Inspirational and ‘incredibly brave’ mare adopts orphan foal alongside her own.

With the themes of ‘love’ and ‘care’ being synonymous with the festive period, the mare called Moose has gone from an extremely poorly and skinny mum-to-be, to a mother that the caring staff at Hall Farm couldn’t be more proud of: raising her own foal alongside another who sadly lost his own mum at just three months old.

Shortly after arriving to the safety of Hall Farm, Moose gave birth to Goose but as she wasn’t producing enough milk for her foal, he became very poorly himself with life-threatening sepsis. He needed intensive veterinary care but, despite the odds being stacked against him, and with Moose staying patiently by his side, he was able to recover.

Eventually Moose and Goose were well enough to be turned out in a field to continue their recovery alongside another foal, Cancan, and his mother, Snowy. However, due to ongoing health issues and despite the best efforts of the Hall Farm team, the Farm’s vet advised that Snowy be put to sleep to end her suffering, and consequently little Cancan found himself orphaned.

Moose, Goose and Cancan’s journey is not complete yet. It can take many months to rehabilitate horses to full health and it is only through the generosity of the public that the lengthy and ongoing care can be provided. This little family is just three of the 300 or so horses we rescue and help each year and, without the public’s help, that simply would not be possible.

Chris reflects on the Christmas appeal and costs of rescuing and rehabilitating horses: