Pony covered in bite marks after attack in Devon

Dakota was described as a "star patient" by those who rescued him

A severely injured pony that was attacked by a stallion in south Devon has made a full mental and physical recovery, rescuers say.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon said Dakota, a two-year-old skewbald moorland gelding, was found badly bleeding with bite wounds covering his whole body in a field in Devon in January.

The pony was taken to Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset for treatment and rehabilitation, the sanctuary said.

Farm manager Claire Dickie said: "He has made a full recovery both physically and mentally, displaying normal and appropriate interactions with other horses."

Sanctuary staff said they "all fell in love with Dakota"

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary said it contacted the World Horse Welfare charity for help with Dakota, as it was at full capacity.

The sanctuary's field officer, Leah Brock, was first at the scene.

"When I saw Dakota, I wasn't entirely certain of the extent of his injuries, but I knew it was bad," she said.

“He was extremely quiet, withdrawn and I knew we had to act fast because he didn’t appear to be coping well.

"He had a high temperature, indicating a potential infection, along with his visual injuries. I just knew we had to help."

Ms Brock said Dakota was a "star patient" who "tolerated anything".

"I felt he knew we were going to help him. We all fell in love with Dakota," he said.

World Horse Welfare field officer Jon Phipps said the pony's injuries were "some of the worst" he had ever seen.

The sanctuary said Dakota was left with "visible scarring on his neck and body" but has recovered well.

It said Dakota had found a new home, adding the World Horse Welfare was confident he would thrive with no lasting damage from the "traumatic" event.