Second chance for 'severely underweight' horse

1 hour ago

Chloe ParkmanSouth West

News image — Vets believed it was unlikely Thelma (left), here with foal Cindy, would live

RSPCA A mare and a foal standing in a field. The mare is grazing, her head is not in the shot. She is think and her rib cage is showing.The foal is standing next to the mare and is looking at the camera. Both ar brown in colour. — Vets believed it was unlikely Thelma (left), here with foal Cindy, would live

A "severely underweight'" horse which was not expected to survive after giving birth has been given a second chance at life.

Rescue charity the Mare and Foal Sanctuary said Thelma was found with "significant welfare concerns including a severe heart murmur" in 2025.

At an RSPCA base, she gave birth to filly foal Cindy but doubts over Thelma's welfare continued. However, with very careful refeeding Thelma's condition improved and her heart rate stabilised, it said.

Thelma and Cindy were transferred to the charity's Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Assessment Centre in Newton Abbot on 5 March. Their handler, Jade Proctor, said: "They are finally safe, settled, and starting to shine again."

World Horse Welfare A side image of an underweight brown horse. The horse is standing in a barn on hay. It appears to be grazing. Its ribs are clearly visibel. — Thelma will receive long-term specialist care

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary A mare and foal standing side-by-side in a field. They are brown in colour. A white horse is standing in the blurred background. — The Mare and Foal Sanctuary cares for hundreds of horses and ponies

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary cares for more than 550 horses and ponies.

The charity said it originally had to make plans for Cindy in the belief she would be orphaned.

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Proctor said: "Seeing how far Thelma and Cindy have come makes me so hopeful for what's ahead.

"They both deserve the happiest future."

Dawn Vincent, the charity's director of fundraising and communications, said: "'Thelma and Cindy are a powerful example of what can be achieved when rescue organisations and the public work together.

"Without specialist intervention, their story could have had a very different ending."

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