An abandoned horse found on the verge of death in a sodden field has miraculously survived and is now on the road to recovery.

Sahne, was taken in by the Faversham-based Happy Endings Rescue team, more than 100kg underweight and with badly blistered skin from the effects of cold weather and rain.

Thanks to veterinary skill of staff at the Painters Forstal sanctuary, Sahne - pronounced Zana - is being nursed back to health.

The team at the charity have clipped away most of her fur so the sores on her skin can heal and slowly they can build up her body condition.

Chris Johns, a co-founder of Happy Endings said: “One of the horses in the group didn’t make it but we are hoping Sahne will pull through.”

“She is more than 100kg under weight for a horse of her height and age.

“Sadly, she is not alone as we often see many equines end up in this condition at this time of the year. Winter is a particularly hard time for horse owners and the cost of care rises. However, Sahne’s case is really severe.”

Four hundred animals are cared for at the sanctuary but the impact of Covid has put significant financial pressures on its day-to-day management.

“Sahne's care is our absolute priority,’ Chris said.

"But we have lost so much our funding and donations over the last year – it is a real worry when animals like this mare need so much help.

“As a charity we have to find about £8,000 a month to feed all the animals and run the centre.

"We are doing all we can to raise money online and we are incredibly grateful to those who have continued to support the charity in such a difficult time for everyone.”

“However, if anyone reading this can help us with Sahne’s ongoing care it would be immensely appreciated.”

A giving appeal for the recovering mare can be found on Happy Endings Facebook page or contact the charity via its website.

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