Alfie

Rescued By

Irish Horse Welfare Trust

Story and Images Submitted by Alison Cotter

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Alfie was rescued by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) on the 12^th January 2011, he is approximately 1 year old.

When most were waking up to another winter wonderland and recovering from the Christmas festivities the staff of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust were on the road to yet another rescue of a horse in distress. Upon reaching their destination they found little Alfie. He was tied up in a field, knee deep in water, his head hanging low. His tiny frame was emaciated, his body covered in ringworm, his mane full of lice and he was too weak to move but above all his eyes showed such sadness and a loss of hope in life. Thankfully that was the last moment Alfie would ever feel unloved or alone again. He was brought to his new home; a warm comfortable stable was waiting for him, a yard full of people to care and comfort him and to hold his hoof every step of the way on his long road to recovery.

Three weeks on and Alfie’s progress is remarkable. He has a new lease of life, a spring in his trot and a new found love affair with carrots! His gentle personality is beginning to shine through more and more each day. He has a “Welcome Whinny” for all each morning, maybe as his little way of saying Thank You. What this poor little pony has been through we will never know, unimaginable cruelty and abandonment with no protection in the worst weather conditions Ireland has ever experienced. He SURVIVED. To see him now he is a true testament as to how the simple things in life can make all the difference, through the time, love and affection given to him by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust Alfie can live again and enjoy his life. He will be able to run again in green fields, play with other ponies and most of all he can find the happiness he deserves. His eyes no longer show sadness, they show a sparkle that will never fade.

This image of Alfie was taken shortly after he was rescued.