A young foal separated from his mother too early and left abandoned on flood prone land has been given a new chance in life.
Coloured colt Olaf was brought to the attention of World Horse Welfare by landowners who saw his concerning condition.
The charity’s Field Officer, Chris Shaw, visited the site in early December 2021 and it was clear that Olaf was just a few months old and his situation was precarious with winter fast approaching.
“Despite being obviously nervous, Olaf repeatedly approached me, it was as if he didn’t want to be left on his own again,” said Chris.
“Happily, for him, the landowners took the appropriate action and used the Control of Horses Act. This meant that when no-one came forward to claim Olaf he was signed over into our care and ownership.
“He is now looking at a well-fed and cosy future rather than having to face a frozen, uncertain winter alone.”
Olaf arrived at the charity’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk where he is now being looked after by an expert team, who will care for him until he is ready for rehoming.
The piebald colt so small he barely reached Field Officer Chris’s waist, is now facing a secure future but, sadly, he won’t be the only one who needs help in the coming months.
“Despite his diminutive size and youth Olaf has taken on the important role of being the face of World Horse Welfare’s New Year Appeal as rescue and caring for the horses and ponies continues year-round,” said a World Horse Welfare spokesman.
“Funds are tight at this time of year for everyone, but even a small donation to World Horse Welfare will really make a difference and help give horses and ponies in need, like Olaf, a fresh start this year.”
World Horse Welfare cares for and rehabilitates around 300 horses and ponies at any one time in their four farms around the UK.
Each equine, just like Olaf, will need dedicated and costly care and rehabilitation before they are ready for rehoming. To support World Horse Welfare’s work visit https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/
