Smerf

Smerf (Polish for “Smurf”) is our first “horse baby” and one of those sanctuary residents bound up with a particularly large number of emotions and memories. He came to us as a roughly 5-week-old foal – orphaned, very emaciated, with severe anaemia, heavily infested with worms and extremely weak. His mother had died, and he had no chance at all without immediate help.

We raised him on formula milk, bottle-fed and under constant veterinary care. Right at the start the vet put him on a drip, and further treatment included medication, supplements and building up his strength. Little Smerf quickly stole the hearts of the whole team – he was brave, sociable and incredibly trusting. He grew stronger day by day, learning about the world alongside the people who became his substitute herd.

When he was just over a year old, he was gelded and went to a Polish Konik shelter – because Smerf is indeed a Polish Konik, our native breed. He spent 5 years there, living in a herd and enjoying plenty of space. Sadly, when the herd was reduced, he was returned.

Today Smerf is back with us – he lives at the Ktosiowo Sanctuary and is Pirat’s faithful friend. As befits a Polish Konik, he loves freedom, space and… food. He is calm, well-behaved, very friendly and fits into the herd perfectly.

Smerf is a story about second chances, patience and love that saves lives

- Renata