by Katie Alston
kalston@thekmgroup.co.uk

A rescue horse which has defied the odds is celebrating its 40th birthday.

Ellie is being hailed a medical miracle, having survived being starved and a list of health complaints.

Her longevity is even more special as many mares don’t live to see their 35th birthday, generally not living beyond 25 years.

She arrived at the Canterbury Horse Rescue Centre in Boundgate Farm, Shottenden Road, Badlesmere, five years ago having been malnourished at the livery where her owner was keeping her.

The veteran mare sufferers with navicular disease, which is described as an inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone in the foot and its surrounding tissues.

It can lead to significant and even disabling lameness.

Ellie’s problems don’t end there as she also has equine Cushing’s disease, which affects her hormonal system and means she never loses her coat.

Yard manager Stella King said: “She is incredibly lucky. Most horses wouldn’t survive half as long if they had the ailments that Ellie has, let alone to the ripe old age of 40.

“It is shocking and the vets have been surprised that she has done as well as she has. She is defying the odds.”

The Canterbury Horse Rescue Centre is continuing to see animals in need of help come through its gates, and it is appealing to the public to help the charity as it struggles financially.

To help the centre visit www.canterburyhorserescue.org

See this week's Faversham News for full report.