A family who rescued an abused horse and taught her to trust again are now desperately trying to save her life. Katie Hall, 15, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, began caring for 11-year-old Whispa in March.
Infection after kick
Two weeks ago, Whispa was kicked by another horse in the field and developed an infection in her right hind leg. Despite two courses of antibiotics, she is not responding to treatment and cannot bear weight on the leg.
Katie's mother Joanne Hall, 44, has already spent around £3,000 on treatment. Whispa is being transported to the Royal Dick University veterinary hospital in Edinburgh for further care.
Family's anguish
Joanne told ChronicleLive: "The worst case scenario is she will have to get euthanised. We are keeping everything crossed at the moment." She added: "Katie is absolutely devastated. I'm just trying to keep a strong face for her. She loves her and she was heartbroken when she was first told about it. She wants to fight for her."
Joanne described the bond: "She's a totally different kid when she's around Whispa. She's dead calm and relaxed and she's giggling left, right and centre all the time. Take her away from her and that all stops. They are like two peas in a pod."
Rescue and trust
Whispa was gifted to Katie by a woman who rescued her but could not care for her. Over months, Katie gained her trust. Joanne was unable to get insurance for Whispa because she lacked the horse passport; a new one had been applied for when the injury occurred.
Joanne said: "Whispa will let you feed her and she's full of smiles. She's a funny little character. She was kicked by another horse in the field. It was horses being horses."
The vet confirmed a fractured leg and infection. Antibiotics were changed but while the wound healed, the pain persisted. Whispa is now on morphine via an epidural. A CT scan is planned to locate the infection.
Fundraising support
Karyn Thompson, whose daughter keeps a horse at the same yard in Blyth, set up a Go Fund Me page two days ago. More than £3,195 has been raised. Karyn, 54, said: "I just think this poor horse deserves every chance she can possibly get. She's finally started trusting humans after being abused then this happens - it's horrific."
