Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society 

Charity Registration No: 297893

Orphaned or sick foals are very fragile and require immediate attention. A foal may need our help for a variety of reasons—the mare’s death, rejection, lack or milk production or illness of either mare or foal. Most, but not all, of the orphaned foals that find their way to us are as a result of indiscriminate breeding and a lack of knowledge on the part of the owners. Hand rearing a foal involves a major commitment in time and energy and we at EHPPS strongly believe that these youngsters deserve a fighting chance. We are more than happy to put in as much time and effort that is needed to ensure they survive and go on to lead happy and healthy lives. There have been many occasions where we have been alerted to a tiny, sick abandoned foal, who has been on the brink of death. In these instances, they usually require extensive veterinary treatment on top of our staff nursing the baby around the clock. On average, we hand rear between 6 to 12 orphaned foals a year. It is exhausting work - but without doubt one of the most rewarding and important roles that we undertake.   So far this year, we have successfully saved two foals’ lives; one of whom was not expected to live given how seriously ill she was when she found her way to us at just nine days old. This little filly foal was hospitalised for over two weeks in our vet’s intensive care unit and, thanks to their total dedication and excellent skills, April survived. Sadly, three of the other were not so lucky and all died at just two days old. One had a genetic deformity, and the other two were minutes from death as they were brought into us.

We are appealing to our supporters and animals lovers everywhere to help us build up reserves in the form of a Foal Fund specifically for the purpose of helping these innocents.

They have their whole lives ahead of them – please help us to allow them to enjoy that precious gift.

Sue Allery 
Secretary and Sanctuary Manager

The photographs above show Rory on the day of his arrival at the Sanctuary.  He was just one day old - a very sick and weak foal who was not expected to survive.   Why not check out Rory's website at www.rorythepony.co.uk.