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At just seven-months-old, Olive had already gone through more pain and suffering than most equines do in their lifetime.
In October 2025, Welsh filly Olive was found dumped on a road in County Durham, with a shockingly deep wound at the withers
(the highest point of a horses back above the shoulders). An abandonment notice was served through the RSPCA and Olive was taken to The Veterinary Team at Bearl Equine Clinic.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Abby was heavily involved in her care. “Caring for Olive was both a challenge and a privilege. The severity of her initial injury was concerning, with standing surgery to remove bone fragments from her fractured withers followed by intensive and extensive wound management.” Olive’s wound still required careful ongoing treatment. Healing would take time, patience and committed care to help her recover. With her recovery expected to take many months, Bransby Horses was contacted, knowing we could give Olive the time, specialist care and safe environment she needed to make the best recovery possible. “At first sight, Olive’s wound was a shock to us all.” Said Deputy Team Leader Mia. “It was the worst we had seen.”
There was no simple solution for Olive’s recovery, and it required a great deal of effort from various teams to come up with the right care strategy for her. The vets started by surgically removing unhealthy tissue and placing sterilised gauze into the wound, with cotton swabs tied to the sutures to keep the hole covered. Olive’s dressings were changed every day for weeks and over time her treatment plan was adapted as she began to heal, and the previously large open wound became smaller and shallower. She also needed to eat with her head as low as possible to prevent the top part of her wound from healing too tight.
Both the yard and the Veterinary Team did an incredible job of caring for Olive, with many hours dedicated to her rehabilitation. “We were very concerned if she would be able to recover from this, but despite all odds her wound healed very well.” Explained Mia. “She was such a good patient to treat for a young horse.
Towards the end of her time at the ARC, her cheeky side came out, and she started to play in the field. She was a firm yard favourite.” Olive has since graduated from the ARC and is spending time with Florence on the Main Yard. After months of care, there is now little indication that the wound ever existed, which is testament to the excellent level of care she received, both at the start of her journey and ongoing. Olive had only ever known pain and suffering before her arrival at Bransby Horses, but thanks to supporters like you, we can provide her with the second chance she deserves.
Not including the ongoing care she needed from our dedicated teams. If you’d like to make a one off, or regular donation to help other equines like Olive, please do so by clicking the buttons below.
Not including the ongoing care she needed from our dedicated teams. If you’d like to make a one off, or regular donation to help other equines like Olive, please do so by clicking the buttons below.
