A pony has made an amazing recovery after being seriously injured in an attack by another horse thanks to the efforts of a Newton Abbot charity and its partners.

Dakota, a two-year-old skewbald moorland gelding, was left bleeding badly with open bite wounds covering his entire body after being attacked by a stallion in a field in January this year.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, with help from the RSPCA, were called to his rescue and the Sanctuary nursed Dakota back to health before he was taken on by another equine charity, World Horse Welfare, to continue his recovery.

Dakota’s rescue and recovery shows how charities working together can ensure animals receive the care and support they need. ‘This case was a great example of how we work with other equine charities to achieve the best outcome,’ said World Horse Welfare Field Officer Jon Phipps, who attended Dakota’s rescue.

Leah Brock, who is a field officer at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, was one of the first on scene at the rescue. ‘When I saw Dakota, I wasn’t entirely certain of the extent of his injuries, but I knew it was bad,’ she said. ‘He was extremely quiet and withdrawn. I knew we had to act fast because he didn’t appear to be coping well. He had a high temperature, indicating a potential infection, along with his visual injuries. I just knew we had to help. I was really concerned.’

Dakota was taken to the Mare and Foal Sanctuary where he received veterinary treatment and intensive care. However, the Newton Abbot-based charity was full and unable to take him on long-term so World Horse Welfare kindly offered Dakota a place at its Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset to continue his treatment and rehabilitation.

Despite scarring on his neck and body, Dakota has recovered well and has now secured a new home, where World Horse Welfare is confident that he will continue to thrive.

The team at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary is delighted that Dakota is doing so well and that he is ready to move to his new home. ‘Seeing pictures of him now, nine months after the attack, makes me so proud to be able to do the job I do,’ Leah said. He fought so hard to recover from his injuries and I feel thankful that the Mare and Foal Sanctuary and its supporters were able to play a part in that journey,’ said Leah. I hope he continues to flourish in his new home and lives the happy life he deserves. It’s a great example of partnership welfare work at its best.’

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected or abused and it currently has nearly 600 horses and ponies under its care. While the majority of its work is focused in the south west, it is part of the National Equine Welfare Council and works with the RSPCA and other equine welfare charities.