A rescue horse found emaciated with two foals at foot has gone on to represent Britain in the TREC European Championships in Italy (5-7 September).
Euthanised
Jigsaw came to the RSPCA in 2003 with a yearling still suckling from her and a two-year-old colt. She was suffering from lice, diarrhoea, internal parasites and a vulval infection and her foals were also in very poor condition.
The two-year-old had to be euthanised for humane reasons, while the foal called Monopoly made a good recovery. Sadly, after being weaned, he contracted grass sickness and also had to be put down.
Numerous wins
Following the care and attention of the staff at Bransby Horses in Lincoln Jigsaw made a full recovery and within two months looked like a different horse. She was rehomed with Lynne Mabbitt, a vet from nearby Grantham, as an unbroken four-year-old.
Under her guidance the mare became a successful competition horse. Lynne and Jigsaw have enjoyed numerous wins in TREC competitions and represented Britain in the TREC European Championships in Italy, where the team came eighth.
A privilege
“Despite her background Jigsaw has always been a confident little horse and is a pleasure to handle and to ride,” said Lynne. “The wonderful sport of TREC has seen us on a long mutual journey competing all over the UK countryside. Taking Jigsaw to compete at top international level TREC in Italy has been a delight and a privilege.”
