AN emaciated horse who can barely walk has touched the hearts of animal lovers after being found abandoned in a field.

The five-year-old horse, who has been named Peace, was taken in by Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society after being found severely underweight and dehydrated.

A crowdfunding page set up to raise money for her care has raised more than £400 in less than 24 hours.

Staff from the horse sanctuary, in Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea have admitted Peace may not survive.

Sue Allery, manager of the society, said: “We got a call on Tuesday afternoon from a concerned lady regarding a little mare. We immediately went out to the location.

"She was in even worse condition that we had anticipated. Totally emaciated, scouring and so weak she could barely walk without stumbling. This poor pony look relieved that someone, at last, had come to help her.

“It would appear that she had been abandoned as she was on private land. A notice from the landowners was on the fence asking the owner to remove the horse they would instigate proceedings themselves to have her removed. We thank goodness that someone saw her and alerted us to her plight.”

RSPCA inspector Marie Hammerton was also called to the field to help move the horse, who has been named Peace in honour of horses and animals who died in the First World War.

Vets believe Peace is around five or six years-old and has recently given birth to a foal.

Ms Allery said: “It’s absolutely disgusting and she’s recently had a foal taken from her. She shouldn’t have had the foal in the state she was in and we don’t know where the foal is.

“She could barely walk. It’s absolutely awful and these people know they are in the wrong as they never put their hands up and say they did it.

“The prognosis is bleak although the hopeful signs are the membranes around her gums are a nice colour and Peace's heart rate and temperate are normal.

“Peace has been taken straight to our vets to be hospitalised and treated. We hope against hope that she will pull through. We want to give her a decent, caring, loving life and show her that not all humans are evil.”

The society has rescued and rehomed more than 1,000 horses, ponies and donkeys since launching in 1983.

To donate towards Peace's care, visit www.gofundme.com/jm9met8c