Young cob colt Tilbury – so named after the place he was discovered – was found on 27 May 2015 covered in painful sores having been suffering from a painful skin condition. Initially, our Senior Field Officer Jo Franklin put notices on his tether and feed bucket with hope of an owner coming forward, but sadly to no avail.

The following day, Tilbury – who was estimated to be 18 months old at the time of his discovery – was taken into Redwings' care, having been found let off his tether and roaming around the Old Chadwell school site, along with several other ponies.

Having received initial treatment for his condition at the nearby House and Jackson Equine Clinic, Tilbury was brought to our Horse Hospital in Norfolk where test results revealed his photosensitivity (resulting in the painful skin sores) was due to liver disease; a condition, which in Tilbury's case, we believe to have been caused by worms.

Tilbury requires close monitoring and is currently undergoing a course of medication for his liver disease. He also receives round-the-clock care from our dedicated veterinary and farm team at our Horse Hospital – even getting a chance to stretch his legs by being turned out at night for a run around!

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Tilbury today, pictured with Hapton Yard Team Leader Jackie

Chief Executive Lynn Cutress who was accompanying Jo in the field when Tilbury was discovered said: “Tilbury’s recovery has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but our vets are hopeful for his continued recovery. His physical transformation has already been incredible since Jo and I found him in May.

“Despite his skin condition, which must have been incredibly uncomfortable and painful, Tilbury has always been an incredibly friendly and sweet-natured chap, and our team have and are continuing to invest a great deal of care and attention to nurse him back to full health.”