A former racehorse suffered a fractured skull and severe wounds after being unavoidably trampled by other horses in an overloaded lorry while travelling from Ireland to Europe for slaughter.
Glorious, a three-year-old Thoroughbred mare, needed staples in a head wound and suffered serious crush injuries as a result of the incident, which took place in January 2024.
A vet and the RSPCA were called to lairage facilities after the lorry driver told staff that there was a dead mare on board and the body needed to be removed before they crossed at Dover.
However, it was discovered that the mare was not dead but was in fact badly injured and needed urgent veterinary treatment.
The RSPCA contacted Redwings for help and the charity took Glorious into their care, where she underwent many months of veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
‘In so much pain and distress’
“I’m not sure I have ever seen a horse suffering so much pain and distress because of her injuries,” said Nic De Brauwere, Redwings’ head of welfare and behaviour.
“Glorious was incredibly difficult to treat. She really struggled with any form of touch — anything to do with humans caused her immense upset — but her wounds needed a lot of care.
“We are deeply disappointed that despite the efforts of the RSPCA, local vets and Redwings to document her suffering, no one has been found responsible and faced any repercussions for what happened to Glorious.”
Progressing well
The mare’s wounds have now healed and she has been integrated into a herd where she has formed a close bond with a fellow equine resident, Saskia.
“Whilst Glorious loves her herd mates, quite understandably she doesn’t always enjoy too much interaction with people so we’re working on that,” said Sarah Hallsworth, Redwings’ equine behaviour manager.
“She is now good to catch and we’re seeing improvement in her leg handling.
“She has friends, freedom and food — the three fs — and is enjoying the simple pleasures of just being a horse in a safe environment where, thanks to our supporters, her future is secure, no matter how quickly her behaviour does or doesn’t progress.”
Images © Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Related content
- How to tell if a horse is happy
- UK bans live export of horses for slaughter
- Petition set up with the aim of updating the Dangerous Dogs Act to better protect horses
- Public attitudes towards horse sport ‘on the right track’ but there is still more to do
- Learn to read your horse’s body language with this expert advice
