A young horse who was found severely underweight with his ribs and hips clearly visible and a dull, lacklustre coat is at the heart of the Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Christmas appeal.
Bourbon, a two-year-old Arab colt, was discovered alone in a barren field in Cornwall and was taken to the charity’s Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Centre in Newton Abbot.
“Bourbon was in a desperate situation,” said senior field officer Leah Brock, who helped coordinate his rescue operation.
“The field was overgrazed with no real grass for him to eat. He was extremely thin and we suspected there were underlying health conditions that needed urgent, specialist investigation.
“Despite how he must have felt, he was calm throughout and took everything in his stride. When he arrived at the Sanctuary, we were all shocked that he just walked quietly off the lorry.”
Weight loss
Bourbon weighed 120kg less than a horse of his age, type and height should and he continued to lose weight on arrival at Beech Trees.
He was placed on a structured recovery plan which included a gentle feeding programme with fibre-based feeds twice a day, unlimited hay and carefully controlled access to grass to avoid colic and other complications.
“Blood tests showed that his liver wasn’t functioning properly and we believe it was damaged. We started a supplement regime to help his liver to heal,” explained Leah.
Vets also investigated a subtle head tilt with x rays and neurological exams, checking Bourbon’s neck mobility, limb placement and tail response to rule out more serious nerve problems. Further tests are still ongoing.
Lovely temperament
“He is a lovely youngster,” said horse care team member Georgina Ballard.
“He thrives on human interaction. He’s very gentle and sweet. You wouldn’t know he hadn’t had much handling. Aside from not picking up his feet or leading initially, he behaves like a well-handled horse, with no fear of humans.
Bourbon now lives with a herd of young horses at one of the Sanctuary’s sites. He continues to receive specialist care and staff are aware that he has a long road to recovery ahead. His story highlights the challenge of equine welfare this winter as the cost of living and climate pressures bite.
Appeal for donations
“As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, we know that there are still many horses and ponies out there like Bourbon, who may need our help,” said Dawn Vincent, director of fundraising and communications at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
“We are deeply grateful to our supporters, because without them we simply could not respond to these emergencies. Their generosity has given Bourbon a second chance and a safe, loving home this Christmas, but there are many more still in need.
“Without our supporters, more lives would be lost, and more animals would continue to suffer.” “As we look back over our busy year, we’re humbled by how many horses and ponies are now safe and thriving because of public kindness but Bourbon’s story shows that our work to protect them must continue.
“This winter, we’re asking people to give what they can so that we can continue to be there for the next Bourbon who needs us.”
To watch the Christmas appeal or make a donation click here.
