A pony receiving fluids standing with a vet nurse

13 November 2023

Supporting Mason in his fight

Mason was rescued in mid-February from common land in south-east Wales. He had been orphaned and spending the winter on a bleak upland had taken a dreadful toll on him.

He was still a part of the herd but without his mother’s support, had become desperately thin. Without urgent intervention Mason was unlikely to survive until spring.

A pony lying down on the back of a horsebox

Donate to the appeal

£17

could help one of our Field Officers find, assess and give urgent help to a vulnerable pony like Mason.

£23

could provide the tests, treatment and initial care for a new Sanctuary resident.

£31

could help pay for a cubic metre of woodchip providing a comfortable paddock surface, just like the one Mason needed when he arrived.

Too weak to show fear

Despite round-the-clock care, during his first days in our specialist Reception Centre, Mason was subdued and although he was feeding, took very little interest in his surroundings.

On his third night in Redwings’ care, Mason laid down next to his haynet but was unable to get back to his feet – he was simply too weak.

Test results showed the level of protein in Mason’s blood was extremely low. Veterinary Surgeon, Dawn revealed another of the team’s concerns. She said: “Mason was effectively a feral pony but he did not show any fear when I examined him or even when we took those first blood samples.

"He’d never been handled but he was too weak to show that he was frightened of us.”

Further tests confirmed a heavy worm burden to be the most likely cause of Mason’s protein loss, as his intestinal wall was damaged. Treating the infestation had to be carefully managed to avoid any further deterioration in his health.

Whilst further tests were carried out, Mason was given a course of intravenous antibiotics to treat a concurrent bacterial infection of his intestine. His treatment also included dewormers, anti-inflammatories, steroids and further plasma transfusions.

Gradually his intestines began to heal and the amount of protein in his blood increased and reached a stable level.

Mason recovering in a paddock at Redwings.

Mason recovering in a paddock at the Sanctuary.

Turning the corner

At the start of May Mason’s behaviour changed, his energy levels were higher and more consistent, and gradually he began to gain weight.

After months of concern that he might not recover from such a difficult start in life, the Redwings staff caring for Mason started to feel positive about his future.

Nine months on from his arrival, Mason is growing into a calm but confident young pony, he has a new fieldmate in Barney and has a future where he will be secure in our care.

Dawn added: “There were so many things going against Mason from the day he was found and rescued but having barely survived, we were desperate to make sure he wasn’t going to just fade away."

"Mason was effectively a feral pony but he did not show any fear when I examined him or even when we took those first blood samples. He’d never been handled but he was too weak to show that he was frightened of us."

Veterinary surgeon Dawn describes meeting Mason

Mason today, enjoying life in his paddock at Redwings.

Our commitment

Please donate today, the next foal that needs our help could be found at any time and your gift could be the one that begins to turn their life around.

You can donate as above, or text MASON 10 to 70460 to donate £10*.