Angst time over for Angus
A large horse with an even bigger heart has arrived at Redwings - and he is already being missed by readers of the Telegraph & Argus in Bradford.
Angus was named by seven-year-old Katie Whelan in a special competition run by the newspaper when he arrived in November 2004 at the Bradford Industrial Museum. His new role was to join the Horses at Work department and pull wagons and drays to show the public how things used to happen - but sadly he can no longer continue due to ill health.
Angus was born in 2000 and is a strawberry roan Clydesdale gelding who stands at a towering 18.1h! His initial training at the Museum went very well, but then he began to have some lameness in his hind leg. Once this had passed he went back into work but there was still something wrong.
Brave Angus was having more trouble with his hind legs and particularly had trouble when he was being reversed into the wagon harness, especially if he had blinkers on. His vet diagnosed Wobblers Syndrome - a narrowing or compression of the spinal cord that leads to problems in the horse's balance resulting in the horse wobbling - hence the name!
Angus' condition is not too bad compared to other cases. However, he was declared unfit to perform the duties he was trained for and the local council could no longer justify his upkeep. Finding a new home for a large horse with this condition was not an easy task, but fortunately Redwings were able to step in and offer him a permanent home for the rest of his days. Despite his condition the veterinary staff involved are confident he will be capable of a long and happy life.
Rachel Fairhead at Redwings thinks Angus is a kind and gentle giant. "His previous carers told us that he was a real gentleman who loves fuss and attention - and they were right, he is such a sweetheart! He will become a very valued and treasured part of the Redwings family."
Redwings are currently assessing Angus while he enjoys a few weeks at our Reception Centre. During this time, we will be able to decide which of our estates Angus will live on - so keep your eyes peeled at your nearest Redwings visitor centre as he may go there!
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