A 15-year-old Clydesdale gelding has been given a new chance in life after he was discovered “slowly starving to death” in a field with no grass.

The gentle giant, named Seamus, was so emaciated when he was taken in by World Horse Welfare that it was touch-and-go as to whether he would survive. Thanks to the intensive care he received at the charity’s Lancashire Rescue and Rehoming Centre, he has made a full recovery and been successfully rehomed back to his native country of Scotland.

Seamus was rescued from the hillside paddock by World Horse Welfare Field Officer Seema Ritson.

“When I saw Seamus I was shocked to see a giant skeleton, with bare patches of flesh where there should have been a thick, brown coat,” she said. “I could see he’d had to crane his neck through the fence to reach any morsel of forage, but this was simply not enough to sustain him.”

Over the course of eight months Seamus slowly recovered at the Lancashire centre and his placid temperament, which persisted despite his previous neglect, meant that Seamus was quickly rehomed when he was ready.

Seamus’ rehomer Nikky had previous experience with thoroughbreds and Highland ponies but Seamus was her first heavy breed.

“Although we are experienced with horses, caring for a Clydesdale has been a learning curve as big as him,” said Nikky. “Transport was a bit tricky due to his size, but we found an experienced transporter of Clydesdales to bring him home to Scotland.

“We cannot thank World Horse Welfare enough for giving him a chance of life and entrusting us with his follow-on care.”

Now the face of the charity’s latest fundraising appeal, Seamus is just one of hundreds of horses rescued and rehomed by World Horse Welfare every year.

“Previous donations helped make this rescue possible – so thank you from the bottom of my heart.” added Seema. “It’s only thanks to donations from those that care about horses that we are able to do this, and we desperately need to be there for so many more horses like Seamus. Donations could help us rescue horses in need and provide them with round the clock care, rehabilitation and a brighter future. Any amount can be truly lifechanging.”

More information about the appeal and to donate click here.