A pony who was abandoned by her owner during a difficult foaling is now thriving thanks to the care and attention of the Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA).
Treacle, a seven-year-old part bred Welsh mare, was rescued by HAPPA following a report of cruelty from a concerned member of the public. She had been abandoned on council owned land and was taken by HAPPA straight to surgery to remove her dead foal.
As well as being traumatised, Treacle was also underweight, infested with lice and her hooves were overgrown.
Following a brief stay at the veterinary clinic, Treacle was moved to HAPPA’s Shores Hey Farm in Burnley where she underwent further treatment and rehabilitation.
“Treacle spent three weeks in the isolation unit where she continued her recovery with the addition of medication and some much-needed love and attention,” said Lauren Brown, HAPPA equine care officer.
Sweet tooth
The mare didn’t like taking her medication unless it was mixed with molasses which is how she got the name, Treacle.
“Originally, Treacle was quite a defensive mare. She wasn’t keen on being kept in her stable, showing her cheeky side by trying to push her way out. With lots of time and patience, and since moving onto the main yard, she has gotten much better with this and is proving to be a sweet pony,” continued Lauren.
Treacle was not used to having her legs lifted up and her feet picked out so the HAPPA team had to teach her this before she could receive farriery attention.
“Once Treacle had settled and received all her treatments, she was then able to go out in the fields and make some new friends. She struggled to socialise at first, but soon accepted the other mares and has now had a very happy summer living out with them,” said Lauren.
The HAPPA team are beginning to do desensitisation work with Treacle in the hope that in the future she will make a riding pony.