Two-week-old orphaned foal given a second chance
A tiny, orphaned foal rescued at just two weeks old is now ready to find his forever home.
Noodles, a dinky cob, was taken in by the team at our member charity World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in July 2024. After months of dedicated care and hand-rearing, he has blossomed into a happy, healthy youngster who is now looking for a home where he can truly thrive.
“Noodles was so tiny when he first arrived,” recalls yard supervisor, Viki. “It’s unbelievable that someone could abandon him without his mother at such a young age, but we were determined to nurse him back to health. Orphaned foals need a lot of intensive care and Noodles was reluctant to feed at first, so he needed attention 24/7 for weeks.”
Why colostrum is critical for newborn foals
From the very beginning, Noodles faced an uphill battle. The vets believe he did not receive enough colostrum when he was born – the vital first milk produced by a mare, rich in antibodies and nutrients. Without it, foals are left far more vulnerable to infections and illness.
Around-the-clock care helps Noodles thrive
Determined to give him the best possible chance, the team stepped in around the clock. The grooms worked tirelessly through sleepless nights to bucket-feed Noodles and monitor his progress, making sure he was supported every step of the way during those critical early weeks.
Thanks to their dedication, Noodles began to grow stronger and has blossomed into a happy, healthy young pony. “His character really came out once he started to feel better,” adds his groom, Leah. “Noodles has grown into an inquisitive, playful little pony, which is great to see after his sorry start in life.”
Friendship helps Noodles learn to socialise
Once strong enough to go out with the other ponies, Noodles struck up a bond with fellow youngster, Tintin. Tintin was found abandoned with his mother with two empty food cans wedged onto his hoof.
Taking on the role of big brother, Tintin guided Noodles through the early stages of learning how to interact and socialise with other ponies. This is something which can be a real challenge for orphan foals, without their mother to teach them how to be a horse. Together, they investigated the world around them.
Noodles’ next chapter
Tintin has found his happy ever after in a new home and now Noodles is hoping it will soon be his turn to find a loving home of his own.