A tiny orphaned foal who arrived at a Norfolk rescue centre at just two weeks old is now ready to start a new life in a home of his own.
Noodles, a skewbald cob, was taken in by World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton in July 2024 after being found without his mother.
Staff say he was “incredibly small and vulnerable” when he arrived and needed round-the-clock care to survive.
Hall Farm’s yard supervisor, Viki Cooper, said: “There were times when we were really worried about him.
"Orphan foals need constant care, so our team worked around the clock to give him the best chance possible.
"Seeing him now, healthy and full of character, is incredibly rewarding.”
Vets at the charity believe Noodles did not receive enough colostrum – the vital first milk produced by a mare which provides antibodies to help protect foals from infection, leaving him far more vulnerable to illness in his early days.
Despite this, months of dedicated hand-rearing and monitoring have seen him grow into a strong, confident youngster.
Rehoming co-ordinator Rachel Blake said: “His character really came out once he started to feel better and Noodles has grown into an inquisitive, playful little pony, which is brilliant to see after his sorry start in life.”
Once he was strong enough to join other ponies, Noodles formed a close bond with fellow youngster Tintin, who has helped him learn the social skills orphan foals can miss out on without their mothers.
Staff says he is now a curious and friendly pony who loves people and is usually the first to come over to say "hello" in the field.
World Horse Welfare is now appealing for potential owners to come forward and offer Noodles the “forever home” he has been waiting for.
Anyone interested in rehoming Noodles can find out more at worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome
Share