And finally... a tough year

THE past year has been tough for many people – and horses.

In the past 12 months, rescued cob Paddy has overcome cancer and losing the sight in one eye – and his heart stopped for 45 minutes during surgery.

Owner Helen Buckley said she discovered the growths, which were found to be cancerous, while she was cleaning the horse’s sheath.

Three procedures later – one to remove his penis and one under sedation as his heart had stopped under anaesthetic – Paddy has adjusted to losing half his vision, and to urinating backwards.

“It’s been a really tough time, but he’s such a trooper and I couldn’t give up on him,” Helen said. “But if I hadn’t washed his willy that time, he’d be dead now.”