Three horses found in “desperate need” have been given a fairytale ending thanks to equine welfare charity HAPPA.
The Horses and Ponies Protection Association took in a yearling and a mare and her filly, all of whom were unhandled, extremely underweight and suffering from severe lice infestations.
All three are now being given specialist care at HAPPA’s Shores Hey Farm, Burnley.
And following the recent unexpected ending to Game of Thrones, the charity has named them after characters in the fantasy television series, “allowing the equine care team to script out a fabulous ending to their story, fighting the effects of neglect”.
The horses are now known as HAPPA Khaleesi (pictured), Sansa and Arya.
HAPPA equine development officer Laura Brown said: “Their previous owner had failed to provide sufficient care for these poor young horses. Now in the safety of the charity there is hope for these adorable characters.
“The team will give them the care and attention needed to transform into strong warriors.”
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Ms Brown said the horses have settled in well, undergone veterinary assessments and started “appropriate treatment”.
“It will take a number of weeks to build their confidence and trust following their previous feral ‘wildling’ existence,” she said.
“HAPPA staff are huge Game of Thrones fans and it only seemed fitting to rewrite the ending for some of our favourite characters.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
