The team at the Horse Trust are working around the clock to save the life of an emaciated pony who had been left to die in a field near Basingstoke.
Weighing only 157kg and standing at 11.2hh, Annie, as she has been named by the Horse Trust, has a body condition score of 0.5 out of 5 and staff say they would not be surprised if she has never had access to adequate forage.
The mare, who is believed to be just three or four years old, was identified as the thinnest of a herd who had come to the attention of staff at World Horse Welfare.
Before the charity could return with police support, Annie was moved and abandoned in a local field. The team believes she was deliberately dumped nearby to evade investigation.
Too weak to stand
Annie is in a critical state and is often too weak to stand unaided. The team at the Horse Trust have been helping her to her feet using a strop carefully placed beneath her belly.
She is heavily infested with lice, leaving her severely anaemic. It is also likely that she is carrying a significant worm burden and there are concerns about further gastrointestinal disease. Strict biosecurity measures have been implemented to protect both the team and the Trust’s herd of 130 horses.
“Annie is in a very poor condition; we need to ensure she isn’t carrying any infectious disease, protect her from disease during a time of stress and understand whether her condition is due to neglect or disease,” said Nicola Housby-Skeggs, The Horse Trust’s veterinary director.
“One of the first things we need to do is worm her. This can be stressful on a weak body, so we are giving her supportive care while it takes effect.”
No appetite
Annie has been placed on a 24-hour trickle feeding plan but she is showing very little appetite. It is not known whether this is due to stress, exhaustion or something more serious.
Despite initial concerns, Annie’s first blood tests show she is not in foal. Early indications suggest she may already have had a foal, despite her young age, having likely been kept in a mixed herd with stallions from very early on.
Alongside her physical condition, Annie is showing signs of extreme exhaustion. The team say she arrived unusually quiet for a pony of her age – not calm but completely depleted.
“Annie arrived as a small, frightened and painfully thin young mare who had clearly suffered horrific neglect and abandonment. She was so covered in lice that she has become severely anaemic, and she is dangerously underweight,” said Jeanette Allen, CEO of The Horse Trust.
“During her first veterinary examination she was so itchy that, as the vet gently ran their hands over her skin, Annie leaned in and started nuzzling the handler in relief. Even the lightest touch caused clumps of hair to come away.”
‘Utterly exhausted’
“What struck us most, despite the long list of medical problems she faces, is just how utterly exhausted she is. She is now somewhere quiet and comfortable with another pony nearby for company, and we are hoping she can finally begin to rest before the life-saving treatments ahead.
“She is in a dangerously bad state, but we are doing everything we can for her. Right now, hope and positivity are playing a very big part in her care.
“If she doesn’t make it, she will at least have known care, comfort, and kindness. That matters. But we are not there yet. She is still fighting – and so are we.”
To make a donation to help fund Annie’s care, click here.
Images © The Horse Trust.
