The BC SPCA says a horse that was found in a bad way on a logging road near Fort St. John last month is now a happy, healthy new mom.
The mare, named Spirit by her foster, was found by conservation officers about 10 kilometres down the logging road, the association says. The horse was “obviously pregnant,” and had lesions, hives, and welts on her body.
The SPCA says in some areas, the horse’s skin was raw.
“It appeared that someone had tried to treat her skin issues,” the organization says, to no success.
Once found, Spirit was placed in the care of a foster in the area.
“She drove her own truck and trailer down the logging road to rescue Spirit and then coaxed her into the trailer. Spirit was a bit shy at first, but eventually, she walked into the trailer,” said Christy King, the BC SPCA’s interim program manager for farm and equine animal care services.
Once examined by a vet, the SPCA says Spirit had been receiving treatment for her skin conditions but that it was “not sufficient.”
“Once the appropriate topical medication and oral antibiotics were prescribed and given regularly it was amazing how quickly her skin started to clear up. She is looking so much healthier now. It did not hurt that she was being fed and watered regularly and she was able to rest comfortably,” King explained.
Spirit’s owner was eventually tracked down, with the SPCA saying they surrendered the mare to the organization at that point.
The horse gave birth in the afternoon of Sunday, July 28. King says both Spirit and her foal, named Journey, are “doing very well.”
The foal’s name was chosen by the foster to pay tribute to Spirit’s journey before coming into care.
The foster has since decided to adopt Spirit, while Journey will be put up for adoption once she is weaned, which is not expected to end for another several months.