These photos say it all – we’ve had some pretty difficult times since we have set up ERF and we’ve all spent a lot of money that we really can’t afford, but this weekend has reminded us why we do it. A week ago we took in Titan (who we’ve renamed Wilbur as it just seems to fit) – a bag of bones left in a barn for 7 months with appalling feet. When we touched him, he flinched and turned away going round in a circle as it was too painful to walk forward.

Here he is, 9 days on with his 11 year old friend!

Today he had his first proper wash down with real equine shampoo – he stood for half an hour as we sprayed him with cold water and lathered him up to remove the foul stench of the barn… 

But more importantly, yesterday he was seen by Jim – our star farrier who has recently retired after over 50 years service in the UK. When Jim first saw Wilbur’s feet he volunteered to help him and true to his word, despite the heat, he came yesterday…

Before:

With the temperature topping 30 degrees, both Wilbur and Jim were amazing… 

90 mins later  – Wilbur was able to stand upright for the first time in many months. The poor guy had had a major abscess in one of his hooves which must have been very painful, but now he can start to adjust to his new front feet.

Jim will be back soon to carry on the treatment.