An emaciated colt found wearing a religious pendant thought to be used to ward off evil has died despite the best efforts of rescuers.
The piebald colt, named Noel by his rescuers, was found collapsed wearing a pendant, understood to be the Saint Benedict medal, on a cord around his neck. The medal features the Latin text eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur which translates as “may we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death” and is thought to be a symbol used in Christianity to ward off evil.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Noel, thought only to be a few months old, was discovered by a member of the public in a field behind the Odiham Health Centre, Odiham, Hook, Hampshire on 11 December.
The charity said Noel was in a “shocking” state and had been “left to die”.
RSPCA inspector Harriet Maund, who is investigating, said: “We’re really keen to hear from anyone who may know where Noel came from, and who owned him.
Noel did not have a microchip.
“When he was found he was down on the ground and unable to get up. He was extremely underweight, bloods tests discovered he had a high worm burden,” said Ms Maund.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Unfortunately, despite the efforts of vets, little Noel passed away overnight on Sunday 16 December. He seemed to improve at first, but he was still so weak and his body just couldn’t cope.
“We’re hoping someone out there will know more and contact us. There is never an excuse for simply abandoning an animal in their moment of need. This was a heartless and callous act carried out without a thought for the welfare of this horse.”
The charity said Noel is just one of the “latest victims” of the ongoing equine crisis with charities facing rising numbers of horses in “desperate” need of help.
Anyone with information on Noel can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
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.
