Rescue pony Buttercup has been transformed since coming into our care emaciated and weak.
Posted on 23/01/2020
Share
Buttercup came into our care in June 2018 in a dreadful state. She was so emaciated that she was covered in sores where her protruding bones had rubbed as she lay on the ground. Incredibly, shortly after she arrived at the holding yard Buttercup gave birth to a foal, later named Frieda.
Buttercup was so weak that she couldn’t care for her foal and the decision was made to move them both to World Horse Welfare Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, so they could receive specialist round-the-clock care. Frieda was hand-reared by the dedicated Penny Farm team and thrived in their care.
Being so weak and emaciated, Buttercup had to have a very careful feeding regime to begin building up her strength. Initially she was fed four times a day, until eventually she was strong enough to go out in a paddock for a few hours at a time and then she began to gain condition slowly but surely.
“When Buttercup first arrived she stood in the stable with her head hung low, with her spine and hip bones protruding. She had sores on both sides, where she had struggled to get up. She was so weak that she didn’t take an interest in anything.
“Once she was eventually strong enough we started doing some in-hand exercise with her. We realised she might do very well at in-hand showing and she actually went to Equifest last year. They have special rescue classes, which are judged on the horse or pony’s previous history, their transformation and their performance. Buttercup was very well-behaved and she was crowned champion, so we’re very proud of her!”
Karen Wright, World Horse Welfare Penny Farm Assistant Centre Manager
Following on from her showing success at Equifest, Buttercup has been the star of many “Groom a pony” sessions at Penny Farm. She’s wonderful with children and loves being groomed and fussed over. Although she can’t be ridden, Buttercup is now ready to be rehomed as a non-ridden companion and is sure to become a much-loved family member, whoever her lucky rehomer is.
If you think Buttercup could be the perfect addition to your horsey family, why not check out our rehoming pages now?
Share
Topics
Related News
Announcement on new bill enabling tougher prison sentences for worst animal cruelty offences welcomed
The new bill to enable tougher prison sentences for the worst animal cruelty offences will be introduced to Parliament.
Multi-agency operation takes place to rescue 43 horses in Wellingborough
World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA led the rescue operation, with a number of other equine charities helping.
Recommended Blog Posts
Meet some of our often-unsung heroes on Groom Appreciation Day – Kathryn at Hall Farm
"It can be quite the emotional rollercoaster, ranging from the joy of a horse being rehomed to the perfect long-term home, to the pain of seeing a severely neglected foal lose its battle to live."
A busy start to life as a World Horse Welfare Field Officer
One World Horse Welfare Field Officer describes what it's like to join the team.
The senior horse: nutrition in sickness and in health
Find out more about the key considerations when caring for older horses, whether in work or retired and whatever their health status.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now
