Posted: 30th June 2015 | Back to news feed
It has been three and a half months now since Barry arrived at World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm, and during this time he has received the treatment and care he desperately needed after being neglected for so long.
Barry’s rehabilitation has been a gradual process that began with a veterinary assessment which involved checking for any visible signs of injuries and wounds, lice infestation, eyesight and heart rate, and limbs for abnormalities and any indication of lameness.
Blood tests were also carried out to check the parameters of red and white blood cells, liver and kidney function, for any sign of infection such as strangles, protein levels and worm infestation. A faecal count was then completed to ensure he could be wormed as required.
Barry has been regularly attended by the farrier to improve the condition of his hooves, which were long and over-grown, requiring several trimmings to correct and re-balance.
In order to help him receive vital nutrition to gain weight and condition, Barry had a feeding regime devised which included three small meals daily, ad lib hay through the daytime and a hay net of haylage overnight – something he enjoyed enormously!
Barry has gone from strength to strength and has now been castrated so he is ready to start concentrating on rehabilitative exercise with his groom, Mandy. She has started some in-hand work with him including gentle pole exercises to begin his education and build his confidence. These exercises will gradually strengthen him before he is assessed by the physiotherapist next time she visits Penny Farm.
Barry is adapting to his new life very well, becoming more relaxed and trusting. Thanks to the warmer weather he has recently had his first bath at the farm which he thoroughly enjoyed and was extremely well behaved.
When Barry first arrived early in the year, he was in such poor condition that he had to live inside until he gained strength and weight, as even wearing a rug he was too thin to cope with the cold. As the weather and Barry’s condition improved, he was turned out for a few hours a day which was gradually built up to allow him to spend the full day and night outdoors.
After Barry was castrated he was introduced to a field buddy, Dave, whom he has grown particularly fond of. They enjoy each other’s company and spend a lot of time together in the field playing and they can often be found grooming each other.
As Barry’s confidence is growing daily, he loves meeting visitors to Penny Farm and thoroughly enjoys all the fuss and pampering. How Barry’s life has changed, thanks to the wonderful care from World Horse Welfare and the generous support from Alltech.
The Lifeforce Range of all-natural, daily digestive aid supplements from Alltech is designed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.
For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.ukor telephone 01780 764512
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