Badly bitten pony makes full recovery after attack in Devon field

A seriously injured pony attacked by a stallion in south Devon has made a full mental and physical recovery, rescuers say.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon said Dakota, a two-year-old bald heather gelding, was found bleeding profusely with bite marks covering his entire body in a field in Devon in January.

The pony was taken to Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset for treatment and rehabilitation, the sanctuary said.

Farm manager Claire Dickie said: “He has made a full recovery both physically and mentally and is showing normal and appropriate interactions with other horses.”

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary said it had contacted the charity World Horse Welfare for assistance with Dakota as it was at full capacity.

The shelter’s field officer, Leah Brock, was first on scene.

“When I saw Dakota, I wasn’t entirely sure the extent of his injuries, but I knew they were bad,” she said.

“He was extremely quiet and withdrawn and I knew we had to act quickly because he didn’t seem to be coping well.

“He had a high fever, which indicated a possible infection, along with his visual injuries. I just knew we had to help.”

Ms Brock said Dakota was a “star patient” who “tolerated everything”.

“I felt like he knew we were going to help him. We all fell in love with Dakota,” he said.

World Horse Welfare field officer Jon Phipps said the pony’s injuries were “among the worst” he had ever seen.

The shelter said Dakota had “visible scars on his neck and body” but has recovered well.

It said Dakota had found a new home, adding that World Horse Welfare was confident he would thrive without lasting damage from the ‘traumatic’ event.