A 16-year-old Welsh pony who was rescued by the RSPCA in May 2024, is one of several horses who are available for adoption as part of Adoptober, the charity’s month-long rehoming drive.
Betty, who was rescued as part of a neglect case, initially struggled with being handled but as she has progressed and her character has developed, it has become apparent that she has a gift for nannying foals, helping to give them confidence and companionship during weaning.
“Betty is a 14.2hh mare with a gentle nature, despite a challenging start to life that has led to some trust issues with new people,” said Phil Adams, centre manager at RSPCA Gonsal Farm.
“On her arrival, it took her two days to come out of her stable into a grass paddock, even when the door was open, however, she doesn’t have a nasty bone in her body. Though it took a while to gain her trust, she is one of the sweetest mares we’ve had here at the centre.
‘The perfect addition’
“We’ve found that Betty thrives in a positive reinforcement environment, as due to past trauma, she tends to shut down if she feels forced into anything. We believe she would be the perfect addition to a home that understands and respects her need for positive reinforcement methods.
“She’s already given so much here at the centre by helping to give confidence and companionship to youngsters, it’s now time for her to have her own happy ending and be adopted into a loving home. She is a very special horse, so we are confident that with the right home, Betty will continue to flourish.”
About Adoptober
Each October, Adoptober showcases the equines in RSPCA’s care which are available for rehoming and encourages people to consider adopting rather than buying animals.
“We need help from fellow horse lovers to consider adopting their next horse from a charity instead of buying,” said Dr Mark Kennedy, equine welfare specialist at the RSPCA.
“You’ll be freeing up a space in our specialist centres for another needy horse, helping us as we work to rehome the hundreds currently living in private boarding stables.
“When adopting from us the major advantage is that we are not trying to ‘sell’ our horses and are completely open about them; we’ll try to tell adopters all about the horse’s quirks and characters, and give as much vet history as we possibly can. Our only aim is to ensure that we match the right horse with the right new home to ensure the best possible partnership for the future.
Great choice
“Many people know how rewarding rescuing a dog or cat can be, and what a fantastic range of animals come into our care looking for new homes, and we really hope horse people will see that it’s the same for horses – we have some excellent horses and ponies just waiting for a chance in a new home.”
“I have rescued horses myself, and know how satisfying it is working with them and bringing out their full potential. In particular, mine have been very responsive to clicker training and it has helped bring out their playful and intelligent nature.
“Seeing horses who have had a bad start in life developing into fantastic companions or successful riding and competition horses is incredibly rewarding, made even better by knowing you are helping other needy horses by freeing up spaces for them in welfare charity care”.
If you are interested in rehoming a horse from the RSPCA, click here for more information.
Image © RSPCA.
