Dark clouds are gathering over the head of one “especially loveable” horse that has spent most of its life being cosseted as a beloved pet, as his owner finds herself unable to continue taking care of him due to failing health.

Animal lover Gina Curmi, who has spent most of her life rescuing horses and giving them a second chance at a happy life, has launched an appeal for a kind-hearted person to offer a home to the 12-year-old stallion before she is forced to put the noble animal to sleep.

“Xitan is a beautiful, and absolutely loveable, horse and he’d make a wonderful pet,” Ms Curmi told the Times of Malta, adding that his choice of name was far from being a bad reflection on his character, and that it was quite the opposite.

“I call him Xitan – Maltese for ‘demon’ – because he is black, and he has a cheeky character, mischievous to the right degree and it makes him especially loveable. I figured the Maltese pet name fits him to a tee, used affectionately, of course,” she said with a sad smile.

But health problems and increased financial constraints arising from medical necessities mean that Ms Curmi can no longer offer a home to the horse.

The condition means that his stifle is somewhat deformed, and thus his legs are misshapen

Sadly, Xitan suffers from health problems of his own, a genetic stifle joint problem that means he cannot be used for riding. The condition is likely the result of inbreeding, a common problem in Malta, with Xitan’s mother having been mated with her own biological father.

“The condition means that his stifle is somewhat deformed, and thus his legs are misshapen. His back is fine, but horses with stifle problems cannot be used for riding as they could easily fall and injure both themselves and the rider,” Ms Curmi explained.

Falling in love with Xitan is an easy enough matter, as the horse appears to be extremely friendly and affectionate, even with strangers.

What this means, in essence, is that anyone willing to rehome Xitan needs to be in a position to keep him purely as pet. Ideally, the young woman adds, the horse is kept somewhere where he can get plenty of exercise as otherwise the joints tend to stiffen up very fast.

“If this is not possible, a stable will also be fine as long as the new owner is willing to give Xitan plenty of exercise,” she adds.

With Malta’s handful of horse rescue shelters full to the brim and Xitan’s particular requirements, finding an alternative home for the beautiful beast is turning out to be more difficult than anticipated, but Ms Curmi has not yet lost hope of finding a suitable home before she has to do the unthinkable.

“It breaks my heart to think of having to put him down. I have been going crazy contacting everyone I know and explaining the situation, but so far no-one has worked out. But I will not be able to keep him for very long and I will have to take the final decision soon, but I really hope that maybe someone will fall in love with Xitan and save his life.”

Falling in love with Xitan is an easy enough matter, as the horse appears to be extremely friendly and affectionate, even with strangers. And the act of kindness will undoubtedly be repaid a thousandfold in terms of love and horse snuggles.

Meantime, Ms Curmi is appealing to anyone who may be in a position to save the life of her “cheeky boy” to get in touch by calling on 7999 7543 or by sending an e-mail to ginacurmi@gmail.com.