The “miraculous transformation” horses can achieve after being rescued by the RSPCA is perfectly highlighted by Jack – who is settling into his new forever home in Shropshire.
Jack is a veteran 15-hand chestnut gelding who is proving a perfect companion to animals and humans alike at his new premises in North Shropshire.
However, he looked a very different horse when he first came to the attention of the RSPCA in May 2018.
Jack had been abandoned with serious welfare concerns at stables in Furnace near Llanelli without the consent of the land-owner.
RSPCA inspectors Rohan Barker and Nigel Duguid arrived and found the horse to be emaciated, and in urgent need of help.
Inspector Barker said: “This poor horse had been mysteriously dumped at stables in Furnace in Llanelli, in a really bad way.
“His ribs and spine were visible, and he was badly emaciated. Veterinary examination confirmed he was suffering, and it was just miserable to witness.”
The horse was seized by Dyfed-Powys Police, and taken into the care of the RSPCA – before heading to a boarding establishment in the Swansea area.
Poor Jack underwent many months of rehabilitation and care; including time under the stewardship of equine expert Juls de Smet, who looked after Jack for around 10 weeks as part of his recovery.
Ms De Smet said: “He’s such a friendly, easy horse, who was no trouble at all. He clearly appreciated us tending to him and helping him get better.
“We found Jack to be such a sweet, genuine horse who was easy to treat and medicate. Such a gorgeous boy. It’s just such a great shame he had been left in such a horrendous state.
“It looks to me that as poor Jack was getting older, someone thought he wasn’t good enough anymore and just dumped him. It’s just so cruel.”
Jack was eventually adopted by Tina, at her yard in North Shropshire. Her family had recently been struck by great sadness – but Jack helped turned their fortunes around, as well as his own.
Sadly, the family saw two of their horses die within a ten-week period in 2018, leaving a third horse on her own and without companionship.
However, Jack has proven the perfect addition to their family, and Tina was full of praise for both the work of the RSPCA, and the role that rescue horses can play as companions.
She said: “Tragically, we lost two of our horses within just 10 weeks. It was an awful situation, and we were left with one horse, suddenly all on her own and lonely – having lost both her mother and friend within weeks. We were all so upset.
“We were desperate to get some new company for our mare – initially moving three sheep in next door to stave off our lonely horse’s unhappiness. That’s when we called the RSPCA – and they were so helpful.
“They soon found Jack, who’d they rescued some months earlier in South Wales.
“Jack initially moved in with us on a trial basis, and immediately was an amazing companion. He was a fantastic addition at such a stressful time, when we were under real pressure to find another suitable horse.
“His rehabilitation has continued with us – and the weight he’s put on, his beautiful shiny coat and his fantastic personality are a far cry from how the RSPCA found him in Llanelli.
“I’m so grateful to the RSPCA, who were just brilliant. I’d say to anyone – if you’ve got the right facilities, wherewithal, experience and space, rescue horses can make the most fantastic companions. After what they’ve so often been through, they deserve happiness, security and comfort.
“We completed the formal, final adoption of Jack a couple of weeks ago – and it really was one of the best decisions we have made.”
Dozens of rescue horses are available for rehoming in or around Wales at any one time, and the RSPCA hope to continue to transform the lives of horses rescued from incredibly difficult situations and finds them loving new families.
RSPCA equine welfare manager for Wales and the Midlands Gareth Johnson said: “Jack’s story shows the miraculous transformation rescue horses can go through.
“From being dumped heartlessly in Llanelli and in a woeful condition, to making the perfect companion to humans and animals alike many, many miles away in Shropshire – this has been some journey for Jack.
“There’s dozens of other rescue horses in our care in and around Wales; and we’d love to introduce the equines in our care to prospective adopters across Wales.
“From adult ridden and companion horses to youngsters who will need bringing on in their new homes, people can start their search for a rescued horse on the RSPCA website.”
The RSPCA’s Homes for Horse campaign is aiming to find forever homes for horses and ponies by showcasing the versatility and capability of the horses it rescues.
