not alone; the charity is seeing an increasing number of “heartbreaking” cases of neglect, and the number of cases involving more than 50 horses has increased sharply.

The average cost of caring for these rescued horses, including emergency vet treatment and nutrition, has increased from an average of £5,000 per year to £7,000.

“World Horse Welfare currently has nearly 350 horses in its care across its four rescue and rehoming centres, each needing health checks, farriery, vaccinations, grooming, shelter, feed and socialisation to heal and thrive,” the spokesperson said.

The charity’s latest appeal enables supporters to donate to different care packages.

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‘All the hard work was worth it’ as very poorly pony now has a bright future – thanks to you

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:33:32 +0000

A pony who was rescued in an emaciated and frightened state, suffering from “life-threatening” diarrhoea, has a brighter future thanks to her rescuers – and those who support them.

Welsh mare Elsa is recovering well in the care of Redwings, which took her in two months ago; a member of the public called the charity about the mare on 15 January.

“It was obvious that this little pony was very poorly,” said Redwings’ Julie Harding.

“She was emaciated, covered in lice and suffering from diarrhoea, which can be life-threatening. It was important to act quickly to get her the treatment she needed, so that she didn’t suffer any longer than was necessary.

“I left a notice for her owner to contact us and arranged to go back the next day with the relevant authorities but sadly, no one got in touch.”

Elsa was taken into Redwings’ care on veterinary advice. She was scared of people and despite her weakened condition, evaded capture.

“She had been very dull and lethargic the day before, but as soon as we tried to catch her, she wouldn’t let us anywhere near,” said Ms Harding. “It took a team from right across the charity to get her into our care safely, but of course all the effort was worth it.”

Elsa on 10 March (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Within 24 hours, Elsa had had emergency treatment to stabilise her condition. Over the next few days, she improved enough to have dental treatment, which meant she was able to eat hay and hard feed more comfortably.

“Her poor dental health was preventing her from eating properly and a second dental was needed a few weeks after the first, but she’s now very food-orientated,” Ms Harding said.

“She’s still being closely monitored but is recovering so well that she was able to be moved to one of our woodchip paddocks on 7 March, and hopefully will be able to join one of our resident herds in time.”

Redwings has launched a “ready to rescue” appeal to raise funds for, and awareness of, its work rescuing horses like Elsa.

“It’s thanks to supporters that Redwings was able to rescue Elsa, and it is their generosity that enables the charity to be there for the next Elsa, and the next,” the spokesperson said.

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‘Everyone loves him’: veteran horse inundated with visitors after rescue from canal

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:34:51 +0000

A veteran horse who fell into a canal and was “up to his armpits” in sludge is recovering well – and delighted by the amount of attention he has enjoyed since his rescue.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service came to the rescue of Brandy, who is in his 20s, last Sunday (16 February) after he was found stuck in Ashby Canal, Shenton.

Steven Shepherd, who owns the farm next door where Brandy lives, told H&H it is thought he had managed to break the fencing between his field and the water. Steven’s parents, who also live at the farm, were alerted to Brandy’s predicament by a walker.

“They thought they could walk him down to where there’s a gradient and walk him out but the sludge is so bad – they’re dredging it next week as boats are always getting stuck – I think he was in it up to his armpits,” he said. “He’s an old boy and was getting cold; it was too much for him.”

Picture by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The fire and rescue service sent crews from Market Bosworth and Hinckley stations and its water rescue team to Brandy’s aid.

“The vet came and his temperature was only 34.5C, which is risky,” Mr Shepherd said. “The fire brigade went out on a boat and put inflatable floating platforms round him, then three straps round him. We got a telehandler from the farm and pulled him out.”

Mr Shepherd said Brandy was eating the hay that had been brought for him almost throughout the rescue but once he was out, he struggled to stand.

“I think it was the exertion of being pulled out; he didn’t want to get up,” he said. “The vet was worried that if we couldn’t get his temperature up, he wasn’t going to make it but between the fire brigade and everyone, they rolled him over and he got up. Once he’d walked round a bit, he warmed up and we took him back to his stable. The fire brigade were brilliant; they did a great job.”

Mr Shepherd added that Brandy, who has almost been adopted by the farm, has recovered fully.

“He’s fine and dandy now,” he said. “He had a bit of a cut but nothing to be concerned about and he’s been getting lots of attention; a visitor every half hour! Everyone loves him.”

A spokesperson for the fire service told H&H the crews were delighted Brandy was none the worse for his experience.

“Our crews from Market Bosworth and Hinckley stations and our water rescue team used an inflatable rescue path and slide sheets to help him out of the water with the assistance of farm machinery, by which time poor Brandy was exhausted,” he said.

“Eventually he got back on his hooves and was helped home to his nearby stable, where Brandy was warmed by his owners and cared for by a local vet.

“Please take care around bodies of water in these continuing cold, wet conditions. If you find an animal in distress, always contact the appropriate animal or rescue organisation.”

The spokesperson stressed that people must call for expert help if they find an animal in such a situation rather than attempt what may be a dangerous rescue.

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Equine Romeo and Juliet find love – but not together – ‘just in time for Valentine’s Day’

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:06:18 +0000

A welfare charity has shared the stories of Romeo and Juliet who have “found love and a stable future” – although not necessarily as a couple – “just in time for Valentine’s Day”.

The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) have taken in Juliet (pictured, below), who had “forced herself free from her tether”, and Romeo, whose previous owner had been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Both horses now have a “second chance of a brighter future”.

“Juliet’s story is one of sorrow,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “After a report of concern for her, due to being tethered on a tight rope with an infected eye, the charity’s equine inspectors were faced with a sad situation.

“Juliet was found running loose with another pony; it was clear she had freed herself from the tether through sheer force. This poor mare was clearly distressed and needed immediate veterinary attention for the infected eye and her poor condition.”

Juliet’s owner could not be found so HAPPA took her in under the Control of Horses Act.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It was established that her eye had dried out and sunken into the socket due to the lasting damage from an untreated eye injury,” the spokesperson said. “Thanks to a course of antibiotics and painkillers, the eye is now stable in the socket. She won’t need an operation to remove it, although she has lost all sight in the damaged eye.”

The story of Romeo (main picture) shows the way HAPPA helped a family “in need of desperate help”.

“Under extremely sad circumstances, Romeo’s loving owner was diagnosed with a terminal illness and could no longer care for him,” the spokesperson said, adding that Romeo was being rehabilitated after kissing spines surgery and that selling him would not have been in his best interests.

“The owner’s family, with no equestrian experience, were left to care for him,” the spokesperson said. “After a call for help, HAPPA came to Romeo’s aid offering a stable to complete his rehabilitation and recuperation before assessing his future under the charity’s care. His rehabilitation and associated veterinary care will be of substantial cost.”

HAPPA equine manager Rachel Smith said Juliet had been through “unimaginable trauma” by the age of three.

“No one has the right to treat an animal in this way,” she said. “Her sight in one eye has been lost due to neglect and lack of treatment, and the lasting effects of what has happened to her are evident – she is extremely head-shy. The equine care team will work to build her confidence and help her through the journey of recovery from the trauma.

“Romeo will be given the best chance of recovery and a bespoke rehabilitation plan under veterinary advice. We will carry on his late owner’s great work. With a sweet and kind temperament Romeo had begun napping and bucking whilst being ridden, which was out of character. After veterinary investigations, mild kissing spines were diagnosed, and his owner funded the operation. This worked well but when she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and could no longer give him the care he needed, we stepped in and safeguarded Romeo’s future.”

The spokesperson said the stories show some of the ways HAPPA can intervene to help horses in need.

“Ensuring every horse is given a second chance of a brighter future,” she said. “Whether recovering from trauma physically and or mentally, HAPPA is a safety net for horses that need them the most.”

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Horse who may have been tangled in his rug straps has to be winched out of thick mud

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:59:17 +0000

A horse who had to be rescued by emergency services as he was stuck in deep mud may have collapsed after his legs got tangled in his rug straps, it is believed.

Firefighters, vets and the RSPCA worked together to free the cob, who was found stuck in a field in Edenbridge, Kent, on 25 January. The RSPCA had had reports of a horse who was stuck and unable to stand.

RSPCA inspector Cora Peeters and animal rescue officer (ARO) Chloe Wilson found the 12-year-old cob in an area of the field that was “extremely boggy with mud higher than ankle-deep”.

“Other horses in the field were happily grazing in other parts of the field that were not as muddy,” an RSPCA spokesperson said, adding that the horse, nicknamed Albert, could not stand. A vet from Lingfield Equine Veterinary Practice was called but the three were unable to get Albert to his feet.

“Poor Albert was really weak and the vet was growing increasingly concerned for his condition and suspected him to be struggling with hypothermia, so it was vital we got him to his feet as soon as we could,” said Chloe. “Luckily, Kent Fire and Rescue Service was able to spare its technical rescue crew to support us in the rescue, for which we were incredibly grateful.”

The team managed to get Albert on to a board and pulled him out of the mud.

“Away from the mud, Albert was able to sit up a little, and he started to chew on some hay which was a really promising sign, but he was still too weak to get on his feet, so the firefighters used their specialist equipment to lift him to standing,” Chloe said. “It was fantastic they were able to spare some time to help us rescue Albert, as we couldn’t have done it without their special expertise and equipment. It’s a wonderful example of how we can all work together to help animals when they really need us.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The RSPCA pair and the vet rubbed Albert all over with towels to help warm him. Once he was able to stand on his own, he was taken to the Lingfield hospital.

Practice director Rachel Atherton said: “Albert is showing a really promising sign of recovery at the moment, and we’re treating him with pain relief for his muscles and stiffness, caused by the ordeal.

“We suspect his legs had become trapped in the straps on his rug which is how he came to be collapsed, and that he was then unable to get himself up because the mud was so thick and deep.

“Albert has become a firm favourite with our staff at the hospital, who are making sure he is very spoiled, and enjoying a cosy, warm bed out of the wind and rain and mud whilst he recovers. We often work alongside the RSPCA and are really glad to be able to play a big part in Albert’s rescue.”

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Making memories: foal of mare rescued from Wellingborough thrives as child’s loved pony

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:31:35 +0000

The foal of a mare who was rescued in a “sorry state” and terrified of people is thriving and “making amazing memories” as a child’s pony in her forever home.

Clover, formerly known as Rainbow, was born to Dove, one of 43 ponies rescued from flooded fields in Wellingborough in a multi-agency operation nearly five years ago.

H&H reported on the major rescue in 2020; the ponies, mainly mares and foals, were in poor condition and much of the land was under water. Blue Cross took in 11 of them, whom they named after rivers as they were rescued from floods by the river Nene.

When Blythe, Arun, Dove, Soar, Tweed, Eden, Nidd, Ribble, Hipper, Cole and Nene arrived at Blue Cross, a spokesperson for the charity said, they were all blood-tested and screened for strangles.

“This was no mean feat because the ponies were unhandled and fearful,” she added.

“They were particularly worried about Dove, who was in a sorry state, petrified of human contact and heavily in foal, so they ran a full blood profile on her just to be sure. Luckily, she had no significant health issues, but they recognised she needed more training so they could provide the necessary veterinary care for her and her foal when the time came.”

The spokesperson said some of the ponies were emaciated and “riddled with lice”. They were treated, wormed and vaccinated and as “it appeared that none of them had had any foot care or dental work in their lifetimes, these procedures were carried out as soon as it was safe to do so”.

Dove gave birth to a foal, Rainbow, who “grew into a lovely filly”. Once she was weaned, the mare went to a new private home as a companion, “which is perfect for her”. Rainbow went on a private short-term loan until she was four, when she came back to Blue Cross to be rehomed permanently as a riding pony.

“In January 2025, Rainbow found her new forever home with a loving family who were wanting to take her through the backing process for their children, and have renamed her Clover,” the spokesperson said.

“Clover’s new home fell in love with her character and she has a lovely bond with their daughter, who will be riding her. Clover is showing she will be a great child’s riding pony. Her new owner, Laura Jane, said: ‘Clover has fitted in extremely well. She loves her new best friend Aria and is making loads of amazing memories.’”

Blue Cross horse adoptions coordinator Verity Anderton-Johnson said she was there when Rainbow was born.

“To see the little foal whose mum came to us extremely nervous and in poor condition, to now being a great child’s pony and thriving in her new home is just wonderful and makes our job so rewarding.”

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‘They could lose their beloved horses’: riding school and equine rescue at risk as council leases its grazing to alpacas

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:11:58 +0000

Staff at a riding school and equine rescue in Hampshire that has been running for half a century fear the business may be at risk, and horses moved on, as the council is giving their summer grazing land to alpacas.

Russells Equestrian Centre in Southampton recently celebrated 50 years in business; for 10 of those, it has leased summer grazing from Eastleigh Borough Council. This space fulfils the conditions of its council-issued riding school licence regarding necessary space for the number of horses it has.

But in December, the council told Russells it would no longer be allowed to use the 7.5-acre Lower Russell Fields site at Itchen Valley Country Park, to allow the “grazing and walking” of alpacas.

Amanda Winstone, a committee member of the Epona Trust, the rescue side of the operation, told H&H the news came as a major blow.

“It’s a riding school and the Epona Trust allows them to rescue horses; they rehabilitate them and then some are used in the riding school and some for equine-assisted therapy,” she said. “They do a lot of work with children who are struggling in school or have additional needs; the children come on leaps and bounds and it’s amazing what they do.

“The issue now is that the riding school licence depends on having a certain acreage of grazing, which includes that field. It’s the same council that issues the licence and owns the field, and the concern is without the land, Russells will have to rehome a number of the horses, then I think the business wouldn’t be viable.”

Amanda Winstone is concerned about the centre’s future (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Amanda said the venue has previously lost grazing to housing, and there is no more suitable land nearby.

“It would mean they wouldn’t be able to take on more rescues either,” she said. “Carol Boulton established Russells 50 years ago, and with her daughter Verity Tidmarsh has a hugely positive impact on our community. They could lose their whole business, but the impact is worse than that and could also mean losing their beloved horses.”

Amanda said the community is rallying round, and a Change.org petition calling for the council to reconsider has attracted nearly 900 signatures.

A spokesperson for Eastleigh Borough Council told H&H: “The council has entered into a new licence agreement to allow the grazing and walking of around 30 alpacas on the 7.5-acre Lower Russell Fields site at Itchen Valley Country Park. This will provide grazing and the opportunity for children and adults to walk alpacas at the park. As well as having biodiversity and health and well-being benefits, it will generate income towards the upkeep of the park. There are no plans to build shops on the site.

“The previous seasonal grazing licence for Russells Equestrian has been issued for many years on a month-to-month basis between May and October, with no commitment in the legal agreement to continue this year on year. We wrote to Russells Equestrian in December giving them five months’ notice that we would not be renewing the licence this coming May, and the council is continuing to work with Russells Equestrian to look for alternative grazing.”

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‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’: 31-year-old horse rescued after three hours upside-down in ditch

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 19:51:49 +0000

The keeper of a then 31-year-old horse who was stuck upside-down in a ditch for three hours as an animal rescue unit had to be sent from the next county said the incident highlights how crucial such services are.

Darren Woods, who has had Vicky Milton’s former eventer Rupert since he was a four-year-old, had nothing but praise for the rescuers, who freed him to make a full recovery. It was a Kent Fire and Rescue Service unit that came to his aid as the West Sussex Fire & Rescue one was unavailable.

Darren told H&H he was hacking out, before Christmas, on a younger horse, with another rider on Rupert.

“We were coming back and at a place where the water runs through a pipe,” he said. “The young horse spooked and took a step back, so Rupert stepped back too. He was right on the edge of the bank, it gave way and he sat down.

“The lad on him got off but Rupert couldn’t get up, and slid sideways into the ditch.”

Darren got off his horse but there was little they could do while trying to keep hold of the youngster and reassure Rupert. Darren flagged down some passers-by, who turned out to be friends and called the vet and 999.

“They said the Sussex rescue unit wasn’t available and they’d have to send one from Kent,” Darren said. “A farmer came with a tractor and straps he’d used to rescue cows with but the vet was reluctant to use them as horses are more delicate.”

The unit arrived after about two and a half hours, and Rupert was pulled to safety. Darren said that, having been stuck so long, he was stiff at first but suffered no lasting ill effects.

“The horse has a heart of steel,” he said. “And we were very lucky; it was mild and not wet. If it had been raining, he’d have been in deeper water, or if he’d been in the water and it was freezing – luckily everything was on our side that day, and the rescuers were amazing.”

This is not the first time Rupert has been in such a predicament; Darren said in the late 1990s, when they were based at Hickstead, Rupert fell into a river and was lifted out by the fire service. He also got caught in a fence as a four-year-old and severed an artery.

Rupert was rescued from a river once before, in 1999 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I wouldn’t have thought he’d have survived all this to get to 32 but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Darren said.

“I evented him after the previous incident and he always gave his heart. In his late teens, he retired from all that but has since been ridden by many people. At 18, I thought he was an old horse, now maybe I know he wasn’t! He’s just got so much determination and that’s what kept him alive [the day of the rescue].”

Darren wants to raise awareness of the importance of large-animal rescue units, as without them, stories like Rupert’s would not have happy endings.

“Everyone thinks it won’t happen to them until it does,” he said. “Rupert has done great things for many people, including me, when I didn’t have any money or horses. He really got me on the road and helped with my teaching and career and the number of others he’s helped; he’s taught people from scratch, a livery’s daughter who’d lost her pony had lessons on him when she was six, while the man who was loaning him was 80. He may not have been to an Olympics but he’s done so much for so many people and aged 32, if he can also raise awareness of keeping these rescue services available, that’s even more good he’s done, isn’t it? Every day is a blessing and he couldn’t have lived that long only to die in a ditch. He’s been a massive part of my life and I’m so grateful for what [the fire service] did.”

Rupert and Darren at Rupert’s 30th birthday party (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “Although attending animal rescues is not a statutory duty for fire and rescue services, it is a service we always try to facilitate where possible. This includes engaging with control rooms across the country to use borderless mobilising to ensure the next nearest/quickest resource is sent to deal with the incident.

“We are currently undertaking a review of our technical rescue unit as part of our specialist capability review – a commitment within our community risk management plan.

“Any changes will be aligned to the risks within the county, and data will be used to make informed decisions.”

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‘The perfect home’: mare rescued dreadlocked and lice-ridden with yearling at foot has bright future

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:21:56 +0000

A mare rescued with a “dreadlocked” mane, an “incredibly high” worm burden and her lice-ridden yearling at foot has found her perfect home.

Blue Cross took in Lemon in December 2023, along with her foal Babyccino, who was a year old.

“She had half a mane and what she did have was tangled up and a coat that was so thick, it had made dreadlocks throughout,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

“She was lethargic and depressed with an incredibly high worm burden. Her foal had a better body condition score but was also incredibly knotty with a large worm burden. They had lice and were very nervous of people so needed work on building trust with them.”

Mother and son were treated for lice and put on an appropriate worm control plan, as well as management to increase their body condition safely.

“Lemon was trained using clicker training to encourage her to gain confidence with people,” the spokesperson said. “Once her confidence improved, the team removed all the knots in her mane and gave her a thorough groom. They saw the farrier after some basic leg handling and had their long feet trimmed to a much more acceptable length to allow more time for training before trimming them properly.”

Once Lemon and Babyccino gained weight and their handling improved, the charity started the weaning process as Babyccino was over a year old.

Lemon now (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“This was a very smooth and easy process as Babyccino had made lots of new friends of a similar age,” the spokesperson said.

Once he was weaned, the charity looked for a new home for Lemon.

“In August this year, a lovely home applied for her to be a companion to two mares and it was the perfect match for her,” the spokesperson said. “Lemon has been in that home since August and is doing really well. She is loving all the attention she is getting.”

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Mia Lincoln-Shenton, Blue Cross Rolleston horse adoptions coordinator told H&H the charity is delighted Lemon found her “perfect home” this year.

“It is always heartbreaking to see ponies like Lemon arrive at the centre in such poor condition and nervous of people, but with time and effort, it is so rewarding to be able to nurture them back to health and happiness, before sending them off to their new family,” she said. “We know that Lemon will have a wonderful first Christmas at home, and I’m sure will be spoilt with lots of presents and love!”

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Tiny foal found beside her dead mum has new best friend in time for Christmas

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:31:44 +0000

A tiny foal who was found beside her deceased mother’s body at a month old is enjoying her first Christmas since her rescue – with a foster mum and a new best friend.

H&H reported in July that the filly had been taken in and given round-the-clock care at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Named Ruby, to mark the charity’s 40th anniversary year, she has been thriving, and the charity has been sharing her progress in ongoing blogs.

Redwings staff had a mare whom they hoped would adopt Ruby, and “after gradual introductions, Cilla has proved to be the perfect foster mum for the orphan”.

“But one thing was missing from Ruby’s life,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “Cleo, a new best friend who needed Ruby just as much as she needed her!”

Redwings head of welfare and behaviour Nic de Brauwere said the charity wanted to ensure Ruby learned social skills, which foals pick up through interacting with each other and older horses.

“We have seen in the past that a lack of juvenile companionship and appropriate human interaction can lead to a very frustrated adult horse that can be unpleasant to work with, or even dangerous,” he said. “This frustration comes from the horse having an expectation that humans mean food, attention and play, considering people to be their ‘herd’, so, when the horse’s expectations are not met, they show their frustration through unwanted behaviour.

“It was important that Ruby had a friend her own age, so when we got the call about abandoned foal Cleo we hoped they could be the friend each other needed.”

Cleo had been abandoned, and had to have one eye removed owing to a painful condition, the spokesperson said. Having had treatment at Abbey Vets in south Wales, she arrived at Redwings in October.

“These two really needed each other, and we are so happy that we got this call and were able to help,” Mr de Brauwere said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We were keen to get Ruby and Cleo together, for the sake of them both, but we had to do it right. After passing her quarantine period Cleo was moved into a field next door to Ruby and Cilla to test how they got on.

“Integrating horses is a careful process where new horses are introduced to each other safely, in this case initially meeting over a fence, then gradually allowed more interaction until they happily live in the same herd.

“Our behaviour team observed that Cilla was slightly stressed by Cleo, so the decision was made to have play dates for the foals in Cleo’s field initially. These play dates started with some mutual foraging but soon evolved into them playing and chasing one another.”

Mr de Brauwere said it took a few weeks of careful management and monitoring to ensure all three horses were happy, but they have settled in together.

“This has been a great development for both Ruby and Cleo,” he said. “They were both traumatised orphans who desperately needed help when they came to us here at Redwings. Now they have each other to grow with, under Cilla’s guidance. It’s the perfect Christmas gift.”

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‘No more playing hide and seek!’ Wall has to be dismantled brick by brick to free wedged yearling

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:49:46 +0000

Meet Howard, a yearling Welsh section C who got himself into a “bit of a pickle” – and had to be freed from a tight spot by dismantling a wall, brick by brick.

Firefighters and vets came to the rescue of Nebo King Howard, who had got himself wedged between a barn and the wall yesterday (16 December).

Owner Amelia Short told H&H that despite early fears, Howard walked away with only superficial injuries.

“I hope he’s learned his lesson!” she said.

Amelia said she bought Howard in the summer to keep her other yearlings company, and had brought them in for some handling. They were in a barn with no gaps in the walls – nor any apparent reason for an escape attempt.

“I was tacking up in the yard and heard crashing, went round and he was just wedged,” she said. “I don’t know why he decided that was the best way out.”

Amelia said at first, Howard’s hips were not stuck but he went up slightly, twisted, and was irrevocably wedged.

Picture by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He thrashed a bit but then stood calmly, and luckily the other two in the barn didn’t freak out; they just stood by him,” she said.

Amelia called her vets Ballinger Equine and Howard was sedated but they realised he was too stuck to be freed. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service sent three appliances and the animal rescue team and brick by brick, Howard was freed.

“He walked out as if he’d just had a bit of sedation to be clipped!” Amelia said. “He’s completely sound; a couple of grazes and that’s it.

“It’s a very old wall and three bricks thick – I don’t think they build them like that any more – so my next job is finding someone to rebuild it but luckily the people whose yard it is were lovely and just wanted him to be safe. I’d joked when we put them in that if they’d jumped out of the barn, that would have been impressive; I didn’t expect him to go through the wall!

“He coped really well with it all; the firefighters were brilliant, so professional, and the vets were amazing. I can’t thank everyone enough.”

Picture by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was a “perfect example of teamwork” between crews and the vets.

“Poor Howard the horse got himself into a bit of a pickle, getting wedged between a building and a brick wall,” he said. “One-year-old Howard was sedated while crews carefully dismantled the brick wall to release him. He was able to be freed after an hour with only superficial injuries that will soon heal. No more playing hide and seek, Howard!”

Ballinger Equine also cited the quality of the teamwork.

“All’s well that ends well,” a spokesperson said. “As you can see, he is pretty unscathed despite the ordeal and happily in a stable munching hay.”

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‘This isn’t right’: horse’s leg disappears seven feet down in badgers’ ‘underground city’ beneath field

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:41:15 +0000

The owner of a horse who was found with her leg stuck in a hole seven foot deep was aghast to find badgers had built an “underground city” beneath her field.

Sheena Hird’s mare Trinity had to be extracted by firefighters after the ground collapsed into the tunnel in the field Sheena rents in Devon. The mare was unharmed but Sheena has been told the damage could cost thousands to fix.

Sheena told H&H she and a friend had been renting the field for about 10 years with no issues, until she arrived one afternoon late last month to find her other horse pacing by the gate.

“That was a bit weird; I assumed Trinity was lying down,” she said. “I called her and she didn’t move, and I thought ‘This isn’t right’. I shouted for my partner and by the time I got to her, I realised she was missing a leg – it was underground.”

Sheena said nothing had been amiss that morning, when she had poo-picked, so had covered most of the field.

“It just collapsed under her weight, slap bang in the middle of the field,” she said.

Sheena called the emergency services and crews from Camels Head and Modbury fire stations came to the rescue, as well as a vet.

“I was panicking as I thought her leg must be mangled and I’d have to put her down,” she said. “The fire brigade were wonderful. I held her leg, and a friend’s husband came with a digger. The hole was absolutely massive, over seven feet deep at one point.”

Trinity was lifted out and found only to have been bruised.

“We were extremely lucky,” Sheena said. “The tunnel went off in about five different directions; we’ve got an underground city under our field and never knew anything about it.”

The firefighters warned her not to put the horses back in the field, having seen the extent of the holes. Sheena went back the next day to assess the damage; she said she put three bags of wood pellets in and “they all went in”.

The horses are still in their stables on the land and Sheena is using a friend’s field to turn them out.

“She’s been lovely, till I figure out what to do,” she said. “The main option, the humane and legal one, takes about six months. You get a company in to move the badgers but they have to wait to make sure they’re not coming back.

“They’re not sure how many generations are there; it could be two or it could be eight. Then you have to get a surveyor with an underground radar system, which costs a few thousand, to find exactly where the tunnels are, then a digger to fill them all in. One company has already quoted £10,000 before they even look at the field. It’s ridiculous, the extent of the damage.”

Sheena said she has had negative comments from people saying she “should have checked the field”, but pointed out that there were no outward signs.

“I poo-pick every day; the ground’s not going to collapse under my weight,” she said. “I didn’t know their tunnels could be 300m long and go down 10 feet.”

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A ‘lucky escape’ for horses trapped in trailer stuck under fallen tree

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:01:34 +0000

Firefighters came to the rescue of two horses who were trapped in a trailer under a fallen tree on a narrow road in Devon.

Crews had to use specialist equipment to get into the trailer, near the Mary Tavy Inn and Mary Tavy village, but both horses were rescued unharmed, a spokesperson for Tavistock Fire Station said.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service told H&H: “At 11.20am on 10 December we were called to attend an incident where a horse box had become trapped under a fallen free on a narrow lane.

“The horse box had been damaged, and two horses were trapped inside. A crew from Tavistock Fire Station used hydraulic equipment to gain entry and the horses were released unharmed.”

The fire station spokesperson said that crews from Tavistock and Yelverton went to the scene, and their efforts ensured a “lucky escape” for the horses.

Picture by Tavistock Fire Station (Image credit: creditUnknown)

It was a second animal rescue in two days for the Tavistock crew, who had been called to the river Tavy the day before.

“On Monday morning Tavistock attended an incident where a small elderly dog had fallen three meters into the river Tavy,” the spokesperson said. “Crews donned water rescue and safety equipment before entering the river and bringing the dog back to dry land uninjured.

“Whilst it is difficult to resist the temptation to try to get into the river to help in these circumstances, we would strongly advise against anyone getting into any river due the risk of cold water shock or being swept away by currents creating a life-threatening incident.”

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Starving foal who called to his dead friend as he was rescued becomes media star

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:02:17 +0000

A foal who whinnied to his dead friend as he was rescued from their flooding home is now flourishing after his rescue – and has become a media star.

Soul, who was rescued last December by HorseWorld, is fronting the charity’s latest campaign, to celebrate two- and four-legged loved ones, and raise vital funds.

“HorseWorld received a call to say that a dead, emaciated young pony had been found in a field,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

“On further investigation another pony was also found in the field, still alive but extremely malnourished and weak.”

The person who had found the ponies called the RSPCA, which asked HorseWorld whether it could take in the survivor.

“On arrival, the team were greeted with a sorry sight,” the spokesperson said. “The young pony, now called Soul, was standing in the corner of a field shelter that was filling up with water. The only source of food was some hay that the RSPCA had provided.”

HorseWorld head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister said Soul was eating hungrily, “as if he thought it might be taken away”.

“It was obvious the little pony had not had a belly full of food for a very long time and as we approached Soul, we knew he was not used to being handled by humans,” she said.

“He walked quietly to the trailer and straight up the ramp. As we closed it, he whinnied out to his friend, wondering where he was. But, of course, no whinny came back.”

A post-mortem on the other pony found there was no food in his system, nor fat stores on his body, and he had a heavy worm burden. The ponies’ owner was found and prosecuted.

“Rather than dwelling on the immense suffering these ponies had endured, we had to turn our attention to carefully rehabilitating Soul,” Ms Hollister said, adding that both ponies were about seven months old. “Thankfully, with a lot of loving care from the grooms and expertise from the veterinary team, Soul is now flourishing in the HorseWorld herd. He will stay at HorseWorld until we are sure he’s fully rehabilitated. Eventually we hope to find the right home for him on our loan scheme so he can have a loving family to call his own.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The charity’s campaign is called Soul’s Stable of Stars; supporters can have stars dedicated to humans or animals.

HorseWorld PR and communications manager Meg Jackson said: “This Christmas we’re inviting you to join us in celebrating the life of a loved one, two-legged or four, who has had a huge impact on your life.

“You can dedicate a HorseWorld star to be displayed in Soul’s stable, or receive your own special HorseWorld star to decorate or personalise as you choose. Your donation will help us save more ponies in desperate need like Soul and prevent the tragic loss of more lives like his friend.”

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Rescuers work together to help horses up to their bellies in flooded fields

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:01:47 +0000

Multiple agencies worked together to help three horses who were stranded in water almost up to their bellies in Wellingborough.

The RSPCA, Animals In Need, a vet and Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue had together been monitoring the horses since concerns were first reported on Tuesday morning (26 November).

“Heavy rainfall overnight had resulted in flooding in the area, but the field on Turnells Mill Lane where the horses are kept, was particularly hard hit, with the water level almost touching the horse’s bellies, posing a serious risk to their welfare,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“An attempt was made by the teams to secure the horses on Wednesday afternoon but due to the conditions it was not possible so the situation was closely monitored. Overnight the water level reduced revealing areas of dry standing, and the RSPCA has this morning [28 November] been able to provide the horses with hay and forage.”

An RSPCA inspector for the Northamptonshire area will continue to monitor the horses, and the charity is trying to contact the owner of the horses to ensure their future safety.

Jason Finch, national water rescue coordinator at the RSPCA, said: “I’m very pleased to say that currently, the horses are now safe and well as the water level has reduced and revealed dry areas for them to stand, and we were able to provide them with some hay this morning – which they seemed very grateful for!

“We want to thank everyone who was concerned about the horses and reported them to us, and hope they are reassured that collectively we carefully monitored them over the last few days to make sure we could do everything we can to help them if needed.

“The horses are not well handled which posed a challenge for us, and a vet was present to offer advice, but thankfully, we are confident that the horses are no longer at immediate risk.”

Mr Finch added that flood waters can rise very fast, urging owners to act early if there are local warnings.

“Make sure you have a plan so you know how to get your animals out of danger if the worst was to happen and you found yourself caught up in flooding,” he said.

“Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and call us for help in an emergency.”

Floodline on 0845 988 1188 has information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or there is information on the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales websites.

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‘Timely reminder’ to check fields as escaped horse gets stuck in freezing canal

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:05:04 +0000

A passer-by, firefighters and the what3words app together saved a horse who was stuck in an icy canal having escaped from her field.

A walker found the mare in the freezing Erewash Canal in the dark early hours of last Thursday (21 November) and called 999.

“An adventurous horse had found its way out of its field and into the canal,” a spokesperson for Alfreton fire station said. “A passer-by called 999 and provided a good what3words address for emergency responders. Blue Watch Alfreton, supported by Eastwood on-call fire station, used their enhanced animal rescue skills, to create a barrel-skid with yellow strops.”

The spokesperson said that once the mare was back on dry land, she was taken back to her field and checked by Scarsdale Vets.

Picture by Alfreton Fire Station/Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Her temperature soon got back to normal after she was wrapped in blankets and nibbling some hay,” he added. “PLEASE check regularly on your animals during this cold weather and ensure the field/paddock is secure to prevent accidents like these.”

A spokesperson for the #what3words app, in which every three-metre square of the world has a unique three-word code, said trying to guide the rescuers to the remote location in the dark would have been a challenge.

“But the caller shared the horse’s exact what3words address – helping to guide the rescue crews to the scene quickly and efficiently,” she said.

“The app is free to download and works offline, making it ideal for use in areas with an unreliable data connection, such as rural farms, remote woods, parks, and campsites.

“This is a timely reminder to check on animals during these frosty days and to ensure fields and paddocks are secure to avoid similar incidents, and highlights the importance of being able to describe a precise location quickly. We’d hate to think what might have happened without the passer-by’s quick thinking and the what3words app.”

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All right, Treacle – mare abandoned during difficult birth gets the ‘second chance she deserves’

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:42:14 +0000

A pony who was abandoned by her owner during a difficult foaling – and had to undergo surgery to remove the dead foal – has been rescued and “given the second chance she deserves”.

A member of the public reported to welfare charity HAPPA that part-bred Welsh mare Treacle had been left on council-owned land and was in urgent need of veterinary help, in April.

A spokesperson for HAPPA said Treacle’s story is one of “remarkable resilience”.

“Abandoned by her owner during a difficult foaling, she was rushed for surgery to remove her deceased foal,” she said. “After a brief stay at the veterinary clinic, she was travelled safely to HAPPA’s Shores Hey Farm for further treatment and rehabilitation.

“Arriving traumatised by her ordeal, underweight, and infested with lice, Treacle needed intensive care, so the HAPPA equine care team jumped into action, giving the love and attention she needed to recover from her ordeal.”

HAPPA equine care officer Lauren Brown said Treacle spent three weeks recovering in isolation, but with “much-needed love and attention”.

“She wasn’t the biggest fan of taking her antibiotics, unless it was mixed with molasses, also known as treacle, which is where she got her name,” Lauren said. “Originally, Treacle was quite a defensive mare [but] with lots of time and patience, and since moving on to the main yard, she has gotten much better with this and is proving to be a sweet pony.”

The spokesperson said Treacle’s hooves were very overgrown, and after a few weeks’ practice, she was picking all four feet up happily, which meant they could be trimmed.

“Once Treacle had settled and had all her treatments, she was able to go out in the fields and make some new friends,” the spokesperson said. “She struggled to socialise at first, but soon accepted the other mares and has now had a very happy summer living out with them.

“HAPPA is hoping that in future Treacle will make a riding pony, but for now the equine care team is still doing desensitisation work to prepare her for the big, wide world. She is proving to be rather confident and takes everything in her stride, which is nice to see after her rough start to life. The charity is excited to see what the future holds for Treacle.”

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Escaped horse found stuck in cattle grid after dragging it along the road

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:07:14 +0000

A horse who escaped from his field but then did not manage to clear a cattle grid was found some distance away having dragged part of the grid with him.

Crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were sent to the rescue of the horse, who was still stuck in part of the grid at a farm in Hethe, near Bicester. Firefighters from Bicester, Kidlington and Banbury fire stations were sent to the scene, at 8.30pm on Saturday (24 August).

“Two horses had escaped from a field and after his friend had successfully jumped over the cattle grid, the second horse got one of his front legs caught in the grid,” a spokesperson for the fire service said. “He then managed to drag the section of cattle grid further down the lane. Thankfully, the owners were quickly on hand to calm the horse down and prevent him trying to move further, before calling 999.”

Picture by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Bicester firefighters assessed the situation and came up with a plan to free the horse while they waited for a vet, and the fire service’s animal rescue team from Kidlington.

“After the horse had been sedated by the vet to keep him calm, firefighters used hydraulic spreaders to force apart the bars of the cattle grid and release him,” the spokesperson said.

“They were then able to straighten the grid and reinstall it, ensuring farm vehicles could continue to use the track.

“Crews reported that the horse’s injuries are believed to be superficial, and he is in a stable condition.”

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‘Nothing short of miraculous’ transformation of filly found near death, shod and tied to bike wrapped in barbed wire

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:00:25 +0000

A filly who was found close to death and tied to an old bike wrapped in barbed wire is “almost unrecognisable”, five months after her rescue.

The skewbald was about 18 months old – but shod – when she was discovered, emaciated and covered in lice, on land in Hertfordshire in February. The report, from a member of the public, described the situation as “tethered yearling, no water, no grass on mud patch, no hay, out in all weather, underweight and very depressed”.

World Horse Welfare field officer Becky Bedson found the filly, who has since been named Pedals, in a “shockingly poor state”.

“She was in a really poor body condition when we found her,” Becky said. “Her hips and spine were protruding, and she was covered in lice. She was actually tethered to an old bike that she was dragging around with her. The rest of the tether was attached to a fence, so she couldn’t drag it all over the field, but it was a significant hazard and potentially could have caused her some really bad injuries.

“Tethering isn’t illegal, but it must be done safely. And to tether a horse to a bike that it was dragging around behind it, where it could really get significant injuries if it got tangled up or stood on it, it’s just not acceptable.”

Pedal was shod on all four feet, suggesting she had been in some form of work, inappropriate at her age.

Attempts to find the filly’s owner were unsuccessful and there was no response to abandonment notices so once a vet and police confirmed her suffering, Pedals was rescued. She was taken to World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre to start her new life, with a new name.

“We always look for a nice name that harks back to the original job,” Becky said. “So we racked our brains for a bike-related name.”

A spokesperson for the charity said the filly’s transformation has been “nothing short of miraculous”, and she is now ready to be rehomed.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“From a severely underweight, lice-infested pony, she has blossomed into a sweet and loving filly, with an incredible temperament and she is now ready to start a new chapter in her life,” she said.

Becky added: “Pedals has completely transformed, she looks completely different. I wouldn’t recognise her if I hadn’t been told who she was, she was in really, really poor body condition. And, to be honest, I think she was close to not surviving.