Queenie’s Story: From Brood Mare to Beloved Resident
Queenie came to the rescue in 2018, arriving with six other horses. Sadly, their previous owner had fallen into a very common — and often heartbreaking — situation.
Many people don’t realise that buying a horse is the cheapest part of horse ownership. The ongoing costs of feed, veterinary care, farrier visits, and proper facilities can be overwhelming. When the reality of this set in, Queenie’s owner made the brave and selfless decision to hand over her horses to the rescue so they could have a safe and secure future.
Queenie’s Past
Queenie had been purchased at a Romany sale, where she had spent her entire life as a brood mare, producing foal after foal. Sadly, she had very little handling, which made her nervous and unsure of people.
Her previous owner struggled to manage her, as they lacked both the experience and the facilities to meet her needs.
When Queenie arrived with us, she was extremely wary and hand-shy, showing clear signs of stress and fear. It took us a long time to earn her trust, and even now, she remains cautious around new people.
Her First Health Check
At 18 years old, it was vital to give Queenie a full MOT to address her immediate health concerns.
Thanks to our incredible veterinary team, she was:
- Vaccinated
- Given a passport and microchip
- Treated by an equine dentist
- Placed on a comprehensive worming program
We don’t believe Queenie’s teeth had ever been treated before. Her mouth was full of painful ulcers, which made eating very difficult. She was also heavily burdened with worms, but with careful treatment, we were able to get her back on the road to recovery.
A New Challenge: Cushings Disease
For a while, we were hopeful that Queenie would gain enough confidence to be rehomed. However, in the last two years, she developed Cushings Disease, a condition that requires lifelong management.
At first, Cushings caused her to lose a considerable amount of weight due to its effects on her bowels. Once she started treatment, the opposite happened — she became grossly overweight, which raised serious concerns about her developing laminitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Thanks to the hard work of our entire team, along with careful veterinary support, we have now found a healthy balance for Queenie. She continues to be closely monitored to ensure she stays comfortable and well.
A Permanent Home for Queenie
Due to her ongoing medical needs and sensitive nature, we made the decision that Queenie will remain with us as a permanent resident. Here, she will always receive the love, care, and specialist treatment she deserves, surrounded by a team who understands her completely.
Help Support Queenie’s Care
Queenie’s Cushings medication, specialist veterinary care, and daily management all come at a significant cost.
If you would like to help us provide Queenie with the very best quality of life, please consider making a donation. Every contribution goes directly towards her care and makes a real difference in her life.
💛 Click here to donate (link to donation page)
