One of the most critically neglected ponies, rescued in a shocking Southwest animal welfare case that appalled the presiding Judge, is now looking for a loving new home.
Shetland ‘Sherbert’ was one of 13 equines rescued by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in a multi-agency operation to recover animals from a centre in Par, Cornwall in 2022.
Many of the equines found at the ‘Family Nest Therapy CIC’ were in a very poor state with severe malnourishment, conjunctivitis, lice, worm burden, overgrown hooves, heart conditions, alopecia, anaemia and chronic inflammation. Their bones showed through their skin, and some were covered in paint brush marks from children’s parties. Some ponies were showing signs of severe depression.
Sentencing the owners and yard manager to suspended prison sentences and bans on keeping animals, Judge Simon Carr said it was one of the worst cases of animal neglect he had ever seen.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary spent more than a year nursing the 12 surviving ponies and horses back to health. Each had an individual recovery plan tailored to their specific needs, including veterinary visits, medication and food supplements. They also required extensive behavioural training.
Having fully regained her health, Sherbert has lifelong sanctuary with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and is thriving. But sanctuary staff at Newton Abbot in Devon, where she’s based, now feel she would benefit from one-to-one care with an experienced pony handler as part of the charity’s ‘Sanctuary at Home’ loan scheme.
Syra Bowden, Head of Welfare Outreach and Advice says: ‘Although we will miss seeing her each day, everyone at the Sanctuary would love to see Sherbert happily settled in a special new home after her terrible ordeal.
‘Our team has been so impressed with Sherbert’s progress. It took a great deal of loving care, support and rehabilitation, but her character and spirit has finally emerged, and she has captured the hearts of everyone who has worked with her.
‘At the age of three she’s a sweet natured, affectionate young pony in good health and we would love for her to find a new home where she can continue to learn and develop in a safe and loving environment. She would make a wonderful companion pony and is sociable in her herd, so she will need other equine company. We think Sherbert will do well with someone who has worked with small ponies before and can give her lots of attention and enrichment exercises.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s ‘Sanctuary at Home’ carers are a group of very special people who provide foals, ponies and horses a home for as many years as they choose on a loan basis. Rehoming is a rewarding experience and enables space to be created at the charity’s peaceful sanctuaries for more equines in need. All carers have access to expert advice and support from a dedicated team and in some cases the charity can help with some of the medical costs for eligible horses or ponies through its ‘Prime Pastures’ scheme. Carers have the peace of mind that if their circumstances change, the charity provides sanctuary for life for its animals.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is keen to hear from anyone with experience of equine care who is interested in finding out more about Sherbert or any of its horses or ponies available for rehoming.
More details are available at: www.mareandfoal.org.uk/our-work/lifelong-sanctuary/
