When it became apparent that it was too cold and weak to stand, horse rescue charity HorseWorld, the RSPCA and Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called in.
The foal has been named Joey after the animal character in the film War Horse, because the conditions he was found in looked like the trenches in World War One.
“Avon Fire and Rescue Service helped us to lift Joey clear of the ditch and into our trailer,” said HorseWorld’s managing director Mark Owen.
“He was freezing cold, shivering and near-hypothermic. Vets met us back at HorseWorld and administered glucose and fluids.
“We couldn’t get him up to get him out of the trailer so had to roll him onto a rug in order to drag him into the stable where the grooms had prepared a big deep bed for him.
“We used heaters and hot water bottles to bring his temperature to a safe level. The grooms then kept an eye on him throughout the night.
“Staff from all departments including the offices came out to help warm him with heaters and hot water bottles.”
On Friday morning, Joey was able to stand and eat on his own after being lifted to his feet by the grooms.
Sarah Hollister, the Bristol-based charity’s equine welfare yard manager, added: “The fact that he’s eating is a great sign, but he’s certainly not out of the woods.
“Joey was found in an area where fly-grazing a horse on land without permission is a huge problem. It is very unlikely the owner will ever be found and brought to justice for this act of neglect.
“He was named Joey after the film War Horse as the conditions he was found in were like the trenches, and he’s a little fighter.”
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