Rescued from starvation, Clyde’s story highlights growing demand for HorseWorld’s emergency rescue services

A severely emaciated elderly horse found in a life-threatening condition is now thriving at HorseWorld, but many others are still waiting for help.

In August 2025, we were contacted by the RSPCA about a Thoroughbred-cross gelding in critical condition. Following a veterinary assessment, the horse was seized on welfare grounds and transported to HorseWorld for urgent care.

The horse, later named Clyde, had a body condition score of 0 and was severely emaciated, with ribs, hips and spine clearly visible. He was dehydrated, had very few teeth, no suitable food available, and severely overgrown, damaged hooves. Further veterinary investigations confirmed there was no underlying disease; his condition was the result of prolonged starvation.

On arrival, Clyde's recovery was far from certain. Because reintroducing food too quickly after extreme starvation can be fatal, our team worked closely with veterinary specialists to implement a carefully controlled rehabilitation programme. Despite his condition, veterinary assessment indicated that Clyde had a good prospect of recovery and a positive quality of life. With careful management and specialist care, rehabilitation began.

Meg Challinor, Equine Welfare Advisor at HorseWorld, said:

"It was heartbreaking to see Clyde's condition when we arrived on site following an urgent call from the RSPCA. Even after everything he had been through, he was a gentleman from day one and quickly won the team over. Rehabilitating a horse with a body condition score of 0 is really challenging. After a careful vet assessment, we believed Clyde could recover and enjoy a good life, so our team were determined to give him every chance. With expert care and careful dietary management, he has made an incredible recovery."

As his strength returned, Clyde was introduced to other horses, including 33-year-old resident Fagan. The pair quickly formed a close friendship, helping Clyde settle into his new life surrounded by safety, care and companionship.

Now aged 31, Clyde is almost unrecognisable from the horse who first arrived. He is healthy, content and thriving within the herd and will remain at HorseWorld for the rest of his life, where his needs can be carefully managed as he grows older.

While Clyde's story has a happy ending, his case is far from unique.

Over the last year, our team have responded to increasing numbers of horses suffering neglect, abandonment and welfare crises. During 2025, we investigated welfare concerns relating to more than 700 horses, highlighting the growing pressures we are facing.

Many horses arrive in conditions similar to Clyde's, requiring immediate veterinary treatment, specialist rehabilitation and long-term care. Having access to emergency funding can mean the difference between life and death.

HorseWorld's CEO, Jo Coombs, said:

"Clyde's story shows just how critical it is that we can act quickly when a horse is in danger. Without immediate intervention, he would not have survived.

Sadly, Clyde is not an isolated case. We are seeing more horses arriving in poor condition and more requests for help than ever before. The welfare challenges facing horses today are growing, and charities like HorseWorld are increasingly being asked to step in when owners can no longer cope. Our Emergency Response Fund enables us to respond immediately when those calls come in, but we can only do that with public support."

Clyde's care included vital veterinary treatment costing more than £1,112, but every rescue requires significant resources, expertise and ongoing commitment.

We are now urging supporters to donate to our Emergency Response Fund so that when the next urgent call comes, we can continue to provide immediate sanctuary, expert care and a second chance to horses in desperate need.

Donations to our Emergency Response Fund will help rescue and rehabilitate horses in urgent need.