Horse deliberately blinded finds refuge.
Boo, whose story shocked the equine world and the public at large in
March when he was taken in by Redwings Horse Sanctuary after being left
blind by heartless thugs, has settled in well at the charity’s
headquarters.
The brave Clydesdale, already blind in one eye
from cancer, was shot in his good eye by unknown attackers in a
premeditated mindless act of violence whilst he was turned out at his
home in Surrey. The pellet was so far embedded in the back of his eye
it was likely that the gun’s barrel was held up against his
eye. Boo’s owner was faced with a difficult decision and
were even advised to put him to sleep, as at 16.1 hands, the heavy
horse was potentially difficult and dangerous to care for. They had
heard of Redwings’ expertise in this area and approached the
Sanctuary for their help. After careful consideration, Redwings agreed
to take him in as they could offer Boo all the specialist care and
veterinary attention he might need. The charity is already home to 25
other visually impaired horses.
Boo has bonded with
long-term resident Oliver, a 21 year old 15hh cob cross gelding.
Oliver was chosen as Boo’s buddy due to his calm nature and easy
going personality, and the pairing has worked well as they formed a
special bond, with Oliver acting as Boo’s sighted buddy.
Good-natured
Oliver has unobtrusive bells in his mane so Boo can hear where he is,
and the pair move around their paddock together grazing. Every day,
Boo’s feed is put in the same place and wind chimes act as a
compass for where the water trough is. Boo and Oliver are so close they
even share each other’s dinner and groom each other! The
pair’s paddock is next to the charity’s administration
building so the staff can cast an eye over Boo regularly.
Every
year Redwings launches a Christmas appeal. Entirely funded by public
donation, the charity relies on the generosity of its supporters to
carry out work such as Boo’s rehabilitation as well as the many
rescues and welfare cases it helps with. Boo was chosen as the focus of
the appeal as despite all the pain he has experienced, gentle giant Boo
has kept his faith in mankind. Despite being blind he will approach
anyone who visits him and give them a nuzzle, and he knows his carers
through his sense of smell and his keen hearing. Not all horses that
have been treated badly retain such an unwavering trust, and for many
finding an ease with humans is a long and winding road. Boo’s
positive attitude is inspirational.
Boo´s story
has inspired the charity’s Christmas appeal, Boo’s Blind
Appeal, which will help Boo and other visually impaired horses at the
charity. To donate, please visit www.redwings.co.uk
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