Bucks charity saves neglected young pony 'left to die' on roadside
A pony that was discovered in what an animal welfare charity has described as a ‘severely neglected’ condition is fighting for her life at a Buckinghamshire specialist stable.
The Horse Trust, an equine centre which has supported animals for 140 years, says that its team is working round the clock to keep the pony alive.
Based in Princes Risborough, the charity says that Annie remains in a critical state having just arrived at its facility.
"Weighing only 157kg and standing at 11.2hh, she has a body condition score of 0.5 out of 5,” a spokesperson for the organisation warned. “She is dangerously emaciated. Staff say they would not be surprised if she has never had access to adequate forage.
“At times, Annie is too weak to stand unaided. The team has already had to assist her to her feet using a strop placed carefully beneath her belly - a measure only used in the most serious cases.
The charity adds that Annie is believed to be between three and four years old and was found abandoned, alone, and left to die in a field near Basingstoke.
Another equine charity, World Horse Welfare, identified the small mare as the thinnest in the herd. Before police officers could assist, she was moved. The team believes she was deliberately dumped nearby to evade investigation.
Staff at the Horse Trust have named the pony Named Annie in honour of the charity’s founder, Ann Lindo, during its 140th anniversary year, this tiny pony is now at the centre of a desperate fight for survival.
The Horse Trust says that it is facing multiple critical risks at once. “Annie is heavily infested with lice, leaving her severely anaemic. She is likely carrying a significant worm burden, and there are concerns about further gastrointestinal disease,” a spokesperson added. “Strict biosecurity measures are already in place to protect both the team and the trust’s herd of 130 horses.
It is said that keeping Annie alive is a delicate balance. Intervening too aggressively could overwhelm her system; moving too slowly could cost her life.
Nicola Housby-Skeggs, The Horse Trust’s veterinary director, says: “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. 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.”
The charity adds that she has now been placed on a 24-hour trickle feeding plan - tiny, carefully controlled amounts of food - but she is showing very little appetite.
The Horse Trust is trying to identify whether this is due to stress, exhaustion or something more serious. Alongside her physical condition, Annie is showing signs of extreme exhaustion, the charity cautions.
As a publicly-funded organisation the trust is asking for donations to support Annie’s treatment. Details on the fundraiser can be found on the charity’s website here.