Invisible, the
Irish-bred black mare with the faint star on her forehead who was the curse of
many equine vet students’ practical exams, has died at the age of 30 after seven
years’ retirement at the sanctuary.
Invisible was on
long-term loan to the Royal Veterinary College from the Army, from which she was
retired aged six in 1984 as she had a sino-arterial block, which led to a
significant heart problem.
Peter Webbon, now
chief executive of the Animal Health Trust, said: “I remember her well. She was
similar to another resident horse with no cardiac abnormality. By swapping their
stables during practical examinations, it was possible to identify the students
who actually listened to the horse’s heart and those who relied on the grapevine
which said that the black mare had an irregular heart
rhythm!”
15.1 hh Invisible
finally came to retire to the sanctuary in 2001 and she became a firm favourite
with her groom Matt Bradley. They had a unique and special relationship and
enjoyed spending time together.
