Emaciated rescue mare gives birth to foal

A pregnant horse who was found abandoned in a terrible condition has given birth to a healthy filly foal.

Struggling to survive

Elderly and pregnant the mare was so thin that nearly every bone of her body and she was close to death.

As well as being dehydrated the mare had painful scabs on the skin. She was seized by the RSPCA for immediate care.

Horse Manager at the Blue Cross Vicki Alford was appalled by the condition the horse was found in.

“I have worked in welfare for more than 10 years and have witnessed so many tragic sights but I have never seen a horse in such a pitiful state as this ” she said.

Around the clock care

The mare who has most recently been named Cinderella has received unprecedented care and attention from the Blue Cross team.

However there was a huge concern for Cinderella’s unborn foal. Two weeks before foaling the mare developed a life-threatening infection to the placenta known as placentisis.

“Thankfully her foal was wriggling and kicking so we knew we had a chance to save them both albeit a slim one ” said Vicki.

A happy ending

On 14 May this year Cinderella gave birth to a beautiful healthy and strong filly foal.

The skewbald filly named Princess appears to be living up to the name and all the staff at Blue Cross are delighted with the new born foal.

“We were all ecstatic ’’ said Vicki. “I have helped with many foalings but I have never worried as much as on this occasion. Cinderella is an incredibly resilient mare.”

Cinderella is proving to be a wonderful mother and the pair will soon be looking for a new experienced home.