Lucky foal gets life-saving care after being born at Penny Farm

A foal born at World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, in Blackpool, has received life-saving veterinary care after a rocky start to life. The foal, a little filly named Babybel, was born on Father’s Day (Sunday, 15 June) and struggled to nurse properly, despite the best efforts of staff to support her. Thankfully, after specialist veterinary care, Babybel is now a thriving, happy, healthy foal.

Penny Farm Centre Manager Adam Cummins said:

“When Babybel was born, staff spent hours trying to help her learn to nurse from her mum, Brie, but she simply couldn’t get the hang of it for ages. Brie is a great mum and was very patient, but Babybel didn’t seem to have any instinct for learning to drink at all, which is really unusual. Once she was 24 hours old, our vets did a blood test that showed she hadn’t taken enough vital nutrients, leaving her without enough immunity to fight infections.

“We discussed the situation with our vets and decided to go ahead with a plasma transfer. Alternatively, we could have monitored her to see how she progressed over the next few days, but I’ve seen other foals go downhill very quickly in similar situations so decided to treat her sooner rather than later. Once she’d had the plasma treatment, the difference in just 24 hours was extraordinary – she went from being very lethargic and having no interest in life to being full of energy and a very happy little foal.”

Babybel’s mother Brie arrived at Penny Farm as part of a welfare concern that was first reported to World Horse Welfare back in April. Our Field Officer Sarah Tucker said:

“I found several ponies at the site, with one in very poor condition and, sadly, a foal who had already died. An abandonment notice was put up but no owner came forward, so Brie and four other ponies were signed over to us by the RSPCA and taken to Penny Farm. If the report hadn’t come in when it did and Babybel had been born at that site, there would have been no dedicated staff on hand to provide expert care and make sure she got the specialist veterinary treatment that she needed, so she really is a very lucky pony to have been born at Penny Farm. It’s incredible outcomes like these that are made possible by our supporters.”

When not turned out in a paddock, Babybel and her mum Brie will continue to be cared for in the stableyard at Penny Farm. The stableyard is at the heart of the rehabilitation process for almost every horse who comes into World Horse Welfare’s care. It’s a secure environment to provide emergency veterinary treatment for new arrivals and poorly foals, like Babybel was, and a great space to help young ponies safely learn about being around humans. Those who wish to help Babybel and other horses and ponies like her, can sponsor Penny Farm’s stableyard.

Penny Farm is open to visitors on Wednesdays, weekends and Bank Holidays, offering a chance to see our work in action and learn more about the horses and ponies being rehabilitated. Book your visit here.