A neglected horse believed to be the cousin of the legendary Desert Orchid is looking for a new home after gaining over 160kgs in a remarkable recovery.
Grey mare Cressida was starving and living in horrendous conditions with three other horses when she was found in May 2011.
She was just 445kgs – around three-quarters of her ideal weight – and her ribs clearly showed through her unkempt hide.
Cressida was given sanctuary by the HorseWorld animal charity in Bristol who were stunned to find her bloodline linked her to the all-time great racehorse.
Desert Orchid won 34 races and had career winnings of #650,000 before retiring in 1991.
Carers at HorseWorld helped Cressida pile back on the pounds and she has gained 163 kilos – more than 25 stones – to return to full health.
Jerry Watkins, director of equine welfare at HorseWorld, said: “Her determined mindset may have come from her famous cousin and has helped her on the road to recovery.
“Without the charity it is not clear what would have happened to these animals. The owner of the horses has now been prosecuted with neglect.”
Mr. Watkins added that the centre was seeking confirmation that Cressida – whose former owner was prosecuted – is indeed related to Desert Orchid.
Cressida is now available to re-home as a companion horse. For more information call 01275 893023 or visit www.horseworld.org.
