Yearling abandoned on main road covered in harness sores
A colt has been rescued after being found injured and abandoned on a main road.
The horse, which rescuers believe to be between 15-18 months old, was covered in harness sores – consistent with pulling a horse-drawn vehicle at speed – when police found him.
Now called Jack, the colt has been taken in by Bristol-based charity HorseWorld.
The charity was called by Avon and Somerset Police on Tuesday (7 July) to a road in Avonmouth, Bristol, where Jack was found.
Mark Owen, HorseWorld’s managing director, said: “We have named the colt Jack after one of our previous trustees, Jack Howe who sadly passed away in June.
“Jack was a firm believer in standing up for what is morally right and was a voice for the horses and the staff who care for them.
“I am sure he would have been very proud of our rescue team for coming to the rescue of this poor horse.”
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He added they will be helping the police with their enquiries.
The charity has now micro-chipped and passported the colt, who will remain at HorseWorld’s welfare department for the foreseeable future.
He has a wound under his tail where the crupper of his harness dug in and sores across the top of his front legs from a poorly fitted breastcollar.
Jack was also wearing a shoe with a winged edge on one hoof when he was found and there is evidence that he has been shod all round.
Mr Owens added it was “heartbreaking” to see and that the youngster is understandably very frightened, but is now receiving all the veterinary care he needs.
“Once healthy, he will go out in a herd to be given time to grow up at his own pace and will join other horses who have also been rescued from around this area,” he said.
“We would like to thank the police and vets involved in making this rescue possible.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.