News stories
Boo is the star of our new appeal
Meet Boo the Clydesdale. His story shocked everyone back in March when he was brought into the Sanctuary after being left blind by heartless thugs, and now he is the very deserving star of our Christmas appeal.
Brave Boo is an inspiration to us all. He is such a brave kind horse and a donation to his Blind Appeal will help Redwings continue to care for him and the other visually impaired horses at the sanctuary, who would not have a future without our help.
Boo is a truly special horse
Handsome Boo, already blind in one eye from cancer, was shot in his good eye by unknown attackers in a mindless act of violence whilst he was turned out at his home in Surrey at the beginning of the year. Boo’s owner was faced with a difficult decision and were even advised to put him to sleep, as at 16.1hh the heavy horse was potentially very difficult and expensive to care for. However, they had heard of our expertise in this area and approached the Sanctuary for our help. After careful consideration, we agreed to take him in as we felt we could offer him all the specialist care and veterinary attention he might need.
Boo (left) with his special friend Oliver
Boo has now bonded with long-term resident Oliver, a 21 year old cob cross gelding. Oliver was chosen as Boo’s buddy due to his calm nature and easy going personality, and the pairing has worked well as they formed a special bond with Oliver acting as Boo’s sighted buddy. Good-natured Oliver has unobtrusive bells in his mane so Boo can hear where he is, and the pair move around their paddock together grazing. Every day, Boo’s feed is put in the same place and wind chimes act as a compass for where the water trough is. Boo and Oliver have become so close they even share each other’s dinner and groom each other!
Handsome Boo with one of his carers at Redwings
Boo's bravery has meant he was the clear choice to be the focus of our Christmas appeal as despite all the pain he has experienced, gentle giant Boo has kept his faith in mankind. Despite being blind he will approach anyone who visits him and give them a nuzzle, and he knows his carers through his sense of smell and his keen hearing. Not all horses that have been treated badly retain such an unwavering trust, and for many the journey to regain an ease with humans is a long and winding road. Boo’s positive attitude is inspirational.
“Blind horses require more care and attention and as they will never be suitable for working life or to be ridden Redwings is often their last chance,” explains Communications Manager Nicola Markwell. “Very few organisations have the facilities or ability to offer them a home so without us their future would be bleak. We assessed Boo very carefully before deciding that we could help but we felt he could live a full and dignified life partially thanks to his exceptionally placid nature. To see him now, happily grazing alongside Oliver with barely a care in the world, makes it all worthwhile. We are hoping that people will help us give Boo and other visually impaired horses a future by donating to Boo’s Blind Appeal.”
Can you help us continue to care for Boo and the other visually impaired horses at Redwings? Donate to Boo's Blind Appeal today
