11 March 2025

Emaciated pony doing well after being rescued by Redwings

A very skinny grey pony is turning her head to look at the camera

An emaciated pony is recovering in Redwings’ care after being found abandoned in Norfolk.

Our team attended a call from a member of the public about the Welsh section B mare, named Elsa by her rescuers, on 15th January.

Senior Field Officer Julie Harding, said: “It was obvious that this little pony was very poorly.

“She was emaciated, covered in lice and suffering from diarrhoea, which can be life threatening.

“It was important to act quickly to get her the treatment she needed, so that she didn’t suffer any longer than was necessary.

“I left a notice for her owner to contact us and arranged to go back the next day with the relevant authorities but sadly, no one got in touch.”

Watch Elsa's journey so far here

A team effort

Elsa was placed in Redwings’ care on veterinary advice.

She was fearful of humans and when rescuers attempted to catch her, she refused, despite her poor condition.

“She had been very dull and lethargic the day before, but as soon as we tried to catch her, she wouldn’t let us anywhere near,” said Julie. “It took a team from right across the charity to get her into our care safely, but of course all the effort was worth it.”

The spine and hip bones on a grey pony are extremely prominent

Elsa was extremely emaciated and all her bones were showing

Emergency care

Within 24 hours of arriving at Redwings, Elsa had received emergency treatment to stabilise her condition. Happily, over the next few days, she had improved enough to safely undergo much-needed dental treatment. Her teeth were in very poor condition, however afterwards her ability to eat hard feeds and hay improved.

Julie said: “Her poor dental health was preventing her from eating properly and a second dental was needed a few weeks after the first, but she’s now very food orientated.

“She’s still being closely monitored but is recovering so well that she was able to be moved to one of our woodchip paddocks on Friday (7th March) and hopefully will be able to join one of our resident herds in time.”

Redwings welfare vet Alex gives Elsa a dental exam, to make sure she can eat without pain

Being there for the next Elsa...

It’s thanks to our supporters that we were able to rescue Elsa, and it is your generosity that enables us to be there for the next Elsa, and the next.

As one of the biggest horse welfare charities in the UK, Redwings offered a home to 104 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who needed them last year, many of whom had suffered abuse and neglect.

That's why we've launched our Ready to Rescue appeal, so we can always help ponies like Elsa. Our Welfare team will be called on to help desperately vulnerable horses, ponies and donkeys in the months ahead. For a horse that needs to be rescued, it is critical that we can reach, treat and remove them quickly and safely.

From the moment we are alerted to a horse at risk, we know that we will potentially need to coordinate a team of handlers, vets and carers.

To help ensure Redwings is always Ready to Rescue ponies like Elsa, please donate whatever you can here.