In a paddock, glistening under the Florida sun, are Fancy, Fernando, and Fawn. The little one off to the side is Freckles. The next fence over is Flicka. All five were found underweight Sunday in Indian River County.
Flicka was pregnant, and Tuesday morning gave birth to a little colt.
The Fellsmere Five, plus one, are now living at the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation in Palm City. A team from ERAF rescued the horses.
“Had he been birthed in the conditions he was in, he might not have survived," said Marilynn Vannucci with ERAF.
ERAF takes in neglected horses and cares for them until they can be adopted.
“Some of our horses end up being pasture buddies. Others can have a very productive life in the arena, trail riding or dressage," said Vannucci.
Last year, ERAF took in 51 horses and adopted 34 of them out. Right now, there are more horses than ever on the property. It costs at least $30,000 a month to nurse the animals back to health.
"An even greater joy is when they’re adopted and you see them going off to their new home where they’re going to be loved forever," said Vannucci.
As for the newest addition, no name has been decided yet. ERAF may hold a colt-naming contest on its Facebook page.