A sick horse was found with an infection so severe it caused the worst case of skin peeling an RSPCA inspector has ever seen.

The piebald mare, thought to be around three years old, was discovered in a field close to Vicarage Road, Yalding, last Thursday.

She was taken from a larger drove of horses but her owner is currently unknown.

Warning: Graphic image below

The animal, now known as Becky, had to be removed from the sun immediately because she was suffering from a severe bout of ragwort poisoning and liver damage.

The illness is contracted by eating ragwort and its severity in this case has caused the horse to become sensitive to the sun.

Rosie Russon, an RSPCA inspector, said: “I have never seen a case so bad.

“Poor Becky’s skin was peeling off, it was awful.

"Her nose was cracked and incredibly sore with pus seeping out of it, and all the white patches on her legs and body were peeling, and hard like leather.

"She must have been in such pain.

“We would be keen to hear from anybody with any information at all about poor Becky and who might own her. In particular, information about any vehicles seen in the area would be useful.

“She is being kept in a stable so is not in sunlight, and has had a lot of tests and treatment to make sure she recovers well.”

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to call 0300 123 8018. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.