Ten thoroughbreds including one of the thinnest horses Redwings had ever seen are thriving in their home for life after their owner was prosecuted for welfare offences.
The charity took in four mares last March and six last month, all owned by a man from Suffolk who was banned from keeping animals for life in an RSPCA court case.
Chloe Jefferd, one of Redwings’ welfare vets overseeing the horses’ care, said a mare named Harmonia was in the worst condition of the first four mares to arrive.
“She was severely emaciated and very weak as a result,” she said. “She was one of the thinnest horses our staff had ever seen and very poorly. Severe worm damage meant she needed a plasma transfusion and intensive care.”
The other three mares were in foal, and in very poor condition.
“Very sadly we lost Solo to severe parasitic worm disease shortly after her arrival,”Ms Jefferd said.
Harmonia and Elektra a year after their rescue
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“Calypso was a wonderful mum but after a tumultuous weekend of round-the-clock care, her foal, who was born with several health issues, tragically died.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Happily, Electra gave birth to a healthy colt, Echo, who is doing well so far.”
The four mares and the one surviving foal spent five months being cared for at Redwings’ quarantine centre. A year after their rescue, they have “settled into sanctuary life and working with Redwings’ behaviour team who are preparing them for their futures, whether that be inside or outside of sanctuary care”.
In February, they were joined by a stallion, a mare and her foal, two colts and a gelding from the same location.
“Sadly, the stallion also needed a plasma transfusion because of his parasitic worm burden,” Ms Jefferd said. “All have needed treatment for worms and the stallion and colts will need castrating.
“Whilst this is what we’re here to do, it’s becoming more and more difficult. Times are very tough and we need our supporters’ help more than ever to continue to be ready to rescue horses, ponies, donkeys and mules like these, when they need us most.”
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
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.
