A mare who was rescued in such a severely emaciated condition that her unborn foal could not be saved is finally beginning to heal at World Horse Welfare’s Lancashire rescue and rehoming centre — where she’ll be surrounded with warmth, safety and exceptional care this Christmas.
Back in August, the pregnant mare, now known as Jean, was found in a field overrun with poisonous ragwort. When World Horse Welfare intervened, it was immediately clear she was in desperate need of help. Her ribs were painfully visible, her hooves were long and untrimmed, and her neck was covered in sores linked to ragwort poisoning.
Despite her suffering, Jean still carried herself with a quiet, exhausted determination that made rescuers even more intent on saving her.
“When I first saw Jean, she was in a shocking state,” said Field Officer Rebecca Carter, who rushed to the scene after worried locals reported the mare’s deteriorating condition. “She was heavily pregnant, yet extremely underweight and battling a painful skin condition. She desperately needed help.”
Rebecca quickly contacted a vet, the RSPCA, and the police. All parties agreed: Jean’s life was at risk if she remained in that field. She was transported to World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool, where she could finally receive proper care. Notices were posted at the field for the legal owner, but no one ever came forward, allowing Jean to be officially signed over to the charity and start her path toward recovery.
At Penny Farm, staff were stunned by the severity of her condition.
“We couldn’t believe how thin Jean was when she arrived,” said Farm Manager Adam Cummins. “With her pregnancy so far along, she needed to gain strength — but we had to do it slowly and carefully. Feeding an emaciated horse too much too soon can be extremely dangerous.”
Despite meticulous veterinary care and the team’s best efforts, Jean’s body simply could not recover in time. Her foal was sadly stillborn just weeks after her rescue, a heartbreaking outcome for everyone involved.
Jean’s story highlights just how quickly neglect and poisonous plants like ragwort can devastate a horse’s health. But it also shows the lifesaving difference that skilled rescue teams — and the generosity of supporters — can make.
Today, Jean is gently blossoming under the care of her grooms and veterinarians. She has begun to regain weight, her sores are healing, and her spirit has slowly started to shine again.
Thanks to dedicated rescuers and compassionate donors, this Christmas Jean will be surrounded not by danger and suffering, but by safety, kindness, and the promise of a brighter future.