Phantom’s Story

In 2016 we were part of a multi-agency team who rescued a herd of over 160 abandoned ponies on Bodmin Moor. Some required urgent veterinary care and there were concerns for others that they wouldn’t survive the winter months.

One of the herd was Phantom, a beautiful foal who was born in a circumstance of abandonment – he had never known human interaction before.

He arrived at Bransby Horses as a young colt with serious health conditions and limited chances of survival. Our teams, who were part of the Bodmin Moor rescue and looked after Phantom, give their accounts of his condition and rehabilitation below.

phantom as a young pony after being rescued

He is forever safe

Thanks to your continued support and our team’s expertise, time and love, Phantom is now thriving.

To help more equines in need, you can make a donation to Bransby Horses to keep helping us give equines like Phantom another chance in life.

In return, you will be kept up to date with Phantom’s full story.

The Rescue

Phantom arrived in 2016 as a young colt, very small and afraid. Having had no human interaction before, he was scared of his new surroundings and fearful of those that were caring for him.

He was in need of urgent veterinary assessment for a number of health conditions, including worm burden, colic and an ulcer.

Phantom spent a number of weeks in isolation, receiving essential care at our Animal Reception Centre. Thanks to our in-house testing facility and veterinary team, we were able to identify his health issues and act accordingly.

Join us for the rest of Phantom’s story when you become a regular giver.

A donation of

^£3_/mo

Give £3 a month

Can provide essential medications to help keep our horses healthy.

A donation of

^£11_/mo

Give £11 a month

Can help with feeding hundreds of horses in our care at Bransby Horses.

A donation of

^£27_/mo

Give £27 a month

Can provide financial support to our Welfare Team to rescue more ponies like Phantom.

A Closer Inspection

He arrived at Bransby Horses fearful of his new surroundings and with life-threatening conditions – he had colic, ulcers, worms, a lice infestation
and overgrown hooves. And this was only just the beginning…

Join us for the rest of Phantom’s story when you become a regular giver.

“I love that you rescue the animals and work so hard to get them back to looking well – that’s why I give monthly so you can continue doing just that.”

Helen

“It’s great to be able to visit and see my regular donations go towards the horses. Shelters, paddocks, horses in good condition.”

Mrs. Bannister

“I like to know my monthly donation goes to care for those equines that cannot be rehomed.”

Anon

The Medical Journey

He was in need of urgent veterinary assessment for a number of health conditions, including worm burden, colic and an ulcer.

Phantom’s brave turning point to trust

Over the course of a few years, taking the rehabilitation at Phantom’s pace alongside his ongoing veterinary treatment, he began to relax.

“When he trusted me and was happy to be touched, I discovered he simply adored having his belly scratched – he loved it so much!” – Hayley, Phantom’s rehabilitation handler.

Phantom’s rehabilitation journey was a long one, but after years of perseverance, that breakthrough moment finally came.

We can only be there for abandoned animals like Phantom with your support.

Look out for the final installment of Phantom’s story in the post later this year and check back here for exclusive content.

It's getting more difficult

A troubling trend over the last decade is the growing numbers of cases involving dozens if not hundreds of animals in need of rescue.

“It’s like trying to drain a bath with the taps still on.” – NEWC, 2020, Britain’s Horse Problem Report.

Phantom’s story is just one of many examples we’re continuing to see more frequently across the country.

We appreciate any support you can give.