Bourbon, a severely underweight two-year-old Arab colt found alone in a barren field in Cornwall, is the focus of the Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Christmas appeal. Rescued and taken to their Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Centre, Bourbon weighed 120kg less than expected and showed signs of liver damage and a subtle head tilt, prompting ongoing specialist care and a carefully managed recovery plan. Despite his condition, Bourbon has a gentle temperament and is thriving with human interaction and living among a herd of young horses at the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary highlights Bourbon’s story to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges in equine welfare, especially during winter amid rising living costs and climate pressures. They appeal for public donations to support their work rescuing and caring for horses like Bourbon, emphasizing that without donor generosity, many more animals would continue to suffer or lose their lives. The charity urges people to contribute so they can continue providing emergency care and safe homes for vulnerable horses throughout the colder months.