Orphaned one-month-old foal found lying next to her dead mother

Ruby the foal has been rescued by Redwings <i>(Image: Redwings)</i>
Ruby the foal has been rescued by Redwings (Image: Redwings)

A month-old foal was left orphaned after being found alone next to her dead mother.

The tiny filly, who has been named Ruby, was found semi-feral and in need of care after her mother tragically passed away.

Little Ruby was given a second chance after being rescued by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and taken to their horse hospital in Norfolk.

Ruby was rescued at just one month old when she was found (Image: Redwings) She has been given round-the-clock attention with regular milk feeds to nurse her back to strength.

After arriving at the sanctuary last week, she has been introduced to a potential foster mum, Cilla.

READ MORE: Redwings rescue horse Matty becomes Norfolk Show champion

Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare and behaviour at Redwings, said: “Cilla has been a foster mum several times before and is showing a healthy interest in little Ruby.

“The two of them can see and touch each other day and night, and already we can see a huge change in Ruby’s demeanour from nervous to much more confident, with her seeking Cilla out when she is unsure or simply wanting company.

Ruby the foal was taken in by Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk (Image: Redwings)

“We have a lot of experience of dealing with semi-feral ponies here at Redwings so she’s in the very best of hands.

"Once she and Cilla are a strong pair, we’ll look to introduce her to some similar-age youngsters to grow up and play with."