Named after ‘Storm Bert’

A little black and white cob was dumped all alone in a field, just before Storm Bert in December 2024 – hence the name he was given.

Bert was seriously malnourished, full of worms and had a deformed hind foot.

We believed him to be about 2yrs old – although he looked younger due to his weak body condition.

When Bert appeared, we were called to help but sadly as we were bursting at the seams with many rescues, we simply were not in a position to take him in.

However, our Trustees were very keen to help Georgina (the kind lady who stepped in to offer him refuge), with his veterinary assessment and treatment.

Georgina also set up a JustGiving page for Bert – which subsequently raised over £1000, thanks to the remarkable kindness of people in the area.

We promptly called in Vet, Alistair Love from Clevedale Vets to visit Bert and make an expert assessment.

Unfortunately, following a thorough examination, Bert was found to have severely contracted tendons on his left hindlimb, meaning that he couldn’t get any part of his sole onto the ground.

He was walking entirely on the dorsal wall of a deformed, knuckled over foot and was unable to properly bear weight through to the floor.

The foot couldn’t be extended and trying to do this caused him great pain.

Also, his other back foot was very twisted and so poor Bert was walking mostly on the side of the hoof.

Bert was older than a yearling, so alongside his severe deformities, the chances of fixing him and not leaving him with a life of ongoing pain were extremely slim.

Regretfully it was felt that the kindest thing to do was to put Bert to sleep.

It was a sad time for all involved but we are so grateful; not only for the few days of relative comfort Bert enjoyed with the wonderful people at Team Seal Equestrian, who so kindly took him in – but also, importantly, for the fact that his suffering is no more.