An abandoned underweight colt found “just in time” near a Holiday Inn hotel is receiving urgent veterinary treatment in the care of Redwings.
Norfolk Police were called to the A140 Ipswich Road near Harford Bridge on 11 May after the six-month-old colt had been spotted straying dangerously close to the road. The police contacted the sanctuary, whose headquarters are in Norfolk, and senior field officer Julie Harding attended.
A spokesman for the charity said with the help of police officers the colt, who has been named Buddy, was caught and transported to the sanctuary and provided with a stable, food and water.
“Buddy was discovered very underweight, with his hooves in a poor condition and suffering from a severe worm burden. He was also extremely nervous,” said the spokesman.
“While it remains early days in his treatment, Redwings’ veterinary team believe he was found just in time and should go on to make a full recovery.”
Senior field officer Julie Harding said Buddy had been through a terrifying ordeal.
Article continued below…
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“To have been dumped on the side of a busy road, endangering not just him but road users too, and especially when he was so ill and young, is appalling,” said Ms Harding.
“Due to the danger Buddy was put in and his poor health, there was no question that he needed to be brought into the safety of the sanctuary, where he’ll receive all the care he needs for life. For the first few days Buddy was very fearful but he is slowly learning to trust us.”
Buddy’s owner could not be traced and Norfolk Police are signing over ownership to Redwings.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
