Neglected ponies find new life at Newton Abbot charity

Neglected ponies have found a new lease of life and healing at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Newton Abbot. 

Awareness of the neglected horses first arose when an individual alerted the sanctuary to severe welfare issues at a horse therapy centre that is a community interest company in Cornwall in 2021, initiating the start of their rescue and care.

After months of monitoring, the charity escalated the case to the RSPCA, leading to a prosecution.

Warning. The following images may be upsetting for some readers. 

On February 29, at Truro Crown Court, three individuals were sentenced. James Baker, aged 55, and Sarah Baker, aged 33, both residing in Par, pleaded guilty to six charges of causing undue suffering to horses, ponies, a donkey, and a goat.

Additionally, Dan Laker, aged 46, also from Par, admitted to one count of causing undue suffering to a horse.

The Bakers received a nine-month prison term for each charge, suspended for two years, by the Truro Crown Court.

Laker was handed a 12-week suspended prison sentence, also lasting two years.

Operating a community interest company named Family Nest Equine Therapy, which has since been dissolved, the Bakers organised pony parties, riding lessons, and therapy sessions for veterans.

The court sentencing marked the end of over 14 months of intensive care provided by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary staff, supported by other organisations like the RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary, and The Horse Trust.

Rebecca Sherrell, Senior Welfare Advisor at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary said:"It was the worst case I’ve ever worked on. I’ve never seen horses that thin before. They were lacking food, water and shelter in 27 degree heat. It’s a case that has really stuck with me.”

The ponies were found in appalling conditions, suffering from malnourishment, disease, and neglect. 

Despite the challenges, the sanctuary's dedicated team worked tirelessly to nurse the equines back to health.

The rehabilitation process was tailored to each animal's specific needs, including veterinary care, medication, and nutritional support. 

After more than a year of intensive care, three Shetland ponies - Poppy, Sherbert, and Lola - have found their forever homes at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, where they continue to thrive.

Due to capacity issues the remaining nine ponies had to continue the rest of their care under  The Horse Trust in the southeast of England. 

Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust said: "We are very pleased to be able to support the Mare and Foal Sanctuary by providing forever homes to nine horses and ponies rescued and support the next stage of their recovery journey.”

Collaboration between the charities has been instrumental in ensuring the best possible outcome for these animals.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues and provides lifelong care for horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused.

With nearly 600 animals currently under their care, the sanctuary specialises in managing feral or unhandled equines, as well as caring for pregnant mares and orphaned foals.

Supported by five sanctuary sites and six charity shops in the South West, the charity is patroned by John Nettles and Angela Rippon.

In their most recent financial report, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary charity disclosed expenditures totaling £5.10 million, dedicated to fulfilling their charitable objectives, which include lifelong sanctuary provision, welfare outreach and advice services, as well as Equine Assisted Services.

For those considering donating, here are several examples illustrating how contributions can make a difference:

A donation of £25 could finance the vaccination expenses for a new arrival at the sanctuary or cover the cost of a farrier visit.

With £45, the sanctuary could cover the expenses associated with a routine dental examination for one of their horses.

A donation of £60 could fund the initial blood tests required for a horse rescued by the sanctuary.

For £80, donors could support the average monthly veterinary expenses per horse living at the sanctuary, ensuring ongoing care and well-being.