Show pony given hours to live after stabbing

A 19-year-old show cob was left fighting for his life after being stabbed in a random attack.

Absolutely broken

Joe, a piebald cob, was found in his field in Holbeach, Lincolnshire on Sunday 29 June with blood trickling from a small wound on his saddle area.

According to his owner Chelsea Richardson, although the wound itself wasn’t too serious, the stress of the attack caused his heart to irregulate and the valves to stop working.

“He was given a relaxant to keep him calm and we were told to make the most of the next 24 hours with him because the vet thought he wouldn’t pull through,” Chelsea told Spalding Today.

“We were all absolutely broken, really upset. We have had him for 15 years. He is a massive part of our family.”

Fighting through

Joe survived the night and the next day was taken to Oakham Veterinary Hospital in Rutland to see a heart specialist. Joe was given antibiotics, and seems to be making a full recovery.

Chelsea posted updates on her “best friend” via Facebook, saying: “Despite the odds my old boy has come through fighting.”

The pair has enjoyed success in the show ring in ridden and in-hand classes.

Reward for information

The Richardsons are offering a reward for any information, while the local police are investigating the incident.

“An examination of the field has been carried out and there appears to be no alternative explanation for the injury other than that it was deliberately inflicted,” said a police spokesperson.