In April 2010 Greatwood Charity were alerted by the RSPCA to a severe welfare case.  They were asked to rescue a young gelding, which would necessitate speedy removal from the yard he was at. Financial constraints had resulted in the owners not looking after him properly and sadly another horse had collapsed in the same field and had to be put down.

Greatwood picked up Luca on the same day they were alerted, using the services of Marlborough Horse Transport (MHT). Upon arrival, MHT were shocked by what they saw as they could remember taking Lucayos racing in the past, where he had won best turned out on occasions.

 

 This gelding had managed to survive one of the worst winters we have ever had, with very little food or water. Despite being extremely malnourished, dehydrated, and plagued with a bad infestation of lice, which had resulted in the loss of the vast majority of his coat, he still had a bright eye and clearly had the determination to survive.

 

 Luca was just about strong enough to be transported (unlike a recent rescue case) and since his arrival at Greatwood he has gone from strength to strength. He needed immediate veterinary attention, a course of treatment for lice, remedial farriery, and a carefully planned diet. He was too weak, initially, to be turned out with the other horses so three ‘nursemaid’ Shetlands, who also live at Greatwood, came to the rescue; they are too small to be a threat and are cheeky enough to encourage the saddest horse to take an interest. 

 

Luca is still in recovery from his ordeal, but Greatwood are hopeful that they will be able to successfully re-home him at some point in the future.  He has become friends with one of their other new gelding residents called Zero, and although Luca still lacks confidence, he is improving everyday.  It is a joy to watch him and Zero charging around the fields, gently teasing each other as they go.

 

Help me to raise £1,000 to ensure that Luca, and other horses like him at Greatwood, can receive all of the care and treatment they deserve.  After all, Luca and lots of the other Greatwood residents, spent their careers running their socks off and made many racegoers very rich!  The least we can do is ensure that they have a safe and happy life.

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