STABLE MANNERS

by Nicola Markwell

Here at Redwings we have recently welcomed a horse into our care that was left blind after a vicious attack earlier in the year.

Boo is a 16.1hh roan Clydesdale who was blinded in January this year after both he and his friend Buckaroo the Shetland were shot in the eye with an air gun from point blank range.The attackers have never been found.

Gentle giant Boo had already lost one eye to cancer so although Buckaroo made a good recovery, Boo’s future was in doubt. Now completely blind in both eyes, Boo was a large horse that could not see at all.The practical issues involved with caring for Boo were clear, and his owners feared that putting otherwise healthy Boo to sleep was the only heartbreaking choice.

Redwings is the largest horse sanctuary in the UK, and has worked hard to provide specialist veterinary care and an on-site horse hospital. When Boo’s owner approached Redwings to see if we could help, it was possible as the charity has special facilities and carers for partially sighted and blind equines as well as a full time veterinary team. After consultations with Boo’s Surrey vet, we were delighted to offer Boo a permanent home.

Boo has now arrived at our HQ at Hapton, Norfolk, is settling in extremely well, and has not been at all stressed by the move and new surroundings. He has made friends with a Shire called Sid and will soon be going out to a field for his first taste of Redwings grass! This is not a straightforward procedure so he will be introduced to his new surroundings very carefully with a trained handler walking him round the perimeter, and a very rigid routine will be established so Boo will know where his food bucket is and when it arrives. He will also have set carers so he gets to know their voices and their smell. It is also normal for equines to establish their own network of support – Sid is fully sighted and we hope he will be able to act as Boo’s buddy – the two have already become firm friends.

Boo is an exceptionally bright and sweet horse, and we have every confidence he will be able to live a long and happy life here in our care! Find out more or keep updated on Boo’s progress on our website.