Monopoly, Yahtzee and Cluedo, three charming cobs, were taken in by Bransby Horses in February this year, after being found on a 3-mile stretch of riverbank. When the team reached the three neglected horses, they were underweight, had acute diarrhoea, lice infestation and needed immediate farrier treatment. Monopoly and Yahtzee were also in foal by seven or eight months.
The Bransby Horses welfare team worked hard to remove the parasite burden through a strict and thorough regime of testing and worming treatments. The team also had to carefully control their diet, ensuring they put on weight in a healthy way. Alongside the medical treatments provided to tackle all the issues they had, the yard team also spent time getting to know both horses, helping them to trust humans and socialise with other horses, when they were ready.
There has been an exciting update on this story now. Since arriving at Bransby Horses, Monopoly and Yahtzee have given birth to their foals. Monopoly has had a filly called Poker and Yahtzee has had a colt called Uno (who needed plasma at birth). Both foals are in good health but are still closely monitored by the Bransby Horses team as their mothers’ experience means they could be vulnerable to health issues in the future.
There are still some health complications, Yahtzee and Uno went to Rainbow Equine Hospital recently due to a bout of dehydration and diarrhoea. This goes to show that these horses, like many Bransby Horses rescue, aren’t out the woods and still need the care and expertise of the charity.
As winter turned to spring, the foals have made the most of the weather, showing off their personality and exploring their new surroundings. If you are planning to visit Bransby Horses this summer, you might just see these gorgeous new arrivals, along with the other 441 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules on the site.
You can help the charity continue to care for Cluedo, Monopoly, Poker, Yahtzee and Uno and other horses like them in the future by showing your support. The charity relies entirely on kind donations from the public. No matter the amount, every penny makes a difference and means the team can take horses from barely surviving to thriving. For more information or to find out how you can support these amazing animals, please visit: www.bransbyhorses.co.uk