Foal found dying on roadside to make show ring debut
A foal found dying on the side of the road has a bright future, and possibly even a showing career, after being permanently adopted by the vets who originally took him into their care.
Six months ago (17 February) the RSPCA were called to the then four-month-old foal — now known as Gizmo. He was discovered without his mother near Ridgewell Caravan Park in Halstead, Essex.
Gizmo, who was riddled with lice, hypothermic, dehydrated and suffering from pneumonia, was taken into the care of Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic in Halstead.
The piebald foal was fighting for his life but has since gone from strength to strength.
“We all love him and have decided to keep him,” Carolyn Wyse, veterinary surgeon at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic told H&H.
“He’s doing so well and has gained 89% of his body weight.
“Everything is fixed and he has no problems from his past.
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“He’s such a character and is becoming quite the looker.”
Gizmo will be making his showing debut at Equifest (12-16 August) where he will be taking part in the RSPCA youngstock class and parade.
“He’s not that fussed about anything and he adores people,” added Carolyn.
“He responds to the name darling — he puts his head over the door and winnies.
“This has earned him the passport name Catley’s Painted Peppermint Darling.”
The clinic held an open day on 26 July to thank the public for their continued support.
“He had people doting on him all day and he loved all the attention,” said Carolyn.
“More than 700 people came and some people travelled down from Scotland to see him.
“There were a couple of really sweet ladies who burst into tears when they saw him.”
Lara finds a new home
Another pony taken in by the veterinary clinic has also recently found a new home.
Lara was found too weak to stand on an Essex hillside earlier this year (14 April).
She was rescued by the RSPCA and recovered at the clinic before being taken on by new owners.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.