Beloved community pony gets a second chance after life-changing surgery

Since arriving at Kāpiti Equestrian and Vaulting Centre in 2017, Coco has become a community favourite. Known as the pony with the big heart, she has introduced countless children to riding and helped riders of all ages build confidence in the saddle.

Kāpiti Equestrian’s Catarina (Cat) Strom says that when Coco came for a trial, it was quickly obvious that she would be an asset to the organisation given her quiet, gentle nature.

“Nothing fazed her, from children running about to pool noodles and balls being thrown around at parties. Her particular specialist skill is eating treats from tiny children’s hands, and she has an accurate, inbuilt clock and GPS system. She knows exactly when an hour-long lesson is over and starts heading towards the exit after 45 minutes. She’s also regularly ridden along the Waikanae River track, so she knows every river crossing.”

With Coco part of the team for more than eight years, it didn’t take long for the Kāpiti Equestrian team to notice when her behaviour began to change.

“She started displaying stallion-like attributes, such as being obsessive with the other mare in the paddock, striking out with her front legs, arching her neck and prancing around, and getting distressed when separated from the mare. The behaviour would come over her in waves and it was like her hormones were going crazy,” Cat explains.

Following a scan in Ōtaki, veterinarians discovered a large ovarian tumour. Because of its size and Coco’s age, treatment options were limited. The case was referred to Massey’s Equine Veterinary Centre, where specialists believed they could successfully remove the tumour using a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.

“We were delighted when Massey confirmed they had no issues performing the surgery laparoscopically on a mare her age, so we came up with a plan to raise the funds for the procedure as Coco is so irreplaceable and valuable to us,” Cat says.

Surgical removal using a laparoscopic technique decreases the risks associated with surgery by avoiding the need for general anaesthetic, with the procedure instead performed while the horse remains standing and sedated.

Senior Equine Practising Veterinarian and Clinic Manager Dr Alaina Tessier says that due to the size of Coco’s tumour and ovary, removal through the normal approach was not possible.

“Usually, these tumours can be identified through rectal ultrasound examinations, but Coco’s tumour was exceptionally large – we could even ultrasound it from her groin area. Removing it required careful planning and specialised surgical techniques to safely remove the ovary in pieces through a small flank incision while Coco remained standing and sedated.”

Together, the tumour and affected ovary measured 16 centimetres in diameter and weighed 1.8 kilograms. It was identified as a granulosa theca cell tumour, the most common type of equine ovarian tumour.

These tumours are known to cause hormonal derangements, including increased testosterone production, which explained Coco’s stallion-like behaviour and other behavioural changes. Because they typically affect only one ovary and are usually benign, surgical removal is generally curative.

Recovery from this procedure involves restricted movement to allow the body time to heal, with horses typically requiring about a month before returning to full turn out and then gradually resuming ridden work. Coco spent a few days at Massey before returning to Kāpiti to continue her recovery.

Dr Tessier says Coco was the perfect patient.

“She was so tolerant and a pleasure to work with. Seeing her go home bright and happy was wonderful, and hearing that our patients are thriving at home is the most rewarding part of our work. It reminds us why we do what we do.”

Following a smooth recovery, Coco is now back to lessons, treks and even some jumping.

“She’s looking so great and fit again, we’re calling her Coco 2.0! The Massey team were amazing. They welcomed Coco into the clinic and kept us updated every day she was there, so we knew she was in good hands,” Cat says.

The Kāpiti Equestrian Team says they’re still overwhelmed by the kindness and support they received from the community, with many donations coming through Coco’s Givealittle page.

“It made us realise just how many hearts Coco has touched over the nine years she’s been with us. There were so many kind messages from everyone, and it put into perspective just how popular Coco is within the community.”

Now with a clean bill of health, Coco will continue taking children on their first riding lessons, supporting riders through therapy sessions, joining pony gym classes, leading river treks and making appearances at birthday parties.

For the Kāpiti Equestrian Team, that’s exactly where she belongs.

“Coco has given so much to our community over the years. She’s helped people build confidence, overcome fears and create lasting memories. Seeing her healthy, happy and back doing what she loves is the best outcome we could have hoped for.”