Thelma and Cindy: Against All Odds
Thelma was extremely underweight – it was touch and go whether she would survive. We were preparing to offer a place to her foal Cindy, who we all believed would soon be orphaned.
But against all odds, Thelma fought back.
Thelma and Cindy arrived safely and we will provide them with sanctuary for the rest of their lives.
Can you help horses and ponies like them?
Thelma and Cindy’s Story
Thelma was rescued in Spring 2025 by the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. She was taken to an RSPCA holding base where she gave birth to her filly foal, Cindy. Thelma was extremely underweight and at risk of heart failure – it was touch and go whether she would survive.
At The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, we were preparing to offer a place to Cindy, who we all believed would soon be orphaned. Our team had space ready for her to join our Icelandic foals so she could grow up with companions her own age.
We were ready to give her the specialist care she would need. But against all odds, Thelma fought back. With very careful refeeding she slowly gained weight and her condition improved. Her heart rate stabilised, and the vet could no longer detect the heart murmur. She made a truly incredible recovery.
The Road to Recovery
On 5th March 2026, Thelma and Cindy were transferred into our care together and arrived safely at our Beech Trees Welfare and Veterinary Centre. We will now guide them through their ongoing rehabilitation and provide them with a safe, secure sanctuary for the rest of their lives.
Thelma will receive the long-term, specialist care she needs, and we will make sure her life is as stress-free and settled as possible. Cindy will grow up surrounded by love and support, gaining the skills and training she needs to develop into a confident young horse.
Thelma and Cindy’s handler, Jade, said “Seeing how far Thelma and Cindy have come makes me so hopeful for what’s ahead. They are finally safe, settled, and starting to shine again. I just know they’re going to blossom even more from here. They both deserve the happiest future.”
Thanks to your support, both horses now have the chance to move forward into a brighter, safer future – one they very nearly lost.
Can you help give vulnerable horses like Thelma and Cindy a voice?
