AN EMACIATED horse with a broken pelvis and its terrified foal were found dumped on marshland.

Vets believe the mare had nursed the crippling injury for more than a year, including through the birth of its seven-month-old foal, before it was left near Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, in Pitsea.

The pair, which were not microchipped, were so scared it took the RSPCA and stable groom Laura Davies, from the sanctuary, two hours to rescue them.

The pair were the fourth and fifth horses dumped in south Essex in the past month, this time being found on Pitsea Marshes.

Sue Allery, chairman of the sanctuary in Pitsea Hall Lane, said: “How anybody calling themselves a human being can let an animal go through that and dump them with broken bones is beyond belief.

“They are spineless, godless cowards, that’s all they are.

"They are depraved. I can’t believe we have to share the same air as them.

“These people need horse whipping. There is no excuse.”

Experts believe the white mare, which staff have called Evelyn, may have broken its pelvis some time ago, but its owners never sought treatment.

Its overgrown hooves and emaciated state were further signs of the owners’ neglect.

The horse’s piebald foal, whom the staff have called Kali, is healthy, but scared.

The RSPCA has declared a national horse crisis in recent months due to the numbers being dumped.

RSPCA inspector Marie Hammerton said: “They were in such a bad state of health they were taken to a vet and then taken to a nearby horse sanctuary for care.

“The mare had a broken pelvis, likely to have been broken for at least a year, before she gave birth.

“The suffering this poor horse would have experienced would have been immense. She is now receiving treatment and pain relief.

“The foal, just seven weeks old, is in good condition.

“Sadly, cases like this are not uncommon. The country is currently in the grip of a horse crisis with the RSPCA and other horse welfare charities struggling to cope with the numbers of abandoned, neglected and abused horses.”

Anyone with information about the horses can call 0300 1238018.