From Suffering to Safety: Sharon and Ozzy’s story
In September last year, an emaciated, frightened mare arrived into World Horse Welfare’s care with her foal at foot. The gentle mare, named Sharon, was painfully thin, had an untreated injury, a high worm burden, lice infestation, overgrown hooves and was suffering from lameness. She was giving her all to nurse her vulnerable young foal, who was named Ozzy.
The vet carried out an arrival assessment on them both and a long-term plan was made to improve their condition and welfare. Sharon was treated for internal parasites and started on a bespoke feeding programme to help her gain weight carefully, while Ozzy was fitted with special shoes that had heel extensions. He needed these because he was weak and the angle of his hind legs was causing him problems. Fortunately, his young age meant this could be treated so, along with the heel extensions, Ozzy started hill walking exercises to help strengthen his legs.
After months of compassionate care, Sharon’s condition is improving and she has steadily been gaining weight, and Ozzy is building in both strength and confidence. Sharon still has a long way to go before she is back to full health, but importantly they are both safe in World Horse Welfare’s care.
Ozzy was weaned just before Christmas and is now living with an Icelandic foal called Ymir and the pair are best buddies, playing all the time. Both Sharon and Ozzy will continue to be monitored carefully to ensure they keep making progress. When they are strong enough, they will start the next stage of their rehabilitation plan to help them on their way to rehoming in the future.
The second chance that Sharon and Ozzy have been given is all thanks to the kindness of our supporters.