Severely underweight dam survives against the odds
Thelma and Cindy are now receiving care from the Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
An equine welfare charity has described how a mare and her foal were saved ‘against the odds’, after the mare was found extremely underweight and pregnant.
The mare, Thelma, was also facing other significant welfare concerns including a severe heart murmur.
Thelma was found last year and taken in as part of a multi-agency operation led by the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. She gave birth to her filly foal, Cindy, at an RSPCA holding base.
For a long time, Thelma’s veterinary surgeons did not believe she would survive.
Based on this prognosis, the Mare and Foal Sanctuary were prepared to offer a place for Cindy since it was believed she would soon be orphaned. She was to join a group of Icelandic foals, meaning she could grow up with companions her age.
The charity’s grooms and veterinary staff were prepared to give Cindy the specialist care she would need as a vulnerable orphaned foal.
Against all odds, Thelma’s condition improved. After careful refeeding she began to gain weight and her heart rate soon stabilised until her veterinary surgeon could not detect the heart murmur.
On 5 March 2026, Thelma and Cindy were transferred into the Sanctuary’s care to begin the next phase of their lives.
Thelma will now receive long-term, specialist care that will keep her life as calm and settled as possible. Meanwhile Cindy will grow up with the skilled, consistent handling needed to become a confident young horse.
Jade Proctor, their handler, said: “Seeing how far Thelma and Cindy have come makes me so hopeful for what’s ahead. They are finally safe, settled, and starting to shine again. I just know they’re going to blossom even more from here. They both deserve the happiest future.”
Dawn Vincent, director of fundraising and communications, added: “Thelma and Cindy are a powerful example of what can be achieved when rescue organisations and the public work together. Without specialist intervention, their story could have had a very different ending.
“Equine welfare charities are under unprecedented pressure this year during the cost of living crisis, as rising costs and soaring demand stretch already limited resources to breaking point. That’s why we genuinely appreciate every pound donated – allowing us to support more horses and ponies in need.”
Image © RSPCA
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
