Neglected, malnourished miniature horse recovering after being rescued

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A mini-horse, named Fredrick, is recovering after he was found neglected and malnourished at a Florida property earlier this month.

NBC affiliate WPTV said the 1-year-old horse was rescued from a property off 138th Avenue and 101st in Fellsmere, located northwest of Vero Beach on May 3.

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Baby Girl Horse Rescue and Veteran Therapy Ranch found the then-84-pound Amish throwaway horse and took him for an emergency stay at the Palm Beach Equine Center. The ranch said he spent 19 days in the hospital with around-the-clock care.

Since his rescue, Freddie has gained seven pounds, was treated for parasites and sand in his stomach, had a blood transfusion, and received hoof trimming, baths, and lots of IV fluids.

However, the ranch said he still may need surgery to straighten his cooked back legs but will reevaluate his condition down the road to give him time to improve his quality of life before making a big decision.

“I have determined that there was no intentional neglect of Freddy. His owner is cooperating with us fully,” the ranch said.

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Now, on his road to recovery, Freddie is working on a strict feeding schedule and has begun light walking and mental engagement.

“[Freddie] was released to one of his rescuers where he will continue to work on regular exercises to rebuild his strength,” WPTV said in an update.

Once fully recovered, Freddy will go to a new home.

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