At the beginning of the year a concerned member of the public called Redwings Sanctury about a young mare in a field in Ipswich.
That same day Redwings Senior Field Officer Julie Harding attended the field, where she found the mare along with another young mare who was in the same poor condition. They were both severly under weight and suffering from diarrhoea. There were doubts one of the mares would make it to the summer.
The Rescue
Along with veterinary advice and help from the RSPCA the two horses, now called Whitney and Maggie were seized immediately and received emergency vet treatment and care by Redwings.
As well as being woefully neglected, the two had a body condition rating of condition of 0.5 out of five, they also had untreated worms, lice and a skin condition called rainscald.
Three-year old 13hh Whitney had also been diagnosed with salmonella, and was so weak she required an Anderson sling to stand for her first month at Redwings.
“No strength to stand or move”
“Her legs would tremble beneath her own weight, meaning she was at constant risk of collapse and therefore needing the support of the sling and 24-hour care.
“She simply had no strength to stand or move,” said Redwings Welfare Veterinary Surgeon Nicola Berryman.
Recovery
After six months of reciving intensive veterinary care, Whitney has battled all odds and made an exceptional recovery.
“She looks amazing and is unrecognisable. At times I really didn’t think she’d make it,” says Julie who found Whitney and Maggie in January this year.
“She (Whitney) still has a way to go, but is well enough to be finally turned out with Maggie. I can’t believe it’s the same horse!”
Whitney and Maggie’s owner has been served a caution for neglect and the two have been signed over to Redwings Sanctuary for permanent care, where they can enjoy being horses without fear of neglect.