Little cob Violet was just a few months old when she was rescued from Tilbury in Essex on Wednesday 27^th January 2016 by our Senior Field Officer Jo Franklin, together with House and Jackson veterinary surgeon Ana Pereira and the RSPCA.

The weanling was found with her mother and a young sibling, and was suffering from a nasty, untreated wound on her left hind leg.

“It was evident that the foal’s injury needed urgent veterinary attention, so ensuring her safety and causing as little distress as possible to all three while they were being rounded up was paramount,” reflected Jo. “Ana managed to catch the mare, and then her foals happily followed into the trailer, ready to be examined”.

An owner was identified for the three horses and agreed to relinquish ownership of Violet as her injury was such that it required ongoing veterinary treatment, which they sadly could not afford to provide. At approximately six months old, Violet was old enough to be weaned from her mother, and so was taken to House and Jackson’s equine clinic for immediate veterinary care.

On Thursday 4^th February, Violet was well enough to be welcomed into our permanent care at Redwings Ada Cole. Thanks to her initial treatment from the House and Jackson team, the prognosis for Violet’s recovery was optimistic and we are hopeful she won't suffer any permanent damage to her leg.

Violet’s treatment and rescue alone equated to more than £1,000 – including emergency treatment, X-rays, antibiotics and nursing – and since arriving at the Sanctuary she has continued to receive ongoing care from Redwings’ in-house veterinary team. However, as our Chief Executive Lynn Cutress explains, “The rescue of this beautiful foal, her recovery and her bright future, reminds us all at Redwings exactly why we exist as a charity. But, of course, we can only exist and be there to help horses in need like Violet thanks to our fantastic supporters.”

If you’ve been touched by Violet’s story, please donate to help to continue to help horses in need: