Ponies Buddy and Bauble saved by World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue recovering well
Two young ponies are on the road to recovery at a Lancashire rescue centre after being found so weak that one of them was unable to stand unaided for weeks after being rescued.
The vulnerable colts named Buddy and Bauble were rescued just in time before Christmas are now recovering well at World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool, thanks to weeks of intensive care from the charity’s dedicated team.
The pair were discovered in December by World Horse Welfare Field Officer Ryan Rouse, who immediately recognised they were in urgent need of help.
Both ponies, under a year old, were living in an unsuitable environment and were severely underweight despite their winter coats.
Ryan said: “I could see straight away that their situation was critical. They were very thin and clearly struggling.
“I arranged to return the following day with a vet, the RSPCA and a colleague, and together we were able to remove them and take them straight to Penny Farm so they could begin receiving the care they desperately needed.
“On arrival, Buddy’s body condition score was assessed at just 0.5 out of 5, with Bauble scoring 1 out of 5.”
He added: “Both were suffering from a heavy worm burden and lice infestation. While Bauble, a piebald colt, was clearly unwell.
“Buddy, a chestnut colt, was in an even more serious condition and was too weak to stand unaided after lying down – a serious situation for any horse.”
Hayley Penrice, Deputy Centre Manager at Penny Farm added: “The team fell in love with them immediately and were absolutely determined to give them every chance,
“For several weeks, we had to lift Buddy back onto his feet every morning. Once he was up, he could stand to eat, and that gave us hope. Both ponies showed such determination that we weren’t going to give up on them.”
Over time, Buddy gained enough strength to stand up independently, marking a major milestone in his recovery.
Hayley said: “It was an incredibly special moment for all of us when Buddy finally became strong enough to get himself up.
“They still have a long road ahead, but they’re now well enough to be on our main yard, where they’ve become firm favourites with visitors.
“They’re also enjoying short periods out in the field each day as they continue to build their strength.”
Members of the public can meet Buddy and Bauble during the half-term holiday by booking a visit to Penny Farm.
The centre is open from 11am to 3pm on Wednesdays and weekends and is home to nearly 60 horses and ponies currently undergoing rehabilitation.
For more information or to book a visit, go to worldhorsewelfare.org/visit-us.