Horse frozen to ground is back from the dead

A horse left to die in freezing conditions in a field has found a new home after being rescued by the RSPCA.

Ellie the mare was so malnourished she had gone blind. She was stuck to the ground by frozen mud when railway workers found her in the field near Elstree, Hertfordshire, early last year.

Anna White, manager of the RSPCA's Southridge centre where Ellie was looked after, said the horse was "as close to death as any animal we have ever rescued".

"She was immediately taken to the Royal Veterinary College for intensive treatment, suffering from severe malnutrition."

Ellie had to have all her remaining hair clipped off and was kept isolated in a stable for nearly six months. Her eyesight has now returned, and she is back to full health.

"She has turned into a really beautiful pony," said Ms White. "It is wonderful to watch her cantering happily around the field with our other ponies. When you think that she so nearly died her recovery is all the more amazing."

Ellie is still looking for a new home. If you think you can offer her one contact the RSPCA Southridge centre on 0300 123 0704.