A starving horse named Heidi, who was dumped in the mud and left to die, but she transformed after being rescued.
A heartbreaking rescue story has emerged about a pony named Heidi. Found in dire conditions, Heidi is now thriving.
The touching story depicts showed her journey from neglect to recovery showcases the power of love and determination.
A starving horse as dumped in the mud
In April 2018, volunteers from the RSPCA received a call about a horse at a building site in County Durham.
The site looked abandoned, filled with rubbish and debris.
Upon arrival, the volunteers discovered what they first thought was a dead horse lying in the mud.
To their shock, the pony, later named Heidi, was still alive. She was filthy and emaciated.
This case was one of the worst instances of neglect they had ever seen.
Heidi was rescued after being left to die
The rescue team, including members from the charity Here 4 Horses, quickly sprang into action.
Here4Horse
“It took five people to lift her to her feet,” a spokesperson stated.
The owner of the site had mistakenly believed Heidi was dead and had called someone to remove her body.
Wendy Suddes from Here 4 Horses expressed, “Whether he thought she was already dead is irrelevant. She had been subject to the most awful suffering.”
Heidi struggled to horrific condition
When Heidi was rescued, she had horrific pressure sores all over her body.
Her bones were visible beneath her shrunken skin.
The team worked tirelessly to ensure Heidi’s survival, but her condition was critical.
“It was touch and go as we dealt with her serious weakness,” Wendy explained. “She had a low blood protein level that required a plasma transfusion.”
“Too many sores, worms, parasites, and infections had been given time to take hold and it took months and months to get Heidi well enough to run free in our pastures,” Wendy added.
It took more than five weeks for Heidi to stand independently. Blood donations from healthy horses were crucial for her recovery. Padded dressings protected her pressure sores from further damage.
Heidi had an incredible transformation during her recovery.
Heidi’s journey to health was lengthy and challenging.
The team fought against sores, worms, parasites, and infections that had taken hold.
“It took months for Heidi to be well enough to run free in our pastures,” Wendy noted.
Heidi also needed a blood transfusion due to dangerously low protein levels. She received seven liters of blood from two healthy horses and was placed on a drip.
Specially made pads covered her pressure sores, which healed slowly.
Heidi enjoyed a new life aftert beautyful transformation
Thanks to her fierce spirit and determination, Heidi pulled through. Despite the neglect she endured, she now enjoys an award-winning life. Heidi’s beautiful mane has grown back, and she is “high on life,” according to Wendy.
“Too many horses suffer from cruelty and neglect,” Wendy said. “But Heidi can put all that behind her.”
Heidi’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of animal rescue.
She overcame unimaginable challenges and now thrives as a vibrant pony.
We hope those responsible for her suffering face justice, ensuring no animal endures similar cruelty again.
