A horse found collapsed and in distress in a field in Wales had to be put down as she had a fractured pelvis.
RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information on the grey mare, who was thought to be a two-year-old, and was discovered by a member of the public on land in Aberfan near Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, on 4 March.
The passer-by called the RSPCA, and inspector Gemma Cooper went to the scene.
“This poor horse was clearly in a bad way – she was underweight and had a fractured pelvis,” Ms Cooper said.
“A vet on site deemed that sadly her condition was too serious and decided that the best thing for her was to put her to sleep to prevent any further suffering.”
The mare was found on a patch of bare ground that appeared churned, possibly by her efforts to get to her feet. Near her was a pile of vegetable peelings, along with broccoli and cabbage leaves.
Article continues below…
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
She was microchipped, the RSPCA said, but the chip number was no longer in use.
“But it means she most probably has an owner out there and we’d like to speak to them,” Ms Cooper said, urging anyone with any information about the mare to call the RSPCA inspector information line on 0300 1238018, in confidence.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday. the current edition (21 March) is our eventing special, including an interview with British event rider Gemma Tattersall, how to get the best out of your cross-country schooling and much more. In this week’s vet clinic, we explore why rest days are vital for horses, plus we speak to top showjumper William Whitaker, and check out our full 12-page report from the Cheltenham Festival, including expert analysis, comments and pictures.
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.
