Sadly, Brave was put down by the vet just before Christmas. Despite repeated treatment, his condition deteriorated and after a period of respite he was again struggling to stand on his own. Shire Horses put on weight fast as they mature and over the past couple of weeks, Brave has had to have several adults help him struggle to his feet in the morning. As he gets bigger and heavier this situation was getting worse, and was becoming dangerous to both Brave and the humans helping him as he staggered up. It is very sad to lose such an animal but we feel the decision was the right one to make. Thank you to anyone who donated and tried to help. We will email those of you that provided a contact address in the New Year.

We named our foal Brave because although he had a bad start in life, he's a survivor. Foals instinctively try to stand shortly after birth: in the wild they have to, so that they can avoid predators. After birth, Brave tried to struggle up onto his feet but he'd lost blood and was quite a big, gangly boy. It was upsetting to watch him try and try but to keep collapsing back down.

It took nine days at the Equine Vets to get him up, walking and feeding independently from mum! Sadly his troubles weren't over and since then he's been back twice - for an abscess, and most recently for dental work to help fix an overbite problem (yes horses can wear braces too). There's no reason that his difficult start will prevent him becoming a magnificent Shire horse, just like his mother and father, so we are determined not to give up on him.

We are looking for donations to help with Brave's ongoing vets' bills. All donors over £5 will get a certificate and photo, but for those committing £30 or over, we'll be sending you a donors' pack including certificate and vouchers approximately £40 (2 adults and 2 children farm n' barn combi-tickets) to come and see Brave in the next few months at the farm. In order for us to send out the thank you pack, please DON'T make your donation anonymous and then forward a copy of you receipt from Just Giving to contact@childrensfarm.co.uk along with your name and address (and the name you'd like on your certificate).

Thank you for your support.