The Horse Trust says the coming hours are critical for Annie, a severely neglected pony rescued from a field near Basingstoke. The 11.2hh mare, weighing just 157kg with a body score of 0.5 out of five, is receiving urgent veterinary care. She shows signs of heavy lice infestation, anaemia and possible gastrointestinal issues.
Annie, an estimated three- or four-year-old mare named after the Horse Trust's founder Ann Lindo, was rescued by World Horse Welfare from a field near Basingstoke. She was identified as the thinnest in her herd but was moved before police could intervene, with rescuers believing she was deliberately dumped nearby to avoid investigation, according to a Horse Trust spokesperson. Now under the charity's care, Annie is fighting for survival with constant supervision on a 24-hour trickle feeding plan, though she has very little appetite. Treating her requires a delicate balance to avoid overwhelming her weakened system, the spokesperson noted. Horse Trust veterinary director Nicola Housby-Skeggs described her as in very poor condition, with the team assessing whether neglect or disease caused it. Initial blood tests confirmed she is not pregnant but may have previously foaled after being kept in a mixed herd with stallions from an early age. Chief executive Jeanette Allen highlighted the horrific neglect, noting Annie's severe anaemia from lice, extreme itchiness during examination—causing hair to fall out in clumps—and utter exhaustion. She is now in a quiet space with another pony for company. The charity estimates a low survival chance, monitoring her closely as she has needed help to stand and lies down periodically. 'The coming hours are critical,' the spokesperson said. Allen added that if Annie does not survive, she has at least known care and kindness, but emphasised they are still fighting for her.