Smokey the visually impaired horse given new home

Smokey wears a mesh mask to protect his eyes

An animal sanctuary has given a permanent home to a visually impaired horse.

Smokey, who suffers from an eye condition called uveitis, was moved to the Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk after his owners realised they could not meet his needs.

The 22-year-old stallion has to wear a mesh mask to keep his eyes clear of debris.

"We were grateful that his owners were receptive to the help," said Jude Palmer, who works at one of the Redwings sanctuaries.

"Smokey's had some TLC and is now on eye drops three times a day.

"We'd always rather proactively get in there and help rather than let it get to a point where he was suffering."

Staff at Redwings Horse Sanctuary rehoused 104 animals across the UK last year

Redwings has six centres and claims to be the UK's largest horse welfare charity.

Last year, the charity homed 104 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules across the UK.

Smokey has become the face of Redwing's Ready to Rescue Campaign.

"[The campaign] shows our supporters what goes into making our work happen," Ms Palmer said.

"It's about how the coordination works, and all our different teams. All of this is only possible because of kind donations."