Mary

Mary is an exceptional little pony mare who came to our foundation as a result of an intervention carried out after a report of a neglected pony. Her story is especially moving because it was a child who first noticed her suffering – they saw that the pony was lying down and couldn't get up, and asked their parents for help. It was the parents who passed the report on to us. When we arrived, we saw Mary lying in a meadow. Within moments it was clear that something was very wrong. When she struggled to her feet, we saw the cause of her pain: horribly overgrown hooves that made it impossible for her to move normally. She was chained up in the middle of an empty meadow — no water, no shelter, no company of other horses. Completely alone, resigned, distrustful. Every step caused her terrible pain. We carried out an emergency removal and then filed a criminal complaint. The case is ongoing.

As soon as she arrived at the foundation, Mary was examined by a vet. She was found to have serious joint problems resulting from long-term neglect and a lack of hoof trimming. After consultation, the farrier began gradually shortening her overgrown hooves and then fitted her with orthopaedic boots, which help her move and bring her relief.

Mary turned out to be remarkably brave – patient, though not without character. With every day she is learning to trust people and regaining her strength and courage, but she still needs attentive care, treatment and support. She is also feisty and has a mind of her own — she can make it very clear when she doesn't like something, so you need to be careful around her and respect her boundaries.

Biggest problem: crooked, sore little legs

Best pal: Filuś