Skeletal horse found 'starving to death' returns to Scotland

A skeletal horse that was found “starving to death” has returned to its native home of Scotland after months in intensive care.

Seamus, a 15-year-old Clydesdale horse, was discovered slowly starving to death in a field with no grass before being rescued by World Horse Welfare.

The animal rescue charity said it was “touch and go” as to whether he would survive but after spending eight months at the Lancashire Rescue and Rehoming Centre the “gentle giant” made a full recovery.

World Horse Welfare field officer Seema Ritson said that they could see Seamus’ giant skeleton when he was discovered.

Adding that the horse had bare patches of flesh where there should have been chestnut coloured fur.

“I could see he’d had to crane his neck through the fence to reach any morsel of forage, but this was simply not enough to sustain him,” they said.

Despite his neglect Seamus is said to have kept his “placid” temperament and is set to be rehomed in his native country of Scotland.

“Previous donations helped make this rescue possible – so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Seamus spent eight months in intensive care before he was ready to be rehomed. Supplied

“It’s only thanks to donations from those that care about horses that we are able to do this, and we desperately need to be there for so many more horses like Seamus,” Ms Ritson added.

Seamus’ rehomer, Nikky, had previous experience with Thoroughbreds and Highland Ponies but Seamus was her first heavy breed. She said it was a “learning curve” dealing with a horse of his size.

“Transport was a bit tricky due to his size, but we found an experienced transporter of Clydesdales to bring him home to Scotland.

“We cannot thank World Horse Welfare enough for giving him a chance of life and entrusting us with his follow-on care,” she added.