They had been badly neglected. Left out in a field to fend for themselves, two quarter horses and three miniature horses were surrendered to the BC SPCA’s care after an animal protection investigation.
Janice, one of the BC SPCA’s most trusted horse fosters, was tasked with bringing them back to health.
“Taz, one of the miniature horses had horrible overgrown hooves which had caused serious issues to her rear foot – it was crooked and caused her a lot of pain,” says Janice. “It was the worst case I have ever seen, and I have been fostering horses with the BC SPCA for more than 16 years.” Janice adds small horses with proper farrier care can recover from this type of neglect and become great companions, but not completely. “She’ll be living with this for the rest of her life. But with consistent farrier care she could improve by 50 per cent. Her size works in her favour, she’s not burdened by extra weight”.
One of the other miniature horses, Billy, will require enucleation surgery to remove a damaged eye. “Thankfully horses are able to adapt well to living with one eye,” says Janice. “The surgery will offer him a lot of relief.”
The miniature horses were also struggling with severe obesity, placing them at risk for foundering – a very painful life-threatening condition. “X-rays revealed early signs of founder in one of them,” says Janice. “They are now on a proper diet suitable for their breed to help them recover and no longer be at risk.”
The good news is that all five horses have been adopted. “These miniature horses are so sweet.,” says Janice. “They have been handled every day and get lots of pats and treats. Although the horses had no lead or halter training when they arrived, they are all comfortable now and can be easily led with a halter and lead rope.”
Janice adds the miniature horses have plenty of spirit. “They are loads of fun. They remind me of chihuahuas, they may be small but they have attitude.”
“Our foster network is truly the backbone of our horse and farm program,” says Leiki Salumets, manager of equine and farm animal care for the BC SPCA. “The horses who come into our care often arrive with urgent medical and behavioural needs that require specialized rehabilitation, expertise, patience, and compassion. Fosters like Janice provide a safe environment for recovery along with trauma-informed rehabilitation, often requiring round-the-clock care.”