Shetland pony rescued by Devon charity finds new home after 'shocking' court case

A Shetland pony rescued from a case of severe neglect in Cornwall has found a loving new home in South Wales.

Sherbert was one of 13 equines rescued by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in 2022 during a multi-agency operation at the ‘Family Nest Therapy CIC’ centre in Par.

The rescue involved National Equine Welfare Council members including The RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary, and The Horse Trust.

Many of the animals were in a very poor state, suffering from severe malnourishment, conjunctivitis, lice, worm burden, overgrown hooves, heart conditions, alopecia, anaemia, and chronic inflammation. 

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Some ponies were showing signs of severe depression, and bones were visible through their skin. 

Some were even covered in paint from children’s parties.

Sentencing those responsible to suspended prison terms and bans on keeping animals, Judge Simon Carr said it was one of the worst cases of animal neglect he had ever seen.

ABOVE: When rescued, Sherbert was covered in paint from children's parties. She was severely malnourished with a number of serious health conditions.

After her rescue, Sherbert received more than a year of care at the Sanctuary’s Newton Abbot site.

Staff provided veterinary treatment, medication, food supplements, and behavioural training tailored to each pony’s needs.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is based in Newton Abbot, and also operates several sanctuary sites in and around Dartmoor. 

These facilities allow the charity to provide long-term care, rehabilitation, and tailored support for rescued horses, ponies, and foals across the region.

Four-year-old Sherbert remained on-site for ongoing sanctuary care but, once healthy, her carers felt she would benefit from one-to-one attention through the Sanctuary at Home loan scheme.

Following a public search for her new home, Sherbert was rehomed with Christina in South Wales.

“I’ve always loved horses,’ said Christina. 

“I’d been looking after four Shetlands for a friend, but last year we lost three, leaving me heartbroken. Flora, our 32-year-old Shetland, was especially affected after losing her companions.

“In a thoughtful gesture, my husband and friend looked into adopting a pony to cheer me up and provide companionship for Flora. We have a house full of rescued ginger-coloured pets and, combined with such a fitting description of her personality, Sherbert seemed the perfect fit. I eagerly searched for photos. The rescue images were heartbreaking but seeing her thrive at the Sanctuary showed the incredible work of the team. I knew she’d feel safe in a loving home.

“When I met Sherbert for the first time, I cried tears of joy. As I entered her stable, her sweet little nose reached out for attention. Despite her past, she was a cuddly ball of fluff. I couldn't believe how much she loved human interaction after everything she had been through. We walked her up to the field, but Sherbert had no interest in walking away from us when I took her head collar off. Cuddles (or in Welsh, “cwtches”) won over grass!

“She definitely has a big personality and such a sweet nature. She follows me around the stables and is very good at finding all the food. I'm in a much better habit of shutting the feed room door now. It feels like she’s always been here. We enjoy walks in the nearby forest, and she loves splashing in the stream.

“Sherbert has also helped Flora regain her spirit. It didn't take them long to be inseparable, and it was a really magical moment when they first started grooming each other. Being with Sherbert has transformed Flora in ways I never thought possible. Flora was with elderly companions before, so a four-year-old has given her a new lease of life - they love running around the field together.

“Sherbert has truly won my heart, and I can’t imagine life without her. Thank you to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary for making this possible.”

The charity now cares for more than 400 equines across the Southwest. 

Director of Fundraising and Communications, Dawn Vincent, said: “By rehoming a pony, carers are directly supporting our mission by allowing us to rescue more horses and ponies in serious welfare situations.

"We rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts, and we are so grateful to every one of our supporters for their kindness. Every contribution is crucial in helping us to rescue and support hundreds of horses and ponies, and make sure they receive the care and compassion they deserve.”