Abandoned foal Teddy celebrates his 1st Birthday after making a miraculous recovery
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
"No-one thought this tiny foal would survive, there was even a moment when he lay with his head on my lap and I thought he had breathed his last"
A foal who was left to die on the side of the road at
only 8-weeks old, this week celebrates his 1st birthday after making a
miraculous recovery. Teddy was found starving and abandoned, alone,
without his mother, on a busy roadside in Buckinghamshire in September
2012. He was rescued by Thames Valley Police and brought to The Horse Trust.
Teddy was nearly another tragic victim of the national horse crisis.
Like many other young colt foals he had little monetary value and was
cruelly taken from his mother and abandoned. Tiny Teddy was so ill after
his ordeal that he was rushed to the Royal Veterinary College where he
spent weeks in intensive care. His chances of survival were slim but
Teddy never gave up his fight for life.
Life is lonely for an orphaned foal, but 36 year old Shetland Pony
George took on the important role of being Teddy’s best friend and role
model. Gorgeous George taught him how to be a pony. Thanks to months of
specialist care by his vets and the dedication of staff at The Horse
Trust Teddy gradually began to recover. Teddy’s struggle for life won
the hearts of everyone who met him as well as a legion of dedicated
fans, who followed his fight for survival on Facebook. Teddy even has
dedicated sponsors who help pay for his care.
Teddy is now a happy, healthy and cheeky young pony and this week was
joined by some of his friends, sponsors and supporters to celebrate his
1st Birthday at The Horse Trust.
Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust said, "Teddy’s story
is inspirational to us all. No-one thought this tiny foal would survive,
there was even a moment when he lay with his head on my lap and I
thought he had breathed his last. But, thanks to the specialist
treatment, round-the-clock care and Teddy’s incredible spirit he now has
a bright future. Teddy’s recovery was only possible thanks to the
generosity of members of the public who make donations to The Horse
Trust help pay for his treatment and care. We are so grateful to
everyone who helped give Teddy a second chance at life".
If you would like to give Teddy the perfect birthday present sign up and
sponsor him from just £2 per month. Sponsors receive a personalised
certificate, fact sheet, Teddy photo, regular updates and other
benefits. Visit www.horsetrust.org.uk or call 01494 488464 to find out more.
Photography:
Teddy and George with Birthday Cake - http://bit.ly/tht-teddy1
Teddy and George with Presents - http://bit.ly/tht-teddy2
Teddy's 1st Birthday Celebrations - http://bit.ly/tht-teddy3
Notes for Editors:
1. The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the
UK. Based at Speen, Buckinghamshire, it provides a place of retreat for
working horses that have served their country or community and nurtures
them throughout their final years. The charity also gives sanctuary to
horses, ponies and donkeys that have suffered and need special
treatment. The Horse Trust funds non-invasive research that advances
knowledge of equine diseases, improving diagnosis and treatment and
reducing suffering among equines worldwide. The charity also offers
training for professionals and owners, with a focus on equine welfare
and quality of life assessment.
2. The Horse Trust depends on the support of the public to look after
retired working horses. It costs the charity an average of £12 per day
to look after each horse at the sanctuary, which includes the costs of
grooms, forage, farriery and veterinary care. The Horse Trust spends
£50,000 per year on medication and vets fees for horses just like Teddy.
To donate to The Horse Trust, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 or info@horsetrust.org.uk.
For further information please contact:
The Horse Trust
Catherine Napper
T 01494 540024
M: 07900 905199
E: catherine@horsetrust.org.uk
W www.horsetrust.org.uk
PR Agency
Insight Group Marketing
Mark Robson
T: 0845 643 6181
M: 07785 395 499
E: tht@insightgroup.co.uk
W: http://www.insightgroup.co.uk