Earlier this week, we welcomed a new rescue to our Sanctuary—an adorable pony we’ve named Clementine!
While her spirit is sweet and gentle, her hooves told a different story. We were shocked by their condition and knew immediate action was necessary.
A Desperate Situation
When Dr. Metcalf, our trusted vet, arrived the very next day, we held our breath as he examined her. The X-rays revealed that Clementine’s hooves hadn’t been trimmed in over three years!
Typically, horses require trims every six weeks, so this was a severe case of neglect. While we were told she’s in her 20s, we believe she’s actually closer to 10 years old.
The poor condition of her feet has caused a range of issues. Her front left hoof is so damaged that she isn’t using it, leading to bone loss. The right hoof has rotated significantly due to overgrowth, and we were horrified to discover maggots in a prolapsed coronary band.
The First Steps to Recovery
Dr. Metcalf gave us a 50% chance of saving Clementine’s life, but we’re fully committed to giving her the best possible shot at recovery.
First, he trimmed her right front hoof and applied custom support using a dental impression. Then, he performed a procedure called a Deep Digital Flexor Tenotomy on her front left hoof. This helps to pull the hoof into a more normal position, and it was splinted and wrapped to keep it secure. The procedure took less than 10 minutes!
He also checked her back feet, which were overgrown but hadn’t yet caused bone damage. After trimming those, Clementine was able to stand up again.
A Glimmer of Hope
With the procedures done, the next few days are critical. In 4 to 15 days, we’ll have a better idea of whether recovery is possible. For now, Clementine is resting in a stall with special comfort flooring, on pain medication and antibiotics to help her heal.
This morning, she was up and eating hay—a small but significant sign of hope that made us all smile.
Thank you for being part of Clementine’s journey. We’ll continue to update you as she fights for her second chance at life!
