Pablo was aged about 16 when he arrived at our rescue centre in 2011. His former English owners had called us distraught, as their work conditions had changed and they could no longer care for their piebald pony.
With Spain in the midst of an economic crisis, they feared they would never be able to find Pablo a suitable home.
Ordinarily, we don’t take equines simply because their owners no longer want them. We believe the best way we can help push animal welfare forward in Spain is by using our meagre resources to work with police on cases of abuse and neglect, sending a strong message that mistreatment will not be tolerated. But Pablo was a special case and we decided to take him in.
Pablo immediately found himself a best friend in Paloma, a grey gelding rescued two years earlier. These two were quite literally never apart.
In January 2016, we had a scare when Pablo developed symptoms of colic. An ultrasound soon revealed a solid lump of matter causing a blockage. Our only choice was to rush Pablo to the Alicante horse hospital, where they performed emergency surgery.
Incredibly, the bond between Pablo and Paloma is so strong that while Pablo was recovering in our stable yard, Paloma spent many hours waiting and watching at his field fence for Pablo’s return, and they often called out to each other. What amazing animals – they deserve to be together forever.
This is why it’s so important to keep equines with at least one friend at all times. They are herd animals and company does wonders for both their mental health and quality of life.
Pablo did suffer from springtime sweet itch, an allergic reaction to the bites of midges, so he needed to be rugged in a light cotton flysheet to help protect him. Lots of horses suffer like this here in Spain, as the flies, mosquitos and midges can be brutal.
He was a very friendly pony, a pleasure to be around.
