A BLIND horse will be put to sleep if funds cannot be raised to remove cataracts from her eyes.
Nineteen-year-old mare Pippa needs surgery to get her sight back – and Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary is appealing for help from Gazette readers to save her life.
She has lived at the Buttsbury Road safe haven for the past four years, having previously been used as a tease mare to excite stallions at a stud.
Up until recently the 16.1hh bay horse had coped with her visual impairment.
However, during a thunderstorm in early August she became so terrified that she ran into a fence, smashing it to pieces and causing a terrible injury to her shoulder that required more than 150 stitches.
Pippa has since had her stitches removed and the wound is healing well. However, at present she cannot leave her stable because volunteers at the sanctuary fear she could injure herself again.
Founder Sue Burton said: "We were devastated to hear that we would have to have this dear horse put to sleep but then so relieved when we found out that she would be a candidate for surgery.
"She is such a lovely mare and so deserves this chance.
"If anyone can help us give Pippa her sight back and save her life we would love to hear from them."
The operation, which will cost £4,000 not including aftercare costs, is due in the next two to three weeks and will involve a vet making an incision into the eye to remove the cataract and put in a new lens.
The sanctuary is inviting people to sponsor Pippa for £25 to help towards her operation and in return they will receive a sponsor pack and will be kept updated on her progress.
The fundraising total is now up to £2,000.
To sponsor Pippa visit www.remussanctuary.org or text RMHS11 with the sum of money to 70070.
