A young pony abandoned and left to fend for himself for months has transformed following his rescue.
The yearling colt was found in a flood run-off zone by the side of a road and was reportedly being chased by youths at night, with rocks and bottles thrown at him.
Since being taken in by World Horse Welfare and receiving care at Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset, he has come on leaps and bounds.
Now named Toby, the skewbald youngster thriving and has finally found a home of his own.
World Horse Welfare Field Officer Chris Shaw was alerted to Toby after the charity received a welfare report.
“One caller reported that Toby was so weak that he was no longer even reacting to objects being thrown at him, which was just heartbreaking to hear,” says Chris. “After visits from the various organisations he’d been reported to, we were all in agreement that Toby had to be rescued.
“A Control of Horses Act notice was issued and once it was clear that Toby really had been abandoned, I got him taken to safety as soon as possible. The young pony was underweight and weak, so he spent a week at a holding yard to build up his strength before he was transported to our charity’s Somerset rescue and rehoming centre.
“I saw him recently and couldn’t believe how much he’s changed from the poor little scrap we rescued from that awful site. He’s blossomed into a stunning young pony and his cheeky character has really come out.”
At Glenda Spooner Farm, groom Grace has cared for Toby since he arrived.
“It’s always amazing to see horses and ponies transform, but Toby’s story really does tug at the heartstrings,” she said. “How anyone could treat him like that is beyond me, but now we can’t wait to see him thrive in a home of his own.”
If you are interested rehoming a horse, pony, donkey or mule through World Horse Welfare, click here.
Images by World Horse Welfare
