Funds appeal to give horse lifesaving operation

A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched for a lifesaving operation for a rare horse.

Saddle Up Ranch, based near Forfar, rescues horses and rehabilitates them with people in the community who themselves suffer from a range of issues, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, mental health issues, addiction and autism.

The organisation took on River, an Eriskay horse, last week and later found that he has two retained testicles – meaning that he is in need of surgery which will cost more than £1,000.

Jess Probst, 34, who started the organisation, said: “Eriskays are a very rare breed with only 100 breeding horses in the UK.

“When the charity received an email to ask if we would take on a two-year-old we jumped at the chance.

“They are renowned to be friendly, very people orientated, and a great height for kids and young adults to ride when fully grown.

“River’s behaviour is unpredictable and at times dangerous. He had to be isolated and I guessed he was still a stallion. However, the vet came out last Monday and couldn’t prove it.

“A blood test was sent off and came back to tell us that without doubt River needs an invasive surgical procedure which is over £1,000.

“This means many ‘rigs’ as they are known are put to sleep because it’s expensive to put them through this surgery.

“Saddle Up Ranch needs people to help us raise transport funds to send him down to Somerset as soon as possible for the procedure.”

People who want to donate towards the fund can visit the charity’s website at saddleupranch.co.uk.

River