A dangerous situation...
In 2016, HorseWorld received a call to help a mare who was in urgent need of rescue. Minty, only three years old and heavily pregnant, had become trapped under a trailer that had been placed in her field as a shelter. She was frightened, injured, and overwhelmed, making the situation extremely serious.
For several days prior to the rescue, Minty had been left with a bit in her mouth, causing her discomfort, and her back and sides were damaged from being left with a roller on. Due to the complexity and danger of the situation, Minty was carefully rescued with the assistance of the Avon and Fire Rescue Service. She was then transported safely to HorseWorld, where she received immediate veterinary attention and expert care.
Rayne's arrival...
Despite all the trauma she had endured, Minty gave birth safely to a healthy foal, who we named Rayne. Being so young and inexperienced, Minty initially struggled to bond with her foal, but with the help of our welfare team and some wonderful ‘nanny’ horses in the herd, Rayne was raised with love, companionship, and guidance, ensuring she grew up healthy and happy. As a foal, Rayne was tiny and fragile, so small that she even had to wear a dog coat to keep warm. Thanks to the care and support of the HorseWorld team, she grew stronger every day.
Minty's recovery...
Minty underwent careful rehabilitation to recover from her traumatic ordeal. She was very traumatised, emotionally shut down, and did not trust people when she arrived. Her physical scars were healing, and she was slowly becoming more alert, but she required patience, gentle handling, and a relaxed environment to rebuild her confidence. Our team focused on trust-building, basic handling, and companionship, allowing Minty to recover emotionally without pressure. Her progress was remarkable, and she gradually learned to feel safe and secure again. It was at this point, our team decided she was ready for the next chapter in her life and we started looking for a very special home for her.
Minty's new home...
In 2019, after making great progress, Minty was placed into a loving loan home with Danielle, where she quickly became a treasured member of the herd. Danielle shared: "I absolutely adore Minty and my herd would not be the same without her. I sincerely hope that we have a long and happy future together."
Rayne today...
Meanwhile, Rayne has since blossomed into a confident, affectionate, and playful mare. Her early life was challenging, but she thrived in the safety and support of the HorseWorld herd. As a youngster, she spent time in a loan home to gain valuable life experience, which helped her develop independence and social skills. Now, Rayne remains a permanent sanctuary resident at HorseWorld, where she continues to receive specialist care for her mild neurological condition. She is a strong, healthy 14.2hh Thoroughbred, a far cry from the tiny, fragile foal she once was. Rayne enjoys the companionship of her herd mates and continues to develop into a happy, spirited, and thriving young horse.
