Severn Up's rescue...
In February 2011, we received an urgent call about a foal in distress on the banks of the River Severn near Avonmouth. A passing dog walker had discovered the young horse, estimated to be around four months old, in a truly heart-breaking state. The foal had been left for dead next to a grave that had been dug for it, completely alone and vulnerable.
When our team arrived, it was clear the situation was critical. The foal was emaciated, weak, and collapsed, with a body condition score of just 0.5, reflecting severe malnutrition and a life-threatening state. Without immediate intervention, he would not have survived.
We carefully transported the foal back to HorseWorld, where he was immediately assessed by our veterinary team and given emergency care. Despite his fragile condition, his spirit was remarkable. We named him Severn-Up, marking the start of his journey from near death to recovery, and began the long process of nurturing him back to health.
Slowly recovering...
Once safely in our care, Severn Up faced a long road to recovery. Given his extremely weak and malnourished state, our team worked around the clock to provide him with frequent feeds and constant monitoring to rebuild his strength. Our veterinary team carefully managed his diet and health, while our experienced grooms ensured he felt safe, comforted, and supported.
Over the following weeks, Severn-Up slowly began to regain weight, energy, and confidence. His trust in humans grew with every kind touch and patient interaction, and his playful, inquisitive nature began to shine through. With regular veterinary checks, farriery, and ongoing care, he started to transform from a foal on the brink of death into a healthy, thriving young horse.
Ready for the next chapter...
Thankfully, after years of dedicated care and rehabilitation, Severn Up made a full recovery. In his early days, he was a firm favourite at our Visitor Centre, charming everyone who met him. To gain experience and continue his education, Severn Up went to a foster home, where he could practice his basic training in a new environment and prepare for his future.
When he returned to HorseWorld in 2014, he began his training to become a ridden horse, learning the skills and confidence he would need for life under saddle. His attitude to learning new things was inspiring and he quickly showed us the great potential he had.
Finding a forever home...
In 2016, Severn Up was happily rehomed to Sasha and her family, where he could enjoy the love, care, and attention he so deserved. Now a beloved member of their family, he enjoys fun rides along the beach and is completed adored by everyone who knows him. After such a challenging start in life, it’s wonderful to see Severn Up thriving in a loving home, living the happy, healthy life he so deserves.
Can you offer a rescued horse a home? View our horses available for rehoming here.