Lyn Wright

Every step she took felt like she was walking through agony. She arrived at our shelter late night after almost eight hours on the road. When she stepped down from the vehicle, her front legs seemed to fold beneath her. Her knees buckle with every step, and watching her try to walk honestly felt like someone was stamping on my heart. What have we become, that an animal can be allowed to reach this state? This beautiful older mare was found by our wonderful supporters Mr and Mrs Imran Khan. While Imran was visiting Pakistan from the UK, he found her tied outside — exposed to the heat, rain and weather, often without proper food or water. He pleaded with the owner. He argued. He tried everything. In the end, the only immediate way he could get her out was to buy her. She was not fit to make the long journey to us then, so Imran kept her at his home, arranged treatment and cared for her until she was strong enough to travel. Before returning to the UK, he arranged for her to come to TAWF. And now she is finally here. ❤️ Tomorrow morning we are sending her bloods for testing. She has arthritis, but I am especially concerned about the way her front knees bend and buckle when she walks. To my equine-experienced followers: I would really value your thoughts and experience on what you would want investigated in a mare presenting like this. Our veterinary team will of course make the medical decisions, but your experience is always valuable to us. And I need another bit of advice. She appears to be around 25 years old — very similar in age to our completely blind boy, Lucky Star. Lucky Star has a large, comfortable area with soft ground, which would also suit her beautifully. Would older horses like these generally benefit from companionship in the same space, provided introductions are done carefully? Or would you keep them beside one another but separated at first? We would, of course, make sure there was no possibility of breeding. And finally… this beautiful girl needs a name. ❤️ What should we call her? Please SHARE her story too. She has already spent far too many years unseen. 🌐 Donate: tawf.org.uk/donate