Rescued at auction: Mare and foal found in delicate condition receive loving care

A heartwarming rescue operation unfolded at a horse auction when Staci Wilson, director of Ridgetop Rescue, intervened to save a neglected mini-mare and her young foal. Wilson, who regularly attends auctions with the aim of helping animals in need, spotted Mary Jane and her less-than-two-month-old foal, Moose, huddled in a corral without food or water.

"When we first saw them, it was heartbreaking," Wilson told a local media outlet. "Both were noticeably scared. The foal - less than two months old - and the mare were terrified in a corral, surrounded by large horses, loud noises, slamming doors, and without food or water all day. I knew I wouldn't leave the auction without them."

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When we first saw them, it was heartbreaking. Both were noticeably scared. The foal - less than two months old - and the mare were terrified in a corral, surrounded by large horses, loud noises, slamming doors, and without food or water all day. I knew I wouldn't leave the auction without them.

Wilson immediately decided to rescue the pair. With the help of a stranger at the auction, she loaded the frightened animals into her vehicle. The three-hour journey back to the rescue center saw the horses remain nervous but seemingly sensing Wilson's intent to help. Upon arrival at their new, stable environment, Mary Jane and Moose showed a remarkable improvement in their demeanor.

An initial veterinary check revealed that while Moose was healthy thanks to his mother's care, Mary Jane was in delicate condition. She suffered from a twisted hind leg, missing teeth, and was severely underweight. "She had sacrificed everything to keep her baby safe and well-fed," Wilson noted. Veterinarians are planning a pregnancy test for Mary Jane in about a month, as she may be pregnant again, requiring specialized care. Both horses are now eating well under a veterinarian-approved feeding program, with Moose becoming increasingly friendly and Mary Jane, though still cautious, is a sweet and protective mother.

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She had sacrificed everything to keep her baby safe and well-fed.