An abandoned foal has been given a second chance, thanks to a surrogate mum and a lot of care and attention from Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk.

Deliberately abandoned

The chestnut colt was just a few hours old, when a member of the public found him in the Mountain Hare area of Methyr Tydfil in Wales. The RSPCA were called but they could not find the mother, or the owner of the foal, which they subsequently named Gin.

RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil said: “It’s possible that something may have happened to Gin’s mother during his birth, or even that Gin was unwanted by the mare’s owner and was deliberately abandoned. However, it’s equally possible that this foal may simply have become temporarily lost or parted from his mother and was unable to find her again.”

Round the clock care

Knowing the level of care Gin would require, and wanting to give him the best chance in life, the RSPCA contacted Redwings. The charity was happy to take the little fellow on, despite him needing round the clock care.

“Orphaned foals are extremely demanding,” said Nicky Jarvis, Redwings senior vet. “Gin needs to be fed a milk substitute every two hours and demands constant attention; however he must not be overhandled, however tempting it might be, or he will be extremely difficult to manage in later life!”

Gin is thriving at the sanctuary, and is getting on very well with his surrogate mum, a sweet pony called Monique.

“He is a really bright, happy little chap, who absolutely loves people,” Amy Claridge from Redwings told H&C. “We hope he may one day be able to be re-homed, but we are a long way off that yet."

Monitor the situation

While the RSPCA commend the person who found the seemingly abandoned foal, they request that members of the public monitor the situation for as long as they can before taking action, in case the mare returns to find her baby.

If the foal is in immediate danger or you are unsure of what to do, you can call their 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999.