Horse and Pony Protection Association

Rescue ponies safe at HAPPA
"The worst feet I have ever seen"

HAPPA’s Southern Rescue Centre situated at Brockweir, Nr Chepstow in Gwent is now home to three neglected and unloved ponies that were rescued from land in Yorkshire on Wednesday 28th November.

The ponies, three of a total of five removed that day, include a tiny grey 11 year old Falabella Miniature mare, a 12.2hh dapple grey 7 year old Section A mare and a 12.hh 7 year old grey mare. All animals were suffering from massively overgrown hooves that were so full of infection they severely affected their ability to walk. Their condition was so extreme that they were sedated and treated at the scene by two farriers and a veterinary surgeon before finally being transported to Brockweir.

HAPPA Welfare Officer David McCormick said that it was the worst case of its type that he had ever seen during his career. “The hooves looked more like Aladdin’s slippers than pony’s feet. They were long, turned up and completely misshapen. They were badly infected and the ponies were forced to limp and stumble along in severe pain. I’ve never seen feet in such a neglected condition and I’m very glad that HAPPA has the facilities and the expertise to rehabilitate these animals and offer them a worthwhile future”.

The animals were quiet during the journey to Brockweir and are now being cared for in the isolation area at Gregory Farm as they were also suffering from worm infestations and lice. Although they are adults, the ponies are not used to being handled and are wary of people. Emily Nash, Rescue Centre Manager hopes to begin the socialisation and breaking in process as soon as the animals are fit and healthy and become used to the staff and surroundings at the Centre. “At the moment, the little Falabella is the easiest to handle although all ponies have settled in well and I am confident that with careful handling and schooling, the prognosis is very positive for all three animals”

Two additional animals are being cared for at HAPPA’s Northern Rescue Centre at Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, Nr Burnley.

The animals will need regular expert care from the farrier, veterinary surgeon and HAPPA staff during their rehabilitation period and this is likely to be a very expensive process. If anyone would like to make a contribution to help fund their care and treatment then donations can be sent to Centre Manager, Gregory Farm, Brockweir, Nr Chepstow, Gwent NP6 7NG or click on our donate now button to make a secure online donation.

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