UK Rescue

Collaborative working saved young pony attacked by stallion

Charities work together to secure the best outcome for pony in urgent need of assistance.

Posted on 08/11/2024

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A young pony wounded in a stallion attack has made a remarkable recovery – and found a new home – thanks to our combined efforts with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, and the RSPCA.

Two-year-old skewbald moorland gelding Dakota has been receiving care at our Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset since January, after his rescue early in the new year by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.

This case was a great example of how we work with other equine charities to achieve the best outcome for the horse, as Dakota’s injuries were some of the worst I’ve ever seen.

“As it turned out he had an amazing personality which made working with him a lot easier and I think we all developed a bit of a soft spot for him.”
Jon Phipps, World Horse Welfare Field Officer

The story began when The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s welfare team were alerted to reports of an equine in danger in a field in Devon, and found the young pony bleeding badly with open bite wounds covering his whole body.

When I saw Dakota, I wasn’t entirely certain of the extent of his injuries, but I knew it was bad. He was extremely quiet, withdrawn and I knew we had to act fast because he didn’t appear to be coping well.

“Dakota was an absolute star patient, from assessing and loading him from his rescue site, travelling to the Sanctuary and being treated by the vets. On his arrival, we stayed with him and began to clean him to prepare him for examination. He was such a kind, gentle boy who just tolerated anything and I felt he knew we were going to help him. We all fell in love with Dakota.”
Leah Brock, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary Field Officer

Despite some visible scarring on his neck and body, Dakota has recovered well and has now secured a new home, where we are confident, he will continue to thrive, with no lasting damage from his traumatic event.

Once Dakota’s injuries were healing well, the team at Glenda Spooner Farm managed his introduction to other horses extremely carefully to ensure interactions were calm and a positive experience for him.

“He has made a full recovery both physically and mentally, displaying normal and appropriate interactions with other horses, which is so important as a herd animal and critical to his mental and emotional health as well as his physical health.”
Claire Dickie, Farm Manager at Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre

Leah Brock says the whole team at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary are delighted Dakota is doing so well and is ready to move to his new home.

Seeing pictures of him now, nine months after the attack, makes me so proud to be able to do the job I do and I’m so proud of Dakota too. He fought hard to recover from his injuries and I feel thankful that The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and its supporters were able to play a part in that journey. I hope he continues to flourish in his new home and lives the happy life he deserves. It’s a great example of partnership welfare work at its best.”
Leah Brock, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary Field Officer