Just two weeks ago, my beautiful mare Polka gave birth to her gorgeous foal, Phoenix. What should have been one of the happiest times of our lives has quickly turned into every horse owner’s worst nightmare.

After Phoenix was born, Polka suffered a retained placenta and needed emergency veterinary treatment. We got through it, and I truly believed the worst was behind us.

Then, just two weeks later, Polka suddenly became unable to pass urine. The vets initially feared it was colic, and she was rushed in for emergency surgery.

Thankfully it wasn’t colic, but the news was still devastating. The vets discovered two large haematomas pressing against her urethra, preventing her from urinating. They had to drain 12 litres of urine from her bladder. After two days in hospital, she came home. She was rushed back to the vets the next morning, where they had to drain another 5 litres.

Polka is now facing a long road to recovery. She still cannot urinate on her own and will be coming home with a catheter that I’ll be trained to manage myself. She’ll need ongoing veterinary treatment, regular check-ups and continued care while the haematomas slowly heal.

Polka is my whole world, and Phoenix needs his mum. Watching her go through this has been heartbreaking, and despite doing everything I possibly can, the veterinary bills continue to grow.

I’ve never been someone who asks for help, but I simply can’t do this alone.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how big or small, every penny will go directly towards Polka’s veterinary care, medication and ongoing treatment. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for your kindness, and for helping give Polka the best chance of making a full recovery so she can be there to watch Phoenix grow up.