Bonnie was one of three horses surrendered to Equine Welfare NZ from the same property.

When arrangements were made for us to collect her, Bonnie was heavily pregnant and we hoped to have her safely in our care before she foaled. Bonnie, however, had other plans — giving birth to her foal, Sammie, just a day before we were due to collect her.

Unfortunately, the birth came with serious complications for both mare and foal.

Sammie required significant veterinary treatment, including plasma, while Bonnie suffered complications following the birth and also needed urgent veterinary care. The pair remained at the veterinary hospital until they were well enough to leave, with the initial treatment required to save them costing around $14,000.

Thankfully, both pulled through.

Bonnie has since earned herself a reputation as one of our more accident-prone residents, but also one of the sweetest mares you could ever meet.

Today she is in foster care and has taken on another important role — being the very best aunty to another foal in our care.