One-eyed ridden rescue pony going from strength to strength (From Smallholder)

One-eyed ridden rescue pony going from strength to strength

8:00am Wednesday 10th August 2011 in Equine

A pony called Toby at World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm is recovering well after having an operation to remove one of his eyes.

The six year-old 13hh grey originally came into the international horse charity’s Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool as a welfare case in March last year. His right hind leg had been incorrectly treated, however he soon recovered from this and he was backed to become a riding pony. Toby then developed recurring uvieitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) and the vet advised that he should have his eye removed. In May this year, Toby had the operation which was a success and he is now recovering at Penny Farm. He is the first ridden pony in the farm’s history to have had an eye removed. Vet David Catlow from Oakhill Veterinary Practice comments by saying: “Toby was suffering from a very painful condition of the eye called persistent uvetis. After suffering from three acute episodes in the months leading up to the operation, and knowing that this would keep happening again, we decided the best treatment option was to surgically remove the affected eye.

“Whilst it may appear a rather drastic course of action to take, horses cope extremely well with only one eye and are quite capable of continuing to work at even the highest levels of competition.

“The successful surgery now means that Toby can continue to have an active, happy and pain free future.” World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm is open to members of the public between 11am and 4pm every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.