TWO young miracle horses are ready to go home after beating the odds.

When twin foals Travis and Jacob were born three weeks prematurely on Portland, owner Charlotte Birch feared the worst because their chances of survival were very slim.

Charlotte, who had just become a mum herself, was unable to devote the time to look after them so she asked family friend Su Illsley for help.

Su, who keeps the island’s only Portland sheep at Fancy’s Farm, Southwell, has successfully hand-reared Travis and Jacob and after three months they are now fit and well enough to return to their home stable.

Su said: “They have survived against massive odds. They are little miracles, or rather big miracles now.”

Head of welfare for the British Horse Society Lee Hackett said the chances of a horse giving birth to twins and for those twins to survive were about one in 10,000.

Civil servant Charlotte, 20, of Wyke Regis, has been passionate about horses since she was young.

She got her current horse, Gem, three years ago and keeps her at stables off Weston Road on Portland.

Last year, as reported in the Dorset Echo, Gem was attacked by yobs who tied barbed wire around her legs and tail.

Charlotte said: “She recovered but she was no longer suitable for riding because of the extent of her injuries so it was recommended we bred her.

“We didn’t know she was carrying twins until they were born.”

By the time Travis and Jacob arrived, Charlotte had given birth to baby Izabella, who arrived four weeks early by caesarean section.

Charlotte’s mum Sue Birch dis- covered the new-born foals when she went to check on Gem.

They were taken for expert treatment at Whistlejacket Equine Surgery in Milton Abbas.

The foals spent weeks in intensive care and had several blood transfusions.

Charlotte, who lives with her partner Chris Cousins who is in the Royal Navy, did not have the time or space to look after the foals once they returned from the vets so Su Illsley stepped in.

Su said: “They needed to be in an indoor pen and have a lot of attention. When they first came to us we were bottle-feeding them five times a day.

“Gem, their mother, was knackered and couldn’t feed them herself.

“They’ve now pretty healthy and happy and ready to go to Charlotte’s stable.

“I’m proud to have been part of rearing them.”

She added: “Usually horses of this age would hide behind their mother and not go near anyone but because these guys have been hand-reared they’re very friendly.

“They love everyone – a little bit too much sometimes.”

Charlotte said: “It’s been a stressful time but it’s been worth it.

“I’d like to thank Su. She’s done a great job.”

Charlotte’s mum Sue said: “Travis and Jacob are little heartbreakers.”