Neglected pony that ‘looked dead’ when it was found lying in mud covered in painful sores is now healthy and thriving after being rescued by an animal charity
- The pony was found on a building site in County Durham in April 2018
- Volunteer who initially saw her thought she was dead but then saw her breathe
- Was covered in pressure sores and needed five people to haul her to her feet
- Was also riddled with worms and infections but was given blood transfusions
A pony that was thought to be dead when it was rescued from a muddy building site is now healthy and thriving, heartwarming photos reveal.
The pony, named Heidi, was found ‘exhausted’ and covered in painful sores after volunteers from the RSPCA were called to a building site in County Durham in April 2018, in what was later described as one of the worst cases of neglect they had seen.
Two years later and Heidi is now thriving and healthy. The story of the pony’s amazing recovery left Bored Panda readers emotional after it was shared on the website this week.
A pony which was thought to be dead after it was found lying in mud on a building site in County Durham has been rescued and restored to health
Her pressure sores were discovered underneath matted hair after she was taken to a rescue centre and a full assessment of her condition was carried out
In what turned out to be one of the worst cases of neglect they had ever seen, volunteers from the RSPCA found the pony, who has since been named Heidi, in County Durham after a call from a member of the public in April 2018. Pictured: A recovered Heidi in a recent picture
In a video of her transformation, a Here 4 Horses spokesman described Heidi’s journey. She explained that Heidi was ’emaciated, filthy and exhausted’ when she was found at the building site after being abandoned.
The team of volunteers, which included rescuers from charity Here 4 Horses, found Heidi with horrific pressure sores all over her body and her bones were visible underneath her shrunken skin.
She also had ‘dangerously low’ protein levels in her blood because of her starved state and so needed a blood transfusion.
Heidi was then given 7l of blood from two healthy horses and placed on a drip.
Specially-made pads were also needed to cover her pressure sores, which took a long time to heal because of where they were on her body.
Heidi was found with horrific pressure sores all over her body and her bones were visible underneath her shrunken skin
Specially-made pads were also needed to cover her pressure sores, which took a long time to heal because of where they were on her body
However, she was initially reluctant to lie down again during her recovery because of her fear of not being able to get back up again.
But after encouragement she was able to lie down once again and started to look brighter after being put on a re-feeding programme to help her gain weight.
Soon Heidi was strong enough to get to her feet unaided and began to move around her stable more.
By August 2019, the pony was a picture of health after a long road to recovery.
Here 4 Horses founder Wendy Suddes told Bored Panda: ‘Whilst we do see this level of harm and illness all too often, it is plain and simple cruelty or ignorance of horse knowledge and care or how to properly meet their needs.’
Heidi has now fully recovered and enjoys running around her paddock
Shocked social media users who saw Heidi’s story expressed their joy at her recovery and questioned why she was allowed to fall into her terrible state.
One said: ‘She is so beautiful how could they have neglected her so badly.’
Another said: ‘My God what a terrible story but a lovely ending.’
A third added: ‘You guys are so awesome. Thank You for helping, what a Beautiful Baby!’
Shocked social media users who saw Heidi’s story expressed their joy at her recovery and questioned why she was allowed to fall into her terrible state