Matty’s transformation tale

Abandoned, sick foal turns into a super-star in the show ring

Back in 2013, a passer-by found an abandoned eight-week-old foal who was unable to move in a field. Matty, as he’s now known, arrived at Redwings Horse Sanctuary thin, dehydrated and wounded. He was in pain, but thanks to the quick response from the person who found him and the Sanctuary’s rescue team he was now in safe hands and has enjoyed round-the-clock intensive care to help him recover.

Around the same time that Matty was found, Sarah, a veterinary surgeon, started working at the charity’s horse hospital and played a key role in looking after him. Sarah instantly fell in love with Matty and knew that one day she’d like to offer him a forever home. But at the time, horses at Redwings had to be four years old before being considered as candidates for their Guardianship rehoming scheme – this meant Sarah would have a long wait until 2018 to find out if she could take Matty home.

While Matty lived at Redwings, he flourished into a brave and trusting character, despite what he went through. He also received basic training but when the time finally came for Sarah to rehome him, he was still unbacked so she had a big task on her hands if she wanted to ride him.

Since Sarah took Matty under her wing, she’s not only nursed him back to full health, she’s made him a show ring star, too! On 28 July 2021, the awesome duo took a trip to the Royal Norfolk Show. It was a super-busy event and a big atmosphere – which was all very new to Matty. But he took everything in his stride and showed the judges how fantastic he is. They placed third in the Rescue In-Hand class which proved how love, care and hard work can provide new opportunities and exciting adventures. Sarah’s “so proud of Matty,” he has come so far from requiring emergency treatment to making a full recovery. He can now enjoy life in a wonderful home, too.

To find out more about Redwings Horse Sanctuary head over to redwings.org.uk