Rescued foal Mika thriving after being given a second chance at Devon sanctuary

Filly foal Mika arrived at the charity earlier this summer when she was just a few weeks old after serious concerns were raised about her welfare. She had been living in an unsafe environment and was not receiving the essential milk she needed to grow and stay healthy.

The charity, which provides lifelong sanctuary for horses, ponies and foals in need, found space for Mika so she could receive the specialist care she required.

Now living at Beech Trees, one of the Sanctuary's specialist sites near Newton Abbot, Mika has quickly become a favourite among staff and supporters, who have enjoyed seeing photographs of her making the most of the summer sunshine.

Providing Mika with the nutrition she needs has been a key priority for her care team. She currently receives a daily 200ml bottle of supplementary milk alongside close monitoring and additional nutritional support. Since arriving at the sanctuary, she has steadily gained weight and shown positive signs of healthy development.

Routine veterinary examinations also identified a heart murmur, caused by abnormal blood flow through the heart. Further assessments are planned when Mika is three and six months old to determine the cause and whether it is likely to have any long-term significance.

Heart murmurs are relatively common in young foals, and many resolve naturally within the first few weeks of life. In the meantime, staff say Mika is happy, comfortable and enjoying life.

Beech Trees Horse Care Team member Jade said: "Mika is so calm and sweet. She was very shy when she arrived, but she’s now coming out of her shell, being inquisitive and running around her field and exploring things. Mika spends her days with her new foal friend, Luna. The pair love running, playing and exploring together and can often be seen stretched out in the long grass for a nap on warm days."

Mika's name was chosen by staff at Beech Trees, many of whom are fans of the Amazon Prime series Off Campus. They unanimously voted to name the foal after actor Mika Abdalla, who plays Allie Hayes in the show.

Fellow Horse Care Team member Georgina said: "I’m glad we’ve been able to help Mika. She was so young and vulnerable when she arrived, and it’s great to feel we‘ve been able to give her a good, positive start in life."

Mika has also begun gentle handling training, with short, calm sessions designed to build her confidence. Her carers encourage her to investigate a headcollar at her own pace, rewarding her curiosity with scratches and praise. Staff say she is currently so small that even a miniature Shetland headcollar is still too large for her.

Georgina added: "We feel that Mika’s story is a powerful reminder of why the Sanctuary exists. It reveals the reality for some ponies living in difficult conditions and shows how, with the right care and support, they can leave those challenges behind and go on to live safe, happy lives.

"We're getting a really good bond with Mika now. She loves cuddles, enjoys interacting with people and is always happy to stop for a scratch. She's absolutely adorable. There's really no other way to describe her!"

Mika will remain with her herd until she reaches the natural weaning age for horses, at around one year old. If her heart murmur resolves as she matures, she may eventually be rehomed through the Sanctuary's Sanctuary at Home scheme.

The charity also hopes that, when she is older, Mika could become one of its equine partners, supporting children and adults through its equine-assisted services if her temperament and health make her suitable.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary receives no government funding and relies on public donations to continue caring for vulnerable horses, ponies and foals across the South West. Supporters wishing to help Mika and other rescued foals can find out more or make a donation via the charity's website - https://mareandfoal.org/