Flooding forced one of World Horse Welfare’s rescue centres to close to visitors in January, yet its Somerset centre is still heading toward a record-breaking number of rehomings this year.
Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre had to temporarily close its door to visitors in January after floodwater damaged the main visitor centre.
Despite this, nearly 60 horses and ponies have been rehomed in the last eight months alone, with centre staff describing a ‘Noah’s Ark’ theme as several have gone in pairs.
“The floods earlier this year really were biblical, so it was a bit uncanny when we realised we’ve rehomed quite a few ponies in pairs since then,” said assistant centre manager Sara Jerman.
“It does seem to be a Noah’s ark-themed year for us!
“We had a group of Shetland ponies come in last year and two of the ponies from that case, James and Liam, have found a home together.
“They’ve come a very long way since they arrived. They were unhandled and very frightened, so they’ve needed a lot of patient, expert handling to rehabilitate them to the point of being ready for rehoming.
“We’ve also had two young cobs, Pride of Joy and Stan [pictured above], go off to a new home together which is lovely as they came in as part of a large welfare case and had previously been rehomed together as well, so they’re great friends.”
Arriving in pairs
Rescues have occasionally arrived in pairs as well.
Two young ponies, Nutmeg and Chive, arrived unhandled and were suspicious and worried around people.
Sara explained that with careful planning, the duo are making great improvements.
“They were in poor condition with rough coats, unbalanced hoof growth, and matted manes and tails,” she said.
“Once they’d been assessed and we’d planned a suitable approach to their rehabilitation, Nutmeg and Chive began a very slow and steady introduction to being around people.
“Luckily, although timid, both were very curious and so, by working with just one person each, they gradually built up their confidence with positive experiences.
“Nutmeg and Chive have now gone on to separate homes as youngsters with the potential to be backed as ridden ponies in the future.”
Gentle giant seeks companion
There are still some residents in need of a loving home.
Gentle giant ‘Earl of Wisdom’, a 17.2hh Thoroughbred gelding, is looking for a home as a non-ridden companion. He loves a fuss and company from horses and humans alike.
Three-year-old ‘Arlo’ is also looking for a home as a companion, after having such a poor start in life that his development was affected.
Despite this, Arlo is a gentle, inquisitive soul and excellent to handle, so will make a wonderful companion in his new home.
Anyone interested in rehoming can find out more here.
