24 September 2024

Suffering trotter doing well thanks to Redwings

Nimbus, a black and white pony, appearing thin with protruding ribs and a skin condition when he first arrived at Redwings.

A horse who was found in terrible condition in Bristol is doing well here at Redwings.

We were contacted by Avon and Somerset Police about Nimbus, a three-year-old tri coloured stallion, after he was discovered suffering from painful rain scald, amongst other things, in March.

Nic de Brauwere, Head of Welfare and Behaviour, said: “Nimbus, as he was named by our staff, was in terrible condition when he was rescued. He’d been left with a painful skin condition, wearing a rug that didn’t fit and didn’t keep the rain out which was making his skin infection worse while he was also unable to dry off or stay warm during a very cold spell of weather.

"It’s no surprise that he was also very thin. His weight loss left him weak and wobbly, and his head looked completely out of proportion to his scrawny body.

“Nimbus had been noticed as a horse of concern by police and the RSPCA but, unfortunately, he disappeared before he could receive the help he needed. Thankfully he was spotted at another location. Nimbus was then taken into possession by police and placed in Redwings’ care.

“When he got to Redwings, we could tell that his thin sensitive skin was very painful, for such a kind natured horse he really didn’t want to be touched. Our vets discovered that he had two fractured teeth, which would certainly have been part of the reason he was so thin.

"After his teeth were treated his appetite completely changed. He made an odd sound as he walked, having only one back shoe left on any of his hooves. He’d clearly been worked but then left neglected so that his hooves had become overgrown and misshapen.”

Nimbus the horse looks over the gate of his paddock at Redwings with new best friends, ponies Mason and Barney.

Nimbus (left) enjoys spending time in his paddock at Redwings with new best friends, Mason and Barney.

As no owner has come forward, Nimbus has now been signed over into the permanent care of the Sanctuary, where he is living with Barney and Mason.

Barney has been in our care since December 2022 when was found thin and injured, upside down in a pile of rubble when he was just a foal. Orphaned foal Mason has been living at Redwings since February 2023 when he was found in a poor condition, struggling to survive on common land in Wales with two other ponies.

Nic added: “It’s clear that Nimbus had not been treated with respect by his previous owner. He is such a gentle but funny young horse. Because we have been able to address his various health concerns, we are hopeful that he can look forward to a healthy and happy life and he’s now doing well in our care.”

If you would like to donate towards Nimbus’ care, and that of the hundreds of others, like Barney and Mason, here at Redwings, you can do so here.