Hugo and Gabriel
Hugo and Gabriel were found severely underweight and suffering with sores when we rescued them in June 2022. We were shocked to find these two magnificent Andalusian horses in this state.
These beautiful horses lived in the South West of England with an owner experiencing difficult circumstances. Our Welfare Outreach team worked hard to secure the best outcome for Hugo and Gabriel from start to finish, with assistance from the RSPCA to help us intervene as their welfare situation worsened. The pair were in urgent need of sanctuary.
Hugo and Gabriel’s situation shows that when an owner’s personal circumstances change unexpectedly caring for equines can become an overwhelming task.
Both horses needed a high level of care at our Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Assessment Centre.
Hugo was malnourished with a Body Condition Score of 1 (poor) on arrival at the sanctuary. He had scarring and sores across his body, particularly over his prominent pelvic bones, stifle, elbow and shoulder, but also over his ribs. All four of his hooves were overgrown and needed treatment. He was very nervous whenever we needed to handle him.
His close companion Gabriel was also underweight with a Body Condition Score of 2 (moderate) on arrival.
Despite Hugo being in the worst condition on arrival it was Gabriel who took longer to recover. Gabriel had been struggling with ongoing eye issues which we monitored closely. He was also extremely nervous about having his feet checked by the farrier.
Hugo and Gabriel are safe now, but it could have been a very different story. If they had not been rescued, then they would have continued to deteriorate.
For us, it has been unusual to intervene in a case involving Andalusian horses, which are for many people a dream horse of a lifetime. To find horses like Hugo and Gabriel in this shocking state is indicative of the troubles that some owners are now facing.
