27 November 2025

We pay tribute to Patch

Patch the pony trotting in a grass paddock.

We are so sorry to announce that Patch, a young foal who we rescued earlier this year, has very sadly passed away. 

Patch featured as part of our  #ReadyToRescue appeal earlier in the year, after he arrived at Redwings in April, with another foal called Billy. They were emaciated, in very poor health and both of them had maggots in their hooves.

You can read more of their rescue story here.

Patch the foal when he arrived at Redwings emaciated.
Patch when he arrived at Redwings.

Unfortunately despite our best efforts Billy was so poorly that he was put to sleep shortly after his arrival, but Patch, who had a high worm burden and evidence of liver disease, responded well enough to treatment that he went on to make some new friends and enjoy the summer months in the paddock with them. 

Despite the very best efforts of our vet team, Patch continued to show signs that his young body was suffering from long term damage to his intestines. Very sadly he recently suffered a bout of colic that meant the very difficult decision had to be made to put Patch to sleep to prevent any further suffering. 

Patch the foal making friends with Shetland ponies through a fence.
Watch our memorial video of Patch here.

From our years of working with rescued horses, we are experienced at undoing the damage of neglect, but sadly we also know that sometimes this damage is simply too severe, and they may not always make a full recovery. That doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking for our teams, and we are all deeply saddened by his loss.  

Thanks to your support, we were there to give Patch a fighting chance, and a team of people who went the extra mile to try to heal him and show him lots of love. You can make a donation today in Patch's memory, and help us to continue to be Ready to Rescue ponies like him and Billy in the future by clicking the button below.

Thank you #RedwingsAngels 

Patch the pony stood on a horsebox with a handler.
Patch on the horse box ready to go out on grass.
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