A startling find at an English construction site inspired volunteers to embark on an animal rescue they weren’t sure would succeed.

A dismal finding was made by British Horse Society volunteers after they received a call from a member of the public.

The construction site in East Durham appeared deserted, with trash and junk all over the place. They initially believed a dead horse was laying in the mud.

Despite her filth and emaciation, they discovered that the horse—which they named Heidi—was still alive upon closer examination.

They acted without hesitation since they saw one of the worst cases of neglect they had ever encountered.

According to the Here 4 Horses Equine Charity spokesman, “it took five people to lift her to her feet.”

It turns out that the site’s owner had summoned help to remove the horse’s body, which he thought to be dead.

According to Wendy Suddes of the charity Here4Horses, “whether he thought she was already dead is irrelevant—she had been subject to the most awful suffering,” Bored Panda was informed.

This lovely horse couldn’t even stand when she was first rescued, so despite the nonprofit’s best efforts, her survival was up in the air.

Wendy stated, “We had to deal with her severe weakness and extremely low blood protein level, which necessitated a plasma transfusion in the early days.

The malnourished pony needed over five weeks to gain the ability to stand on her own.

Healthy horses gave blood, and Heidi was given cushioned dressings to assist prevent further harm to her pressure sores.

It took months and months for Heidi to recover enough to be let to run freely in our meadows because too many sores, worms, parasites, and illnesses had been allowed to take hold. Wendy continued.

But she made it through because of her tough personality and want to live.

Heidi had experienced the kind of abuse and neglect that the nonprofit only witnesses once or twice a year, but she is now able to move past it all and live an award-winning life as the stunning and lively pony that she was always meant to be.

Heidi is “high on life,” her gorgeous mane has grown back, and she is living her best life—winning rosettes—all thanks to Wendy and her staff.

I sincerely hope that the person(s) behind this atrocity faces consequences and is never allowed to own an animal again.

Heidi’s body might have been broken, but her spirit was never broken.

To honor all the animal heroes who rescued her life and provided her with the loving surroundings she deserves, kindly share this.