Forza

Looking for Love - not a fight!

1/3

Born

2005

Rescued

2011

Permanent Resident

I honestly would rather forget the sorry state I arrived here in, it wasn't pretty but I got through it fighting. I feel like i've been fighting my whole life and all I want is someone to take the time to get to know me, to love me. I found those someones here at the sanctuary, where I am loved and my quirks are accepted and I get to be me no matter if I'm a little antisocial.

Forza

Lyn Friel, the sanctuary manager, was contacted by a PSNI constable based in Belfast who was looking for help with a horse in the area. As an experienced horse owner the constable was able to assess the severity of the horse’s problems and after failing to get help from another organisation, they contacted CLAS and arranged to bring volunteers to the horse.

Some days are memorable and for a variety of reasons. This was to start as a memorable day as it was the first day that we used our new 4 x 4 vehicle that had been donated to us by a generous supporter and for which we are truly grateful.

However, the rest of the day will be etched in our memory for very different reasons. Forza, as he was named by his rescuers, was barely able to stand in his stable in a large barn. He was skeletal, completely emaciated, his body score was zero. He was suffering from rain scald,mud fever, was coughing very badly and was riddled with worms.

How could this be acceptable to anyone? The owner signed the frail animal over to the police and Forza was taken into Crosskennan’s care.

At the sanctuary his care and rehabilitation began with his deep shavings bed, tailored re-feeding scheme and veterinary care. His bloods were taken by the vet and a topical treatment prescribed twice daily for his many painful sores. His chest was badly congested and he was on breathing supplements for quite some time.

We discovered that he also has a dust allergy and have adjusted his hay intake to steamed or soaked hay. He was building up his strength very slowly; he was so weak initially that only very short walks were possible.

Forza needed a rug to keep warm but was so thin that the rug stuck to his bones causing pressure sores. To avoid this happening his rug was regularly changed.

Recuperation was initially slow for Forza but we were with him all the way; encouraging him and providing all the care he needed. As you can see, one year on, he looked like a different horse; he truly humbled us with his ability to connect with people and learn to trust them again.

He and Becky struck up a wonderful rapore and together they continued to excel with his riding career. We were so PROUD of how well he had done!

The PSNI team that were instrumental in his rescue collected feed and donations among their colleagues and friends and visited Forza at the sanctuary. We were grateful for all their continued help and support.

It had been hoped that one day he'd be ready to go to a riding home; it would have be a very lucky person that will be able to enjoy Forza as much as we have - he's a true character.

When we met Forza back in November 2011 his future appeared very bleak. He barely registered a body score, had a horrendous cough and very severe mud fever and rain scald. In a very short space of time with nursing from dedicated volunteers he showed improvement we knew this battle we were going to win.

When he improved physically we begun his training and we were delighted when him and Becky went out for their first hack in September 2012. He is not the easiest horse to work with but he has a lot of love for his friends; so much so it is a bit of a joke about how quickly his affections will latch onto the latest mare to enter his life. He's had many loves over the years and often we worry how he will cope if the mare is rehomed - but all it takes is another female to enter his sight and he's forgotten his past love.

With his issues with people and his friendship with the sanctuary residents and staff as well as his many physical health issues, including sweet itch and a dust allergy. Forza never found a home. He has many quirks but they are what make him who he is.

He adores his people and his friends. Forza is an amazing horse who has shown us time and time again what it means to 'help them trust again'. He doesnt trust many but those he does trust he trusts wholeheartedly.

He will remain as a permanent resident at the sanctuary where he is happy and his needs can all be met and where he is surrounded by his friends who love him.