Amira’s Journey: From Rescue to Recovery at RSPCA Victoria

This article is from the November 2023 Horse Deals magazine.

Out in the paddock grazing with her companions, Amira’s striking white coat immediately catches your eye. The 16-year-old Arab mare has been with RSPCA Victoria since February, her journey serving as a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication required to rehabilitate horses like her, who often emerge from dire circumstances. Her story, while sadly not unique, shines a light on the stirring examples of hope, patience and resilience that defines the work of RSPCA Victoria.

Amira’s arrival

Amira’s story began in February 2023 when she was surrendered to the RSPCA Victoria Inspectorate. Responding to a concerning report about underweight horses, inspectors arrived at a property in southwest Victoria. What they discovered was disheartening – 28 horses and foals, in varying states of distress, were confined to a heavily soiled paddock with no access to feed. Amira was among the horses in urgent need of veterinary care and farrier attention.

Often cases like these are a result of owners becoming overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s due to a lack of resources or knowledge, or a major change in their life circumstances that has impacted their ability to care for their animals. The RSPCA Inspectorate strives to work with owners whenever possible, setting them up with resources and guidance to rectify welfare issues. Seizing animals is a last resort. In Amira’s case, ten “Notices to Comply” were issued outlining the necessary changes, which were made. In addition, the owner voluntarily surrendered five horses to reduce the herd’s size and ease their care requirements. The compassionate yet firm approach of the Inspectorate aims to maintain animal welfare without unnecessary removal, allowing RSPCA Victoria to allocate their limited resources to the animals who need them most.

Initial challenges

At 16 years old, Amira had already endured significant hardships. Her initial veterinary assessment revealed a body condition score of only 3/9, a high parasite burden, and severely overgrown, cracked hooves leading to lameness in all four legs. Her overall health was precarious, and she was taken directly to a veterinary clinic for treatment. For every horse entering RSPCA’s care, an extensive initial health check is mandatory, which may include x-rays, dental evaluations and bloodwork.

Amira’s initial challenge lay in her reluctance to have her feet handled. She exhibited extreme sensitivity, often pulling her legs away, particularly her front hooves. To ensure her safety and minimise her distress, the decision was made to sedate her for her first farrier session. This marked the beginning of Amira’s path to recovery. Her journey also involved a carefully tailored refeeding plan to facilitate her safe weight gain. Horses coming to RSPCA Victoria typically arrive either emaciated, like Amira, or overweight and laminitic.

Steady progress and building trust

After receiving three months of attentive care at the veterinary clinic to regain her health, Amira transitioned to RSPCA’s Peninsula location. Here, the focus shifted to her behaviour and training, preparing her for a new forever home. RSPCA Victoria added a dedicated horse trainer to its team in March of this year, to help settle horses who have often received minimal handling. The trainer works alongside five full-time and part-time animal attendants, as well as volunteers experienced with horse care. At any given time, there are around 25 horses under the RSPCA’s care at the property, and another 20 at agistment sites.

Amira initially displayed hesitation and a tendency to walk away when approached. However, with patient efforts from the RSPCA team, her transformation was remarkable. Regular interactions with the farrier gradually improved her comfort with hoof handling. Over time, her trust in her caregivers grew and she became easier to catch in the paddock.

In the barn, Amira stood calmly while being groomed and accepted a bridle for the first time. Her adaptability became evident as she comfortably wore a saddle blanket and roller. These milestones highlighted her capacity to thrive under RSPCA Victoria’s care.

Amira’s training extended to groundwork, where she learned essential lead responses and began to grasp vocal commands. Despite her initial uncertainty, she gained confidence in her abilities. Her willingness to embrace new experiences, such as having her legs hosed down, underscored her resilience.

Challenges and triumphs

Amira’s journey was not without its challenges. Loading her onto a float presented a test of patience and skill. She exhibited resistance, often stepping backward in response to pressure. Despite initial uncertainty, the team remained committed to helping her overcome this hurdle.

Throughout her journey, Amira displayed moments of wariness when encountering new people, particularly strangers. However, her gradual adaptation and relaxation demonstrated the healing power of trust and positive interactions.

A dedicated team’s efforts

Amira’s story is just one of many at RSPCA Victoria’s Peninsula Animal Care Centre. The dedicated team of animal attendants, volunteers, equine professionals, veterinarians, and a trainer, work patiently to provide individualised care and rehabilitation to horses in need. This collaborative effort ensures comprehensive attention to each horse’s health and behaviour, laying the foundation for their recovery.

The ultimate goal is to find suitable homes for these rehabilitated horses, whether as companions, therapy animals, or for riding and performance. The process involves assessing each horse’s progress, reviewing expressions of interest from potential adopters, and facilitating meetings to ensure a harmonious match.

The road to a new beginning

Amira’s journey through RSPCA Victoria mirrors the arduous but ultimately rewarding path to recovery for horses in need. Many horses, like Amira, require months of dedicated attention before they are ready for a new home. In cases involving animal cruelty charges and legal proceedings, their stay can extend well over a year.

While the horses who pass through RSPCA Victoria’s care may carry complex histories, they also offer an abundance of love and potential. These remarkable animals, exemplified by Amira, remind us of the transformative power of compassion and the promise of a brighter future. Happily, Amira recently had a successful meet-and-greet and will soon be heading to her new home. However, there are still others deserving of loving homes. To learn more about adoption opportunities or how to get involved, visit rspcavic.org.

With the unwavering commitment of the RSPCA Peninsula team to each horse’s well-being and the generous support of the community, the stories of these horses continue to serve as beacons of hope.