A horse found tethered in a “sorry state” has won his first rosette with the equine nurse who helped him back to full health.
Sheath infection
The underweight gypsy colt was found by a dog walker on Lefarge land near the Holwell site in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, who reported him to the RSPCA.
“He had been hidden away from all the others and it took an age to find him,” said RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher. “He was on a tether with no food or water and he had an infection on his sheath which was just dripping down his legs.”
It is thought he was dumped as he needed veterinary treatment.
“He was in a sorry state and it was touch and go whether he would make a recovery at all,” added Mel.
Sheath
The Royal Veterinary College provided the RPSCA with the necessary certificate, to remove him. According to Mel, ‘Beans’ was very lethargic and found walking difficult due to his untreated infection.
“He was such a character though and was really trying his best to get to the trailer but access was tricky so the poor chap had a long walk to get to the loading site,” she said.
“The vet fell in love with him as he was such a little softie and tried his best to co-operate while the vet was trying to treat him.”
Fell in love
Beans was taken to Hampden Veterinary Hospital, in Aylesbury where equine nursing assistant Lisa Penman fell in love with him.
“I remember Beans arriving in a bad way,” said Lisa. “He was so quiet and easy to handle for such a young horse.
“While we were looking after him, one of the vets said to me that Beans would be great for my little girl Poppy – and the thought got lodged into my brain. As soon as he was well enough, I adopted him.”
While he was nervous at first, Lisa said he didn’t put a foot wrong when she backed him in April.
First rosette
The pair have started competing and recently won their first rosette together. Lisa entered Beans in the rescue horse class at the Chiltern and Thames Rider Magazine Championships at Herts County Showground, where he came second.
“Beans took it all in his stride and he excelled at it,” said Lisa. “He was great. We are so proud that he came second.”
“It’s awful to think what he has been through in the past but Beans has now got a home for life with me. We absolutely love him to bits and everyone who meets him falls in love with him