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Fleet and Trueman safe in Redwings' careA tiny mare and foal are making good progress after a very traumatic start in lifeA pony and her foal have been taken into Redwings' care following a start in life that left the tiny petrified mare literally cowering behind her foal with fright such was her fear of people. Despite this, both are making good progress in the tranquil peace here at the Sanctuary and the mare is already benefiting from expert handling training. Nobody knows the history of the three-year old Welsh Cross piebald mare, named Fleet, before she was forced into a sale ring hiding behind her three day old foal, named Trueman.
Fortunately Trueman seemed unharmed physically and mentally, but Fleet was not only in very poor condition but also wearing a headcollar so tight it was embedded into her flesh. The whip marks on her 12.1hh frame give us a clue to her a miserable life, and her horror of people, particularly men, sadly confirms this. If a woman attending the auction in Summer 2007 looking for tack had not spotted them and been distressed by what she saw, one can only wonder what fate may have awaited them. The woman frantically went to find a welfare representative and when she couldn’t she returned to the ring to realise that if she did not act then the pair’s last chance may have slipped away. She became the new owner of a beaten, broken and dejected pony and her vulnerable foal just days old.
The lady did her best, but it was evident that Fleet’s problems needed expert care. Visits from the vet needed sedation for Fleet but even after three months of dedicated care, Fleet was still petrified. Desperate for help and not knowing what to do next, she called our welfare helpline for advice and after learning of the story, we offered to take mum and son so Fleet could have expert behavioural care. Fleet and Trueman are now settling into Redwings’ North Norfolk centre, and the experienced care and peaceful surroundings seem to be working its magic as mother and son are doing well and have started handling training. It is Redwings policy never to give up on a difficult or nervous pony no matter how extreme the situation. We believe that there are always things that can be done to improve an equine’s understanding of humans and trust can be eventually be restored. Many members of our staff have been trained in Intelligent Horsemanship techniques by British ‘horse whisperer’ Kelly Marks, and it is these skills that are already helping pitiful Fleet to learn the trust that will make her life happy again. Whether Fleet will go on to learn to be ridden, and ultimately become a guardian pony enjoying a fun life in a family, or maybe becoming a companion pony depends very much on how her handling training goes. It is possible that her true personality will come back and it is clear she’d love being a child’s pony or her mistreatment may mean that she could never feel safe anywhere other than at Redwings. We will constantly evaluate Fleet’s recovery and let her decide her own new life but even though her first three years have left mental and physical scars, it is hoped that she will eventually put her memories behind her and gain new confidence and trust in people. Read more about Redwings' recent rescues on our Welfare pages by following this link >>>>>>>>>>>>>
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