Here at HAPPA, every rescue is a story of hope and this one is no exception. We are so proud to share that two Welsh Mountain mares and their beautiful foals have now begun their second chance at life, surrounded by love, safety and compassion.

Rewind to winter 2024.

Both mares, Ariel and Jasmine, were found by the RSPCA in separate but strikingly similar cases. Heavily pregnant, riddled with lice and terrified of human contact, they were in desperate need of care. Their stories highlight a heartbreaking truth that horse abandonment is sadly on the rise across the UK.

Ariel, a 15-year-old grey mare, arrived severely anxious and suffering from a painful eye infection. She was so frightened that sedation was needed for even the most basic care, including a routine hoof trim. But despite everything, she held on. In April, she gave birth to a brave and curious filly foal, a striking skewbald named Moana.

Six-year-old Jasmine, also grey, was found in equally poor condition and very heavily pregnant. Like Ariel, she was incredibly nervous around people and needed sedation to safely carry out her first treatments. Jasmine later gave birth to a gentle grey filly, who we named Belle.

In June 2025,

all four arrived at our site at Shores Hey Farm. From the moment their hooves touched the ground, our Equine Care Team wrapped them in gentle care. Their Disney-inspired names, Jasmine, Ariel, Belle and Moana, perfectly reflect their grace, resilience and inner magic.

Amanda Berry, our Head of Equine Operations, shared:

“As soon as Jasmine, Belle, Ariel and Moana stepped hooves on Shores Hey Farm, the Equine Care Team embraced them with open arms. It is heart-warming to see horses that have not previously experienced love begin to trust the team at HAPPA. Now enjoying time in the paddocks, the foursome are even coming to call after a day playing out in the fields.”

Both mares will never be bred from again. Instead, they’ll receive everything they need to recover and thrive. Our expert team is focusing on building trust at each mare’s individual pace, supporting their health with a specialist diet and beginning groundwork to prepare them for a loving home as companion ponies in the future.

As for little Belle and Moana, they’re growing up fast. At six months old, they’ll be gently weaned and introduced to our HAPPA Foster Scheme. From the start, their journey will be filled with positive experiences, early education, and kindness, ensuring they grow up confident, happy and ready for the future.

Here at HAPPA, we make a lifelong promise to each equine who comes into our care. We will continue to be a safety net for horses and ponies like Jasmine and Ariel, those failed by humans, but never by us.

Want to follow the journey of Jasmine, Ariel, Belle and Moana?

Make sure to follow along on our social channels!