A 31-year-old horse who was found severely emaciated and close to death after prolonged starvation has made an extraordinary recovery and is now thriving in the care of HorseWorld.The starving veteran Thoroughbred-cross gelding, named Clyde, was rescued in August 2025 after the RSPCA contacted the Bristol-based charity about a horse in critical condition.A veterinary assessment found Clyde was suffering from extreme neglect. He had a body condition score of zero, meaning he was severely emaciated, with his ribs, hips and spine clearly visible. He was also dehydrated, had very few teeth, severely overgrown and damaged hooves, and no suitable food available.Further investigations confirmed there was no underlying disease causing his condition and that his poor state was the result of prolonged starvation.Starving Clyde would have died without immediate interventionSeized on welfare groundsFollowing his seizure on welfare grounds, Clyde was transported to HorseWorld, where staff faced the challenge of nursing him back to health.Because introducing food too quickly to a starved horse can be fatal, the charity worked alongside veterinary specialists to create a carefully managed rehabilitation programme.It was heartbreaking to see Clydes condition when we arrived on site following an urgent call from the RSPCA, said Meg Challinor, equine welfare advisor at HorseWorld.Even after everything he had been through, he was a gentleman from day one and quickly won the team over.Rehabilitating a horse with a body condition score of zero is really challenging. After a careful vet assessment, we believed Clyde could recover and enjoy a good life, so our team were determined to give him every chance.With expert care and careful dietary management, he has made an incredible recovery.Clyde now lives happily with fellow veteran, FaganA wider welfare issueAs Clyde regained his strength, he was introduced to other horses at the charity, including 33-year-old resident Fagan. The pair quickly formed a close bond.Now aged 31, Clyde is almost unrecognisable from the horse who first arrived at HorseWorld. The charity says he is healthy, content and settled within the herd, and will remain at the centre for the rest of his life where his age-related needs can continue to be managed.While Clydes story has a positive outcome, HorseWorld says it reflects a wider welfare issue facing the equine sector.The charity investigated welfare concerns involving more than 700 horses during 2025 and reports increasing numbers of cases involving neglect, abandonment and horses requiring emergency intervention.HorseWorld chief executive Jo Coombs said Clydes rescue highlights the importance of charities being able to respond quickly when horses are found in crisis.Clydes story shows just how critical it is that we can act quickly when a horse is in danger. Without immediate intervention, he would not have survived, she said.Sadly, Clyde is not an isolated case. We are seeing more horses arriving in poor condition and more requests for help than ever before.Appeal for helpAccording to HorseWorld, Clydes veterinary treatment alone cost more than 1,100, with many rescue cases requiring extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care.The charity has launched an appeal for donations to its Emergency Response Fund, which helps cover the costs of rescuing and rehabilitating horses in urgent need.Images HorseWorldMore from Your HorseWe had zero worries about his age: Oldest horse in the field finishes best of Badminton first timersHow weight loss transformed my horse: four case studies you need to readSeven common dental conditions in older horsesVisit Your Horses veterans hubThe post Veteran horse found starving with body condition score of zero reflects growing welfare crisis, warns charity appeared first on Your Horse.