An equine charity has welcomed two foals, born just weeks after their dams were rescued from squalor.
Last year, HorseWorld were called to help rescue three neglected and heavily pregnant thoroughbred mares.
Thor and LJ
The mothers were found standing in a filthy barn, near Bristol, hock deep in soiled bedding. They were riddled with lice and suffering from rain scald due to exposure to prolonged wet weather and all had over-grown feet.
The mares, Lisa Jane (LJ), Pink Champagne and Tango were removed to the safety of HorseWorld where the welfare team, alongside the charity’s vet, administered emergency care to save the mares and their unborn foals.
“Sadly, Tango did not recover from the horrendous neglect she had suffered and soon after arrival, veterinary examination revealed a fractured and infected bone within her hoof,” said a HorseWorld spokesman. “Everyone was heartbroken, but at least for her final few days she had finally known how it felt to be cared for. Her final moments were full of love.”
Ginny
“But from this story of neglect emerged the story of hope and just weeks later, LJ gave birth prematurely to a colt foal. He was very cold and very weak and unable to stand on his own. His life hung in the balance. He was so small the team had to buy him a dog coat to help keep him warm.
“LJ was also poorly and needed veterinary treatment after she suffered an infection. The HorseWorld team worked 24/7 to save the tiny colt. He had inherited his mother’s brave character and determination to survive – it was then our team named him Thor.”
A few weeks later, Pink Champagne had her foal. The little filly seemed healthy at first, but both mother and foal contracted a virus called Campylobacter.
Quick action meant both made a full recovery and the filly was named Pink Gin, or Ginny for short.
“Ginny and Thor will never know the cruelty and neglect that their mothers suffered as HorseWorld will always ensure their every need is met,” said HorseWorld’s Fundraising and Engagement Coordinator, Amy Williams.
Ginny and Thor
“This Valentine’s Day, HorseWorld are asking our supporters to show a little love to secure the future of this family and others like them that the charity continue to provide for”
“Every penny donated will make a difference to Ginny, Thor, their mothers and other horses, ponies and donkeys who have, through no fault of their own, found themselves in need of help”
A donation page has been set up on the HorseWorld Website www.horseworld.org.uk/love where anyone wishing to help can donate.
Lead image: Thor and Ginny
