Disposable Lives: The Shocking Abandonment of Two Traumatised Young Horses

Abandoned under the cover of darkness, two young horses were left behind as though their lives had no value. Dumped overnight in a large, insecure field, Duck and Goose were cold, frightened, and utterly alone, victims of neglect and indifference. Their silent suffering might have gone unnoticed, had a concerned landowner not raised the alarm.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) responded immediately. When Equine Inspector Tracy Heaton arrived at the scene, she was confronted with a deeply distressing sight. The two-coloured colts were in a shocking condition. Their coats, legs, manes, and tails were painfully matted and caked in filth, each movement pulling at skin already inflamed by a widespread lice infestation. They were extremely nervous, visibly traumatised, and it was heartbreakingly clear that they had endured prolonged neglect.

As alarming as their physical state was, the danger did not end there. The field where they had been abandoned was not securely fenced; at any moment, these frightened young horses could have bolted onto the highway, with devastating consequences. Treated as disposable, they had been left to fend for themselves in a situation that put both their lives and the lives of others at risk.

They were taken immediately to a place of safety, and the Control of Horses Act 2015 was followed to the letter. Notices were displayed, waiting out the mandatory period, days that felt painfully long for two animals already failed by humans. When that period expired and no owner came forward, HAPPA was finally able to intervene fully and begin their rescue journey

On Thursday 16th April, HAPPA’s Equine Care Team returned to collect the colts, later be named Duck and Goose.

Ella Smith, Equine Manager describes the rescue, “What should have been a straightforward rescue was anything but. Goose, terrified of people and never halter-trained, was handled with extreme care. Though a kind member of the public had helped move them into stables, getting Goose out again proved an emotional and physical challenge. With patience, care, and quick thinking, the team gently manoeuvred him backwards until he could finally rejoin Duck, ready for transport.

Hesitant and unsure, both colts needed gentle patience and quiet reassurance before they could bring themselves to step onto the trailer. They were finally guided onto the trailer and began the journey to Shores Hey Farm. During the journey, Duck managed to slip beneath the breast bar, squeezing himself into Goose’s partition. The team reacted immediately, pulling over with hearts in their mouths, knowing how easily the situation could have turned tragic. Once safely repositioned, Duck settled, travelling on in calm silence, as if finally daring to trust that this journey would not end in harm.”

That same day, the true extent of their suffering was laid bare. A full veterinary examination revealed two young lives ravaged by neglect, severely underweight bodies, overgrown and painful feet, coats knotted and crawling with lice. These were not the marks of a brief lapse in care, but of prolonged disregard. Urgent treatment began without delay: de-lousing, worming, weighing. Each intervention a small but vital step away from the suffering they had known for so long. Goose, still deeply fearful of human contact, remains difficult to catch, wearing a headcollar to ensure his safety as care continues.

And yet, despite everything they have endured, hope is beginning to flicker. In less than seven days, the boys have started to change. The tension in their bodies is easing; their fear is softening. They are becoming calmer, more curious, even seeking out gentle contact. The team have fallen completely in love with them, moved by their resilience and quiet bravery. With time, compassion, and endless care, Duck and Goose are finally learning what it means to feel safe and for the first time, their future holds promise instead of fear.

Duck and Goose’s story is, heartbreakingly, not unique. Across the country, more horses are being abandoned, dumped, or left to suffer as part of a growing horse welfare crisis. Rescue centres are overwhelmed, resources are stretched to breaking point, and vulnerable horses like Duck and Goose are paying the price for human disregard.

Their journey is far from over. Months of careful nutrition, ongoing veterinary treatment, farriery, rehabilitation, and patient handling still lie ahead to help them heal – both physically and emotionally. Every abandoned horse that arrives at HAPPA needing help puts further strain on charity, already working at capacity.

By donating today, you are not only helping Duck and Goose, but you are also standing against the silent epidemic of horse abandonment. Your support enables HAPPA to respond when the next call comes in, to step in before suffering turns fatal, and to give frightened, neglected horses the second chance they deserve.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps turn fear into trust, neglect into care, and abandonment into hope. Together, we can ensure Duck and Goose are never forgotten and that horses like them are never failed again.  Donate » Horses And Ponies Protection Association | HAPPA