Pregnant pony abandoned in flooded field gives birth safely

A pregnant pony who was abandoned in a flooded field has a fresh start after giving birth to a healthy foal in Blue Cross care.

Abandoned in a field in the depths of winter, pregnant mare Brie needed urgent attention.

The beautiful black mare was already heavily pregnant when she arrived at Blue Cross, after being rescued from a flooded field in Leicestershire.

An urgent call to Blue Cross Rolleston by the RSPCA charity meant we were able to take in the mum-to-be at her time of need.

Aged around eight years, gorgeous native pony Brie needed lots of attention from our horse care team, vet and farrier.

As Brie was unhandled when she arrived, our team used clicker training and positive reinforcement to help her get used to touch.

Brie was treated for suspected ringworm – a nasty and highly contagious fungal skin condition – as well as being given routine vaccinations for tetanus and equine flu.

The 12.2HH mare also had dental care and visits from the farrier to help get her hooves into good condition since her arrival in January 2024.

In the final stages of her pregnancy, Brie could relax knowing she was being well cared for as she prepared to give birth.

And after more than 100 days in Blue Cross care, the new mum gave birth to an adorable piebald foal, named Babybel.

Little Babybel is happy and healthy with her mum as the pair enjoy their first months together in a safe and caring place.

“Care wise, the foal was checked by the vet within 24 hours of being born and monitored closely by the team to ensure she was suckling and healthy,” explains Caitlin Lowe, Horse Welfare Supervisor at Blue Cross Rolleston.

“Brie has been a brilliant mum, so thankfully we haven’t had to intervene much.”

The Blue Cross team are by Brie’s side every step of the way until her new foal is old enough for the pair to be rehomed to a loving and safe new home.

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