Since "Lucky's" arrival at The Home of Rest for Horses on Friday 13 January suggestions for her new name have been flooding into the charity's offices at Westcroft Stables, Buckinghamshire.
The Home, after much deliberation, has named the 14 hand dark bay mare Clover. This was the most popular name suggested by the general public and is perfect for her.
Clover has now been at The Home for three months and her recuperation is steady but positive. When Clover arrived her weight was gravely low and, as was expected, dropped further during her first few weeks at The Home. However, with a feed regime now well established her weight is improving slowly and steadily.
"Considering the condition in which Clover arrived, it is not surprising that she is taking time to improve," said chief executive and resident veterinary surgeon, Paul Jepson. "The good news is that she is starting to put on weight and, after careful feed management by the grooms, is now able to enjoy grazing in her paddock."
Already a firm favourite with the staff, Clover is also making new four-legged friends. Dragoon, a 34-year-old 16 hand black gelding, who retired from the Army in 2000, has become her close pal. The friendship is even more poignant as Dragoon recently lost his best friend Ben.
Shirley Abbott, The Home's yard manager, is delighted to see their friendship develop. She said: "As Dragoon was being led to the farrier to have his hooves trimmed, Clover called out as he passed her paddock. Dragoon had been very down since losing Ben and it looks like this friendship with Clover will be just the tonic to cheer him up."
It is very early days for Clover and the road ahead is long, but The Home remains dedicated to giving her the love and care she has so sorely missed in the past.
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