Abandoned and left to die: Teddy one year on

Thursday, 24 October 2013

As a beautiful young pony canters across the field, not a care in the world, it is hard to imagine that only a year ago this same pony was found close to death dumped on the side of the road.

Teddy was only 8-weeks old when he was found starving and abandoned, alone, on a busy roadside in Iver, Buckinghamshire in September 2012. He was rescued by Thames Valley Police with help from a local Buckinghamshire Councillor and brought to The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses.

Teddy was so sick he had to be sent to the Royal Veterinary College’s equine hospital to receive intensive care just to make it through the first few weeks. His chances of survival were slim, but his tiny, frail body hid a huge spirit and he never gave up fighting. After months of round the clock care from The Horse Trust’s dedicated staff and help from his Shetland pony pal, 36-year old George, Teddy slowly began to recover.

Teddy’s fight for life won the hearts of a legion of fan who followed his daily updates on Facebook. His supporters rallied round with many making the donations the charity desperately needed to provide Teddy with the round –the-clock care he so desperately needed.

Teddy is not the only foal to have been discarded; sadly he is just one more victim of the national horse crisis facing the UK. Only last week The Horse Trust reported the secret plight of two more foals found abandoned in Hertfordshire just one month after Teddy’s rescue.

Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust said “One year ago I sat with Teddy’s head in my lap wondering if each breath would be his last. I could not have imagined that only one year on he would have made such a miraculous recovery. I am just so grateful to everyone who helped give him a second chance, from the vets at the Royal Veterinary College to the public who donated so generously towards his care.”

Teddy’s fans are invited to celebrate his anniversary at The Home of Rest for horses on Sunday 3rd November, from 2pm to 4pm. Visitor information and entry prices are available on The Horse Trust website.

You can help celebrate Teddy’s anniversary by sponsoring him from just £2 per month. Sponsor receive a personalised certificate, fact sheet, Teddy photo, regular updates and a host of other benefits visit www.horsetrust.org.uk or call 01494 488464 to find our more.

Photography:
Teddy - 1 year on


-Ends-
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

Notes for Editors

1. The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the world. 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. 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.

3. The recession and overbreeding mean that there are a growing number of horses being abandoned across the UK. Despite the growing crisis facing Britain’s horses overbreeding of horses has continued with some horses sold at markets for as little as £5. Colt foals like Teddy are at the highest risk has they have little monetary value. Many are dumped by unscrupulous owners before they reach six months, by which age owners are required by law to register them. Charities have warned that the welfare of 7,000 is at risk and they fear they will not be able to cope with the number of horses in need of help this winter.