A RESCUE horse has become the proud mother of a healthy foal at the grand old age of 22.

Workers at Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, in Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, were not sure Poppy, a mare they rescued in May, would survive such a late pregnancy when she came to the sanctuary.

At 22, staff thought she might be too old to cope with having a foal.

But Poppy safely delivered Cherokee last week, and mother and foal are doing well.

Sue Allery, sanctuary manager, said: “When she came to us, she was heavily pregnant and so nervous, she wouldn’t let anyone touch her.

“We were worried sick about her.

“But now she’s a different animal. She’s so relaxed and she’s given birth to a healthy foal with no problems at all. She’s a lovely mum.”

Poppy came to the sanctuary after the RSPCA successfully prosecuted her Romford-based owners for mistreating animals.

The sanctuary suspects she was used as a brood mare.

Mrs Allery said: “When she arrived, her feet were in a terrible state. It’s clear she’s just been made to have foal after foal.

“This is definitely her last foal. She won’t be having any more now she’s with us.”

Mrs Allery said Poppy would stay at the sanctuary for the rest of her life.

As for Cherokee, Mrs Allery said he will be looked after by the sanctuary until he is three-and-a-half years old.

After that, they will start looking for a home to loan him out to.

To find out more about the sanctuary, visit www.ehpps.org.uk