Latest -

03.07.09

A tiny foal who was rejected by his mother within hours of being born has ridden the road to recovery thanks to a foster mum.

The fragile foal was less than a day old when he was brought into our care following a call from a member of the public. It's thought that he was kicked by the other horses, before they deserted him.

The youngster, named Gelent, was taken to the RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, where he received the medical treatment and constant care he desperately needed.

New mum for Gelent thanks to National Foaling Bank
Although centre staff were worried that he wouldn't survive his ordeal, Gelent has bucked the odds with the help of a unique scheme.

The animal centre registered Gelent with the National Foaling Bank, which unites orphan foals with mares who have lost their own offspring.

And staff were soon contacted with details of four-year-old Sky, who lost her first foal in a tragic drowning incident.

Deputy manager of equines at Gonsal Farm, Kate Jones, said: "When Gelent first came to us, he was so young and required around-the-clock attention and feeding throughout the day and night. He is one of the youngest we have ever had at the centre."

Building the bond between Gelent and Sky
Staff at the animal centre took on the mammoth task of introducing the two horses and building up the special bond that both of them naturally craved.

Here are some of the actions they took to aid the transition.

Fur taken from Sky's deceased foal, which still carried its scent, was placed over a hessian bag of straw to help convince Sky that Gelent was her foal.

Gelent was introduced to Sky with the fur draped over him to create a sense of familiarity.

The two horses were encouraged to spend more time together over the weeks that followed as the fur was gradually taken away.

Now 'they clearly love each other'
On Saturday, 13 June, the fur was completely removed for the first time and staff were thrilled that the close bond that had been cultivated between the pair remained intact.

Kate added: "It is an unusual method, but it is very effective to help the mare get all the right sensations so she thinks the foal is her own baby.

"We were very excited about the introduction as there had been so many stages to go through before reaching that point, but we are delighted with the result and they clearly love each other."

Sky will now spend the next five months with Gelent until he is able to live more independently.

Making friends
Before finding his new mum, Gelent struck up a friendship with a young goat called Branston, who is also being cared for at the animal centre after he was found with his throat slit. They remain firm friends and often spend time together.

---

How you can help animals like Gelent

Make a donation

By making a donation today, you can help us to continue to rescue and care for animals like Gelent and Branston.

We can't do it without you. Thank you for your support.

---

photo © RSPCA