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"
Jeanette Allen, CEO, The Horse Trust

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
• Teddy - Before and after -  http://bit.ly/tht-teddy4

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: www.insightgroup.co.uk