Callout To An Injured Dartmoor Hill Pony Foal

On 30th June SWEP received a phone call from a very concerned member of the public who had come across a lame Dartmoor Hill Pony foal which was unable to bear any weight on its front, left leg.  Maureen Rolls attended the foal and was able to identify and contact the owner, who came out to the site.  SWEP's equine vet attended and felt unable to make a firm decision as to whether the leg was broken or not.  It was agreed with the farmer that it was not appropriate for the foal to be rounded up at speed by quad bikes, particularly over the steep terrain, as this would cause more damage to the foal.  SWEP agreed that it would be acceptable for the owner to wait for the foal and its mare to be in a more suitable location from where they could be more easily removed.

Our Welfare Officer visited the foal out on the area of moor today.  This video shows that the foal's condition has improved slightly, and it seems that its leg is probably not broken, but the level of lameness means that the foal still needs to be properly assessed by a vet.  This case is ongoing and updates will be provided as soon as possible...

09/07/11 - Update - Our Welfare Officer visited the moor today and the foal has improved significantly over the last few days.  The video below shows that although the foal is still lame (which can be clearly seen when it is walking), it is now running around and is able to put its hoof to the floor.   It should be able to stay out on the moor with its mother if it continues to improve like this.  We will continue to monitor its condition.