Hero horse saves the life of pony with blood transfusion

A horse resident at Redwings has saved the life of an ill pony with a blood transfusion — Irish draught gelding Rourke giving blood

(Image credit: Redwings)

An Irish draught gelding has been hailed a “special hero” after he helped save the life of a critically ill pony who urgently needed a blood transfusion.

Coral, a 9.2hh mare who was taken in by Redwings as part of a welfare case, was losing weight. Staff noticed redworm larvae in her faeces, and she went “downhill quickly”.

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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.

‘Hero’ horse helps save the life of critically ill pony

“Coral was losing protein from her intestines. It was a critical situation, and we could have lost her,” said Dawn Trayhorn, the Redwings vet who oversaw Coral’s care.

Fellow Redwings resident Rourke, a healthy 17hh gelding, stepped forward as the “perfect” plasma donor for Coral.

“She wouldn’t have survived without the intensive care she was given, and the plasma from Rourke was vital in getting her to turn the corner,” said Dawn.

“Rourke did really well during the procedure and had lots of TLC and yummy dinners afterwards. He’s a real animal hero.”

Dawn said Coral is now “doing great”.

“She’s back at Redwings’ Caldecott visitor centre and hopefully can be rehomed at some point in future,” she said.

“It’s amazing when we’re able to save a life. The whole team pulls together in situations like this. It’s difficult, but also what we’re here for. Coral and Rourke are very special to us.”

To donate plasma from one horse to another, blood is taken from the donor and the plasma drawn from it. Plasma contains white blood cells and antibodies used for fighting infections. Plasma transfusions can also be used for newborn foals, who have not received adequate colostrum.

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