Farm news , Fundraising , UK Rescue

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

An emaciated mare rescued to our Norfolk Rescue and Rehoming Centre has become the inspirational face behind our Christmas appeal.

Posted on 30/11/2023

Birth of first foal from rescued ‘smuggled’ Dover 26 horses

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.

“She came into us in the beginning of May. She was very skinny, heavily pregnant, she had really bad moulting and a large collection of fluid and blood under her stomach. Because she was so malnourished, we slowly integrated feed, trying to get her to have a bit more milk production.”
Holly Roe, Moose’s groom at Hall Farm

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.

Brave, patient and kind Moose stepped up to the challenge and has taken on the role of adoptive mother to Cancan. Seeing them now, World Horse Welfare Field Officer Chris Shaw who first found Moose in her pitiful state, said, “To see a horse that we’ve been able to help, and get back to full health, this is one of the best things about my job. Honestly, the way it makes me feel, it’s just incredible.”

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:

“We’d never be able to do the work that we do without the support of the public. With your support, Moose, Goose and Cancan have bright futures ahead of them, rehomed into loving homes when they are strong enough and ready and enjoying a Christmas in the meantime here at Hall Farm.”