Actor and writer Stephen Fry has voiced a moving animation for Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
The short film tells the true story of Clydesdale Boo, who was callously attacked in his field in 2009.
Intruders shot Boo at point blank range in the eye with an air rifle. Boo had already lost one eye due to cancer, and the attack left him completely blind.
Thankfully, Boo was taken in by Redwings and given a new chance in life.
The now 23-year-old gelding continues to live happily at the chairty’s headquarters with his field companion and ‘seeing eye’ horse Flynn.
Animal lover Stephen said he was “touched and delighted” to be given the opportunity to tell Boo’s story and be part of Redwings’ work.
Boo is one of more than 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living at Redwings’ sites across the UK, whose headquarters – including its horse hospital – are located south of Norwich.
“We love to share stories of our most recent rescues and their recoveries, but Boo is a shining symbol of the specialist care and love our teams give to our long-term residents every day – something they worked incredibly hard to continue throughout the coronavirus lockdowns this year,” said Lynn Cutress, Redwings’ chief executive.
“Having survived such an appalling act of cruelty, we never fail to be amazed and moved by the trust Boo places in us every day and we couldn’t think of a better resident to pay tribute to in our new animation. It’s been made even more special by the wonderful Stephen Fry agreeing to voice Boo’s story, for which we’re very thankful.
“With lockdowns restricting access to our visitor centres and leading to the cancellation of fundraising activities this year, we wanted to devise a creative way to raise awareness of our work while people stayed at home and we hope our animation will inspire as many as possible to help us help more brave horses in need, like Boo, this Christmas and into the future.”
