Rescued from severe neglect, Bandit, a Mini-Shetland pony, endured years of pain due to untreated deformities. His journey to recovery began at Equitom, where he underwent life-changing surgery to restore his mobility. Against all odds, he embraced his second chance, finding joy in simple pleasures—sunshine, gentle care, and a full food bowl. Though he passed in 2022, Bandit spent his final years surrounded by love, proving that even the most fragile lives can shine with resilience and hope. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that every animal deserves a chance to heal.

The story of Bandit

Neglected

Some horses capture hearts with their beauty, others with their strength. Bandit, a tiny Mini-Shetland gelding, won people over with his sheer determination. But his story began in misery—neglected and abandoned to his fate.

A life of pain

On November 29, 2019, Bandit was seized by the association Animal Sans Toit in Rocourt, Belgium. His condition was heartbreaking: painfully thin, barely able to stand, and unable to move due to the extreme deformity of his legs.

It was clear—if Bandit was going to have a future, he needed urgent help.

Ready for a second chance

He was rushed to Equitom, where our veterinary team faced an immediate challenge. The little warrior was too weak to stand for long, so we carefully carried him into a thickly mulched stall.

Despite his exhaustion, one thing was clear: Bandit hadn’t given up. The moment he had food in front of him, he dug in with enthusiasm, as if determined to regain his strength. But a difficult road lay ahead.

X-Ray

X-rays revealed the full extent of his condition:

His left front fetlock was permanently contracted, making it impossible to stretch his leg manually.
His right front hoof had suffered severe laminitis from years of overcompensating.

Walking was agony, and without surgery, a future without pain was impossible.

So began Bandit’s fight for a second chance.

How did he end up in such bad condition?

Bandit's condition was the tragic result of years of neglect. His deformities didn’t appear overnight—his body had been fighting a losing battle for a long time. His left front leg had remained contracted for so long that the tendons had shortened irreversibly, pulling his foot into an unnatural position. Meanwhile, his right hoof, forced to bear all his weight, had suffered catastrophic damage from chronic laminitis.

It’s likely that Bandit spent most of his life in pain, struggling to find comfort in a body that only grew weaker over time. Yet, despite everything, his spirit remained intact. He had endured. He had waited. And now, finally, help had arrived.

Preparation for surgery

Bandit needed time to regain some strength before surgery. His body was frail, and an operation of this magnitude was risky. The Equitom team monitored him closely, ensuring he received the nutrition and care he needed.

His stall was filled with soft bedding to ease the strain on his fragile limbs, and he was given supportive treatment to help manage his pain. Every day, Bandit showed signs of improvement—small victories, like standing a little longer, moving with slightly less discomfort, and of course, demanding his meals with increasing enthusiasm. Then, the big day arrived.f

Surgery

On December 12, Bandit was wheeled into the operating room. The goal? To correct the severe contraction in his left leg and address the damage to his right hoof.

The surgery was complex. The veterinary team had to carefully lengthen the shortened tendons in his left front leg to allow proper movement. At the same time, they worked on his right hoof, relieving pressure and reshaping it to provide better support.

The operating room was filled with tension, but also hope—hope that this tiny warrior would wake up to a future where walking was no longer an unbearable struggle.

Recovery

Bandit’s battle didn’t end in the operating room. The days that followed were just as crucial. His legs were wrapped in casts and bandages, and every step was monitored. At first, standing was a challenge, but true to his spirit, Bandit refused to give up.

Little by little, he adjusted to his newly corrected legs. He learned to balance again, to trust his body, and to move without the unbearable pain he had known all his life.

Weeks turned into months, and Bandit continued to amaze everyone. He still had limitations—his legs would always be fragile—but he had won his biggest fight.

Bandit is a testament to the power of trust and second chances. Despite the mistreatment and neglect he endured, he had not lost his will to trust humans.

Bandit getting braids and special care from a little girl during his recovery, is an important reminder that every horse deserves to feel safe and loved.

Bandit's journey

In memory of Bandit

Sadly, Bandit passed away in 2022, but not before he had the chance to enjoy two beautiful years under the loving care of Animal Sans Toit. During that time, the dedicated team ensured he lived a life of comfort and peace.

Though Bandit’s legs always remained fragile, he found peace in the gentle moments of life. Together with his companions he enjoyed sunny summer days and the comfort of a warm, mulched stall in the winter. He also had the occasional walk outside the pasture when the weather was kind. From 2020 until 2022, Bandit was able to bask in the sun, finding comfort in his peaceful sanctuary. His greatest joy was often found in a generously filled food bowl.

Bandit’s legacy is one of resilience, finding joy in simple pleasures despite the challenges he faced.

A second chance for Bandit thanks to Animal Sans Toi...t

Animal Sans Toit is a dedicated animal shelter in Viemme, Belgium, committed to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in distress. Their mission focuses on providing care and shelter to a variety of animals, including horses, farm animals, dogs, cats, and other small creatures. The organisation operates a non-profit association, relying on the support of volunteers and donations to carry out its vital work.

The shelter is welcoming visitors who wish to meet the animals, offer support or consider adoption. Through their unwavering dedication, Animals Sans Toit provides a second chance to animals like Bandit, ensuring they receive the care and love they deserve.