Two mares and their foals have been given “second chances and a lifetime of love and happiness” – as charity warns abandonment cases are a “growing concern”.

Last winter pregnant Welsh mares 15-year-old Ariel and six-year-old Jasmine were rescued by the RSPCA in separate cases. Ariel had lice and was suffering with an eye infection, and Jasmine was found in poor condition.

Ariel welcomed a filly, named Moana, and Jasmine welcomed a filly, named Belle. This summer the four were given “a new start” at HAPPA, where they will continue their rehabilitation.

“As soon as Jasmine, Belle, Ariel and Moana stepped onto Shores Hey Farm, the team embraced them with open arms,” said Amanda Berry, HAPPA’s head of equine operations.

“It is heart-warming to see horses that have not previously experienced love begin to trust the team. Now enjoying time in the paddocks, the foursome are coming to call after a day playing out in the paddocks.”

A HAPPA spokesperson added that although Ariel and Jasmine were separate cases, they both have “similar stories”.

“It’s a reminder of how horse abandonment is a growing concern and is on the rise across the UK,” he said.

“Jasmine, Ariel, and their foals now have the chance to live the rest of their lives free from fear. Our team is taking everything at their pace to ensure they are happy, healthy and prepared for their futures.”

The ponies will be prepared for HAPPA’s fostering and rehoming scheme.

“Importantly, Jasmine and Ariel will never be bred from again. Their futures are now safe under HAPPA’s lifelong promise of care and protection. HAPPA will continue to be a safety net for abused, neglected and unwanted equines,” said the spokesperson.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Two ‘forgotten’ cobs prompt rescue team to speak out about rise in horse abandonments

Abandoned pony who followed the postman rescued from children’s playground

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two coloured cobs “left behind and forgotten” have been given the second chance they deserve – as welfare charity warns horse abandonments are on the rise.

Geldings Maximus and Bruno were being kept on rented land when their owners “vanished without a trace”. The pair have since been taken in by HAPPA.

“For some time, the kind landowners did their best to look after them, but as time passed, it became clear they began to struggle to meet the horses’ needs,” said a HAPPA spokesperson.

“A caring neighbour stepped in and contacted us and as soon as the cry for help was received our equine inspectors came to the aid of the two neglected horses.”

HAPPA’s head of equine operations Amanda Berry said what the inspectors found was “heartbreaking”, and Maximus and Bruno were in “desperate need of professional care”.

“Using the Control of Horses Act 2015, we were able to step in and bring them both to safety. Their hooves were overgrown, their teeth needed urgent attention and they were both overweight from a poor diet,” she said.

“But despite everything they had been through, their spirits remained strong. Now they’re beginning their journey to recovery with our expert care team looking after them every step of the way.”

Ms Berry added that the team believe that Maximus and Bruno, both thought to be 12, will make a full recovery and find forever homes through HAPPA’s rehoming scheme.

“Their story is a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with owning horses. Abandoning animals not only leaves them vulnerable but also places a heavy burden on those left to care for them. At HAPPA, we’re here to make sure no horse is forgotten, but we can’t do it alone,” she said.

The spokesperson added that horse abandonment is on the rise.

“HAPPA is facing an abandonment epidemic; and the charity will continue to be a safety net for those that need us the most.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Equine charities report owners’ ‘desperation’ and large-scale rescues as living cost crisis continues

Rescued ponies ‘terrified of humans’ given ‘a second chance at a happy life’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An abandoned pony who would follow a postman on his rounds – and was later found by children in a playground – will now have a “safe and loving” home for life.

Residents in West Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire, contacted the police after repeatedly finding a skewbald pony in their gardens, and walking along busy roads.

Equine welfare charity Bransby Horses stepped in when the pony, who has been named “Spitfire”, turned up in the playground of a children’s home.

“Oblivious to the mayhem he was causing, we recently took in the pony, following reports of him frequently escaping from his tether and even following the postman on his rounds,” said a Bransby spokesperson.

“When we arrived the pony was relaxed and munching on some flowers in the school playground. He was very straight forward to catch and happily loaded onto our trailer.

“As we are not allowed by law to take any animal without the owner’s consent, the police placed an abandonment notice where he was found, and he boarded with us for the duration.”

The spokesperson said Spitfire was not microchipped and despite numerous appeals for his owner to come forward, he was not claimed. As no owner responded to the abandonment notice within the necessary timeframe, he is now in the charity’s ownership, where he will be “cared for in a safe and loving environment for the rest of his life”.

“Spitfire will complete a short quarantine period during which his individual needs will be assessed by a vet and care team, who will ensure he gets the medication, treatment, nutrition, companionship and exercise he needs,” said the spokesperson.

The manager of the children’s home said the children “loved Spitfire and are sad that he’s gone”, but they had been “so worried about him”.

“He was tethered to a post where he had no shelter and would be there in all weathers,” they said. “He was great at escaping and would often be in our garden. In fact, one day I’m sure he was trying to get on a swing.

“We were so pleased when Bransby Horses came to help. We were sad to see him go, but glad he is not on his own anymore.”

Inspired by Spitfire, the children at the home are now raising funds for Bransby, by taking part in a hike around the Peak District. Visit their JustGiving page to donate.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

Tiny foal smaller than average family dog born to rescued miniature pony

Young rider who excelled in dressage on RSPCA rescue takes on pony saved from shipping container – and wins

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An abandoned miniature Shetland found with a horrific tether injury that left the veins in her neck exposed is making progress under veterinary care.

On 18 March a member of the public raised the alarm after discovering Thumbelina wandering next to the river Don at the Jubilee Bridge in Thorne, Doncaster.

RSPCA inspector Tamsin Drysdale was able to catch Thumbelina, and arranged transport and urgent veterinary treatment.

“The wound on the little pony – who is only about the size of a Labrador – was so serious that the muscle had started to rot away leaving her veins exposed,” said an RSPCA spokesman, who added that the injury is believed to have been caused by a tether.

**Warning: very graphic image**

Ms Drysdale described it as “one of the worst injuries of its kind” that she had seen during her 16-year career with the RSPCA.

“When I approached Thumbelina I could smell the wound before I could even see it. The flesh was literally rotting away under her mane and she was obviously in terrible pain and discomfort. She was understandably distressed and it would have taken many weeks of neglect, if not longer, for her to have deteriorated into such an awful state,” she said.

“She’s receiving antibiotics and pain relief and the wound on her neck is currently being cleaned, flushed and re-dressed daily. The vet is pleased at the progress she’s making. It’s going to take time, but we’re cautiously optimistic that she will go on to make a full recovery.”

The spokesman added that Thumbelina is also being treated for an abscess on her lower gum, and she has “deformed” back legs, which “could have been caused by her being tethered for long periods of time”. She is receiving care at the home of an RSPCA fosterer, and has a new stablemate, Roy the cockerel.

“She’s a very sweet-natured little girl and is already beginning to show that sassy nature that Shetlands are known for, so we hope that’s a sign she’s beginning to feel a little better,” said Ms Drysdale.

“I don’t think she would have survived much longer without veterinary intervention. The rain was torrential that night and there was also the possibility that she could have fallen into the river, given the distressed and disorientated state she was in.”

Thumbelina was not microchipped and the RSPCA is appealing to anyone who recognises her, or has information which could help, to contact the charity’s appeals line on 0330 123 8018.

“It’s not known how long Thumbelina had been next to the river and where she may have come from, although a barbed wire fence on nearby land had been cut. The long-standing wound is thought to have been left untreated for many weeks,” said the spokesman.

“Although tethering is not specifically illegal in itself, the RSPCA does not recommend it as a viable way to keep equines because of a number of welfare issues associated with the practice. The charity receives about 5,000 complaints about tethered horses every year.”

You might also be interested in:

‘If he was 16.2hh he’d be worth millions’: tethered youngster bought for £150 becomes ‘dream pony’

The pony was found tethered on a roadside in Nottingham in 2015

Tethering to be debated in parliament as charity highlights risks of ‘severe’ suffering

The charity received more than 5,000 complaints last year about tethered horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A coloured cob has been found dead on a golf course in Essex.

Golfers at Warley Park club near Brentwood discovered the 13hh pony on 9 September.

The piebald, thought to be a youngster of around three or four years old, was found with a ruptured stomach.

Local horse owner Sharon Bowmer was called by the club for assistance following the discovery.

“I thought it was going to be a badger or something, I was totally shocked when I saw it was a horse,” she said.

“He wasn’t thin, he had a good body condition, but his stomach was like that, he probably had some sort of rupture.”

The RSPCA and police were called, but were not able to remove the body, so Sharon and her daughter Lauren arranged for the pony to be cremated.

“It really was so sad, but we felt like we couldn’t just leave him there,” Lauren said.

“I couldn’t sleep that Friday night thinking of that poor thing in the field on his own,” added Sharon.

The pony was removed and cremated the following day (10 September).

Sharon said it was a mystery what had happened to the pony.

He was checked for a microchip by her vet, but found to not have one. The vet believed his cause of death was colic.

A spokesman for the RPSCA confirmed it was contacted on 9 September about the pony.

“An inspector went out to find the body, but with no evidence of wrongdoing or CCTV in the area all she could do at that stage was advise calling Defra so removal of the body could be arranged,” an RSPCA spokesman told H&H.

“Our inspectors have to prioritise their time for animals that are suffering and in need of rescue.”

Related articles:

• Injured foal recovering after being dumped in Essex
• Rescue pony found dumped in a field wins first rosette
• Charity releases film to highlight plight of dumped horses

The spokesman added that anyone with any information about the pony can call 0300 1234999 to speak to an officer.

The Bowmers have set up a Just Giving page to help fund the cost of the pony’s cremation.

So far, £80 of the £350 target has been raised.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two abandoned Shetlands, named by the RSCPA as French and Saunders, have been rescued by the charity.

The ponies were found on 11 January in Redbridge Lane, Nursling, Hampshire after the RSPCA was called by a member of the public.

“When I arrived at the bare field I couldn’t see the pair, until I glanced into the lush green field next door and spotted them. They had broken through the fence and were chomping away on the grass,” said RSPCA Inspector Penny Baker.

“As cheeky as these two are to have broken through, I could immediately see what a health risk this posed to them, let alone how they could have potentially injured themselves on the poor fencing from the bare paddock.

“One had extremely overgrown hooves and resembled slippers, and the pair going from having very little to eat to suddenly having lots of lush grass in a 15-acre field was an obvious laminitis risk.”

Inspector Baker left notices at the field, which the RSPCA is legally required to do.

However, after checking the ponies for the next two days and with still no contact from the owners, she became increasingly concerned for their welfare and called a vet who came to asses their health.

“The vet confirmed that under section 9 of the animal welfare act 2006, French and Saunders were likely to suffer if we didn’t act, so police removed them and placed them into our care,” said Inspector Baker.

“Much like their namesakes, French and Saunders are quite the little characters.

“Happily they are now on the road to recovery and we will be looking for the perfect new home for them in time.”

Anyone with information is urged to call: 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A foal is recovering after being found abandoned on a Christmas tree farm with leg and eye injuries.

The chestnut colt has been named “Rudolph” by charity World Horse Welfare, which has taken him in.

He was found in a field near Great Melton, Norfolk, by a member of the public on Friday (18 December) who called the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.

Rudolph is receiving veterinary treatment for his injuries at World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm rescue and rehoming centre, which is also in Norfolk.

“This poor little foal was in a sorry state — he was found alone in a field and was clearly injured,” said Ben Kirby of the RSPCA.

“One of his eyes was badly ulcerated and he had a nasty leg injury.

“It’s so sad to think somebody could have cruelly left Rudolph like this with such painful injuries, and just before Christmas too.”

Mr Kirby added it is “a relief” to know that at least one more horse in need of rescue is safe in time for Christmas.

World Horse Welfare is now appealing for information to try and find the foal’s owner.

Jacko Jackson, from the charity, is urging people to get in touch with them or the RSPCA.

“Rudolph has no microchip so we have no way of identifying his owner,” he said.

“This is sadly not an unusual case of a horse being dumped and left to fend for himself.

“Thankfully Rudolph was discovered and he is now in a safe place receiving the treatment he so desperately needed for his injuries.”

He added that it is fortunate the weather has been so mild recently or it could have been a “very different story”.

“Thankfully Rudolph is now in safe hands,” he said. “Christmas has come early for this little pony.”

Call World Horse Welfare on 08000 480 180 or the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 with information.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A foal found dying on the side of the road has been crowned the RSPCA’s rescue horse of the year.

Piebald colt Gizmo was abandoned in Halstead, Essex, earlier this year (17 February), unable to stand with no mother in sight.

But against all the odds, the pony made a winning debut in the show ring at Equifest this weekend (15 August).

Gizmo was found aged just four months old, riddled with lice, hypothermic, dehydrated and suffering from pneumonia.

He was taken into the care of Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic and has since gone from strength to strength.

Earlier this month (4 August) he was permanently adopted by the Halstead veterinary clinic.

Gizmo won both his youngstock RSPCA class and the championship on Saturday (15 August) at Equifest.

“We still can’t quite b

elieve it’s happened. He was so good,” Carolyn Wyse, veterinary surgeon at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic told H&H.

“We didn’t even think he would win his class, let alone win the championship — all the horses were so beautiful.

“It was so emotional — we’re all on a high.”

Gizmo had a huge fan base at the show and enjoyed lots of fuss from his supporters.

“The moment he got there he was loving it,” said Carolyn.

“We thought that it was probably just our little bubble, but when we walked him out on the first morning there were so many people coming over to see him.”

Carolyn said that the judges were touched by Gizmo’s story.

“It was really funny — they didn’t spend any time on him in the first class, but they were taking to Louise Miller [who was handling him] in the evening and the judge explained she was so emotional she was afraid she would cry if she spoke about Gizmo,” she added.

“I thought one judge was laughing in the championship but he was sobbing. They all came up and said congratulations.”

Gizmo returned safely back to Catley Cross yesterday (Sunday 16 August).

“He slept all the way home and is having a very well deserved morning in the field,” added Carolyn.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A foal found dying on the side of the road has a bright future, and possibly even a showing career, after being permanently adopted by the vets who originally took him into their care.

Six months ago (17 February) the RSPCA were called to the then four-month-old foal — now known as Gizmo. He was discovered without his mother near Ridgewell Caravan Park in Halstead, Essex.

Gizmo, who was riddled with lice, hypothermic, dehydrated and suffering from pneumonia, was taken into the care of Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic in Halstead.

The piebald foal was fighting for his life but has since gone from strength to strength.

“We all love him and have decided to keep him,” Carolyn Wyse, veterinary surgeon at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic told H&H.

“He’s doing so well and has gained 89% of his body weight.

“Everything is fixed and he has no problems from his past.

“He’s such a character and is becoming quite the looker.”

Gizmo will be making his showing debut at Equifest (12-16 August) where he will be taking part in the RSPCA youngstock class and parade.

“He’s not that fussed about anything and he adores people,” added Carolyn.

“He responds to the name darling — he puts his head over the door and winnies.

“This has earned him the passport name Catley’s Painted Peppermint Darling.”

The clinic held an open day on 26 July to thank the public for their continued support.

“He had people doting on him all day and he loved all the attention,” said Carolyn.

“More than 700 people came and some people travelled down from Scotland to see him.

“There were a couple of really sweet ladies who burst into tears when they saw him.”

Lara finds a new home

Another pony taken in by the veterinary clinic has also recently found a new home.

Lara was found too weak to stand on an Essex hillside earlier this year (14 April).

She was rescued by the RSPCA and recovered at the clinic before being taken on by new owners.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two horses have been found “on the brink of death” at a beauty spot, forcing the RSPCA to appeal for information.

A coloured filly and a grey gelding were found on May Hill Common in Gloucestershire on 16 July.

Two RSPCA inspectors were called to the site, near Huntley, and were told by members of the public that the pair had been dumped there.

Suzi Smith, one of the inspectors that attended, said her “heart sank” when she saw the dire condition of the horses – especially the filly.

“The poor girl was filthy and weak and looked like she was on the verge of collapse,” she said.

“She was a bag of bones, her coat was alive with lice and flies were literally crawling all over her, it was horrific.”

The inspectors had a struggle to catch the filly and to load her into the trailer as she did not seem to be used to being handled.

“She buckled three times while we were doing this and I started to fear the worst but she somehow managed to get up in the end,” Ms Smith added.

“Thankfully in this case the future is going to be so much brighter for this pair — they were on the brink of death and had a lucky escape.”

Both horses were taken to a horse sanctuary in Herefordshire for specialist veterinary treatment and have settled in well to their new home.

“We do not know how they got here or why someone chose to leave them here to die but abandoning any animal in this cruel manner is a serious offence against the Animal Welfare Act,” said Ms Smith.

“We take incidents like this extremely seriously and those caught and found guilty can face a large fine and up to six months in prison.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call: 0300 1238018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is appealing for information after a colt was found dumped with a painful skin condition in Thurrock, Essex last month.

The cob colt has been named Tilbury by Redwings staff after the place where he was found on 27 May.

Vets estimate he is around 18 months old.

Tilbury was found with a severe skin condition, which meant he had lost a lot of hair on his face and body. He was also covered in sores.

Initially, Redwings senior field officer Jo Franklin put notices on his tether and feed bucket in the hope of an owner coming forward.

No one claimed Tilbury, but the following day he was found let off his tether and roaming around the Old Chadwell school site, along with several other ponies. He was then taken in by Redwings.

So far no owner has been traced.

The charity’s vets are still investigating the cause of the colt’s skin irritation and he is currently receiving treatment.

However, the Redwings is still looking for the horse’s owner and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

“We’re very concerned about poor Tilbury and urge anyone with information about his owner or indeed about his condition to contact our welfare team,” said Redwings chief executive Lynn Cutress.

“Despite his skin condition, which must be incredibly uncomfortable and painful, Tilbury is an incredibly friendly and sweet-natured chap, and our team are investing a great deal of care and attention to nurse him back to full health.”

Anyone with any information about Tilbury’s owner should call Redwings’ welfare team on: 01508 481008

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A young pony, who had deep wounds crawling with maggots, has been put down after being abandoned in Lincolnshire

The piebald filly was found with an injury to her hind leg that was so severe and causing her so much pain, she had to be put down.

The RSPCA was called to a country lane near Grantham on Thursday (30 April) by a member of the public.

The pony, who was estimated by vets to be under two-years-old, was struggling to stand.

“The location was extremely remote; there are no homes, farms or equestrian centres nearby, so it is clear this pony was deliberately left with no intention of return,” said Inspector Ian Callingham.

“Her left hind leg was severely swollen to twice the size it should be, and three large deep holes that were bleeding. They were covered in maggots that were clearly visible. It was terrible to see this young pony clearly in a huge amount of pain.

“The wounds had been sprayed with a purple antiseptic spray, which suggests the owner was aware of the injury, but clearly failed to seek appropriate veterinary advice. She had a good body condition and trimmed hooves, so it is likely the owner was overwhelmed by the injury and reluctant to seek further treatment, for whatever reason”

Despite attempts to save the pony, the suffering was so severe vets decided to euthanise her.

“It seems the poor pony was then dumped in a remote location where she would not be found, and left to die in severe pain,” added Inspector Callingham. “The injury was very large and clearly visible, so it’s likely she was been kept in a private location until now, as we’re sure members of the public would have reported her terrible wound immediately upon seeing it.”

The pony was not microchipped and was found with no identification and so the charity is unable to trace the owners of the pony.

Anyone with any information about her owner is urged to contact the RSPCA Inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RSPCA is appealing for information after two ponies were dumped in Southampton.

The two ponies — named Harry and Peanut — were found last Thursday (26 March).

Harry, an elderly chestnut gelding, and Peanut a young New Forest pony, were left on land off Ringwood Road in the city. They were underweight as they had been left without care for so long.

Now the charity is appealing for members of the public and horse lovers to help provide any information that might assist it in finding the owners of the ponies.

RSPCA inspector Penny Baker said: “We would like to know if anybody recognises the ponies or knows the owner.

“The only clue we have as to who owns these horses is that she is a blonde haired woman known as Jane.”

“We would really like to ask the strong local equine community if they could assist us in whatever way they can.

“The older horse, Harry is such a lovely old soul and is at a time in his life when he needs his owner the most. Heartbreakingly it seems he hasn’t received the care he needed.”

Anyone with information about these ponies should contact the RSPCA Inspector Appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

If nobody comes forward within 21 days the RSPCA will be able to take Harry and Peanut into possession and rehome them.

“If they deteriorate to the point that a vet confirms they are suffering before this stage, we will ask the police to take them into possession then we will be able to find new homes for them. We need the owners to contact us urgently,” added a spokesman.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A piebald foal found dying on a road in Essex last month (17 February) is making a good recovery according to the RSPCA.

The four-month-old foal, named Gizmo, was discovered without his mother near Ridgewell Caravan Park in Halstead (pictured right).

Vets said he was emaciated, riddled with lice, had redworm, was hypothermic and dehydrated.

The foal had been suffering from pneumonia and was so weak that he had to be carried to the horsebox on a blanket.

He was taken to Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic, put on a drip, given antibiotics and nursed around the clock.

Gizmo “is not out of the woods yet” said Catley Cross vet Carolyn Wise, “but he is really is picking up more and more each day.”

“He holds his own head up now, and is using his legs better, and was even getting very feisty during his lifting sessions yesterday which is a great sign,” she said.

“It is always touch and go when horses are this young and poorly, but we have everything crossed he is going to continue to get better now.”

A Facebook appeal to fund Gizmo’s recovery received a huge response with £19,622 raised in a week. Donations came from as far away as Canada.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Elmy said: “We just want to say a huge thank you to all the people for their amazing generosity. It is clear that Gizmo’s story has really touched people who have all taken him to their hearts.

“The RSPCA is also incredibly grateful to Catley Cross vets who have been so dedicated in the care of Gizmo – and all the other animals we bring to them. They make our job so much easier.

“At the moment Gizmo is still walking a fine line, but showing some progress. I so hope he continues to get stronger and grows into the lovely young horse we think he can.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A skewbald mare was found dumped in fly-tipped rubbish — after reportedly being dragged behind a pick-up truck — in Essex earlier this week (Tuesday 24 February).

The body was still warm when found by a passer-by in Dunton Road, Basildon. She was extremely thin and had no microchip or any other form of identification.

Two men with dark hair were spotted dragging the horse’s body behind a black pick-up truck with a closed rear at midday on Tuesday.

“We are always really sad to hear of animals callously discarded in this way,” said RSPCA inspector Matt Gough.

“In this case the horse was literally thrown out with the trash as her body was found amongst a pile of fly-tipped debris such as bricks and ropes.”

“Our biggest concern is whether the horse suffered before she died. Unfortunately in the thin state she was in, it seems very much as if she did, and this was a classic neglect case.”

The horse’s body has been removed by the council and the RSPCA is appealing for anyone with information about how she died to contact them on 0300 123 8018.

This latest case is one of several reported to the RSPCA in February.

“The country is currently in the grip of a horse crisis with the RPSCA and other horse welfare charities struggling to cope with the numbers of abandoned, neglected and abused horses,” said inspector Gough.

On 15 February the charity found a body of a foal dumped in a ditch in Easenhall, near Rugby by the RSPCA, and on the same day, a four year-old mare and foal was found dead in a field in Leicestershire.

“Things are getting worse. This is just one of several horse abandonments and reports of dead horses being dumped that I’ve been called out to recently. My colleagues are telling a similar story,” said RSPCA inspector Clint Davies.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There are growing concerns over the number of horses being abandoned in Leicestershire after the RSPCA discovered a dying four-year-old mare and a stillborn foal earlier this month (Sunday, 15 February).

The black and white cob was found in a road-side field in the village of Broughton Astley, near Leicester.

A passer-by, Katy Duckett, found the mare and called the RSPCA at 1.15pm.

The RSPCA arrived within an hour but the horse died just as the officer was calling for a vet to attend.

“Sadly, the horse had been suffering for some time, to the extent that it was collapsed on its side and had struggled so much that it had worn down the surrounding ground,” said a RSPCA spokesman.

The mare had recently given birth and an RSPCA officer found a foal on the same day in a nearby field that had been stillborn.

The case is the latest is a series of cases in the Leicestershire area.

On 15 January the bodies of another black and white cob type mare and foal were stuffed into a hedge in a field in Scraptoft.

RSPCA inspector Clint Davies said when he inspected the bodies they had started to decompose suggesting they had been dumped more than a week before.

“Things are getting worse. This is just one of several horse abandonments and reports of dead horses being dumped that I’ve been called out to recently. My colleagues are telling a similar story,” said Mr Davies.

He added that costs and people running out of grazing could be to blame for the increase in cases in the area.

“We are calling for legislation to help landowners to deal with illegal grazing and also for better enforcement of the laws around identification so that those responsible for neglecting horses can be made accountable,” a RSPCA spokesman added.

The RSPCA is appealing to anyone who might have information on either case to contact them on 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A black five-year-old mare had to be put to sleep after being found dumped “half dead” in a remote Surrey lane last week (27 January).

The cob was found by a walker, who said she was so thin and weak she was unable to stand up.

“This poor horse was in a very bad way. She had just been left there, suffering,” said RSPCA inspector Rebecca Carter.

The mare had a severe case of redworm and officers believe she had been lying on the ground for some time.

The bruising around her mouth suggested she had been been dragged to the secluded spot in her collapsed state.

The RSPCA inspector said the man who found the mare mistook her for a log at first, as she was so weak and still.

A vet was called out but said nothing could be done to save the horse. She was put to sleep to end her suffering.

The horse was found to have an acute case of cyathostomias, a condition which causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration.

The disease, caused by redworm, affects horses of all ages but is commonest in those under six years of age.

The RSPCA said the disease is one of the major issues it finds in horse neglect cases and can often be fatal.

“The condition is easily treated if caught in time which makes cases like this seem so pointless and extra cruel as they are so easy to avoid,” said Ms Carter.

She spent some time with the horse while waiting for the vet and said the mare was very affectionate and even tried to follow her even though she was too weak to get up.

“She was a real sweetheart — it was just so terribly sad,” she added.

The RSPCA is appealing for anyone with any information to contact them on 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An abandoned foal has been rescued after it was discovered emaciated and near death. The pony was found next to his companion that had drowned in a ditch full of freezing water.

HorseWorld and World Horse Welfare were called to check on a number of fly-grazing ponies on a strip of wasteland near Avonmouth last month (16 January).

“When we saw the poor creature standing barely alive, we immediately called for assistance from the police and RSPCA to get authorisation to remove him,” said HorseWorld’s equine rescue manager, Jerry Watkins.

“These foals were clearly dumped and left to die. There was nothing there to eat at all except for a few tufts of grass on the ditch’s steep edge.

“The poor deceased foal would most likely have been trying to reach this vegetation, slipped in and would have been too weak to climb out in his emaciated state.”

The rescued foal, which has been called Felix, is thought to be four or five months old. His dead friend is believed to have been a similar age. Felix is now being cared for at HorseWorld’s base in Bristol.

“We have to lift him every so often through the night as if he lies down he isn’t strong enough to get up again.” said HorseWorld’s husbandry manager Joanne Vaughan.

“He would certainly have died that night if we hadn’t brought him home. There was a hard frost that night and he would have laid down or eventually collapsed on the cold frosty ground and nobody would have been there to lift him up again.”

Felix was not microchipped and therefore his owner cannot be located or prosecuted.

Equine welfare charities are currently backing the Control of the Horses Bill, which will give local authorities greater powers to tackle fly-grazing. Last month (8 January) the new law passed the committee stage and it now moves on to its final stage in the House of Commons.

• Get the latest update on Felix’s recovery

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A young colt found tied to a tree in an Essex village earlier this month (13 January) has been given a new home by a local resident.

The nine-month-old pony was tied so tightly he could hardly move. Round his neck was a sign saying: “My name is Peanut. I am unwanted and need a home.”

“Peanut was very wet and distressed when we found him,” said Stephanie Harris, chairman of Flitch Green parish council.

Mrs Harris kept the pony in her back garden until the horsebox arrived to take him to his new home. The person who has rehomed him wishes to remain anonymous.

Mrs Harris, a district councilor for Felsted said Peanut is the latest case in an ongoing problem of loose horses, which are believed to have come from the nearby travellers site run by Essex County Council.

“It has been a problem for six months, but reached a crisis point at Christmas. We have big horses roaming free in gardens, playgrounds and village greens,” said Mrs Harris.

The parish council has a Facebook page alerting people as to where the horses are in the neigbourhood.

Another two were rounded up this week by police and taken to a nearby equine rescue centre.

“The residents have now said enough is enough. We want Essex County Council to manage the site properly and to evict families that have horses,” said Mrs Harris.

“It’s been a disgrace. There has been an award-winning passing of the buck in dealing with the problem and only the villagers have done anything about it.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the issue and are working with partner organisations and landowners to address it.

“Proof of actual ownership of the horses is key for any direct action and where they are on privately owned land, it is for the land owner to initiate this. However, we will do everything within our power to help resolve the situation.

“At this stage we are seeking to formally identify the owners of the horses and where appropriate issue warnings and share relevant information with interested agencies.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RPSCA is looking for the owners of two dead ponies that were found dumped in Warwickshire.

A concerned reader contacted H&H after finding the dead animals earlier this month (15 January).

However, no owner has yet been found.

“I found the ponies in a gateway in Beausale, near Warwick at around 9am,” said the H&H reader.

“They were covered over with a tarpaulin and a fleece.

“The two ponies appeared to be mare and foal. The mare was black with white blaze and very, very underweight.

“The foal was also underweight and a coloured cob type. Both ponies had very overgrown hooves.

“Does anyone know who they belong to? Has anyone noticed that these poor ponies are no longer in a field?”

The RSPCA told H&H it was alerted to the ponies by the police.

“As there was no obvious cause of death, it may be that they died and then their bodies just dumped,” said a spokesman.

“Sadly this sort of situation is not uncommon and we receive thousands of calls about horses that are abandoned or neglected every year.”

The RSPCA added that new tougher legislation, which would enforce current laws on the identification of horses, its vital in tackling this issue.

Yesterday (27 January) marked a year’s anniversary of the fly-grazing bill in Wales, where local authorities now have greater powers to seize and impound dumped horses. Welfare charities are campaigning for a similar law to be brought in in England.

“This bill has now passed the committee stage in parliament, but until it becomes law, while horses must be microchipped, the vast majority simply are not,” added the RSPCA spokesman.

“This means it is very difficult to bring irresponsible owners to account and they get away with dumping and fly-grazing horses like these.”

Anyone with any information about these ponies should contact the police or the RSPCA inspector line on 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A pony sanctuary in Cheshire has rescued two starving ponies abandoned near the M53 in Ellesmere Port.

Cheshire Police were called out at 6pm on New Year’s Day after reports of two coloured fillies running loose near junction 6 of the M53.

Unable to trace the owners, the police called Horse Sense Wirral, a pony sanctuary based in Saughall Massie, who took the ponies in.

“They had no fat or muscle, their bones were protruding severely and the vet said if they had been left in that condition for another couple of weeks they would have died,” Amy Pirie, chairman of the sanctuary told H&H.

The ponies were named “Blues” and “Toos” by the police, and are mother and

daughter. They are aged three and a half years-old and a year-old.

Blues’ teeth were “like razor blades” and she had ulcerations inside her checks when she arrived at the sanctuary.

The ponies worm burden is so high they are going to have to go to the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital for treatment.

“We had said a couple of months ago we wouldn’t take on any more horses because of finances but we couldn’t walk away. In the seven years we have been going we’ve only had one other case as bad as this,” said Mrs Pirie.

She works full-time to keep the 32 ponies at Horse Sense Wirral but says the cost of Blues and Toos veterinary treatment has put a huge strain on resources.

“We need to raise £3,000 to cover the cost of their vets’ fees,” she said.

Following TV, radio and local press coverage of the ponies’ plight, donations have come in from as far afield as Chicago.

The ponies are expected to take three to six months to fully recover and after that will be considered for rehoming.

“We would like them to go together, if possible,” said Mrs Pirie.

For more information visit www.horsesensewirral.com

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Police are investigating after two dead foals were dumped on a country lane in South Wales on Monday (5 January).

It has been reported that the black and white gypsy cobs were tied together and

wrapped around with baler plastic when a local resident in Ewenny discovered them. There have also been reports that latex gloves were found at the scene.

This is the third time in less than two-years that the resident — who wished to remain anonymous — has found dead foals in this lane.

South Wales police confirmed to H&H that an investigation was underway and that they are appealing for witnesses.

Police Sergeant James Munro said: “We are continuing with our enquiries to help identify the owner of the horses and to find out what happened to them”.

“The horses must have been driven to the location in some sort of vehicle so we are appealing to anyone who was in the area between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Monday and may have seen a horsebox, or vehicle which the animals could have been transported in, to contact us”.

This is the latest of distressing cases of horses being dumped in the last couple months as equine welfare charities call for stronger regulations against fly-grazing.

In December

two horses that had been shot and set on fire were found in a

woodland area in Suffolk.

Less than a fortnight later five dead horses were “dumped like rubbish” on the side of a road in Loughborough.

RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde, who heads a specialist team of equine officers, said: “Over the past five years there has been a marked and very worrying increase in equine neglect and abuse. This is witnessed on a daily basis by frontline staff.

“This disturbing trend in neglect seems to be affecting equines more than any other animal that we deal with.”

Anyone with further information on this case is asked to contact South Wales police either on 101 or01656 655 555 . Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 1500005712.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A dumped horse has been put down after it was found so emaciated and ill that it was unable to recover.

The RSPCA is now appealing for information to find the owners of the horse, who was collapsed in an Essex park.

She was so thin and weak she was lying in the road unable to stand.

The piebald mare was found at Wick Country Park in Wickford, Essex at around 8.30pm on Sunday 7 December.

The RSPCA was called by a member of the public, and when inspectors arrived they found the horse in an extremely weak state, lying in the road, unable to stand up or move.

She was examined by a vet, who also found that she had an intestinal problem, and recommended she was put to sleep to prevent any further suffering.

“I am used to coming across so many terrible equine cases in my job, but this really was one of the worst I had ever seen,” said RSPCA inspector Emily Cheeseman.

“This poor mare was all bones, she was so emaciated it was hard to give her any kind of body score. It was bitterly cold that night too, she must have been so uncomfortable.

“She collapsed when the member of the public who called us was with her, and then just could not get up again. The vet who attended said her heart was rocketing, a sign that she was in extreme pain.

“I felt just so sad seeing her there. It is simply unacceptable to leave an animal to suffer in that extreme way.

Anyone with any information about how this horse came to be in such a state is urged to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Police are investigating after the bodies of two horses that had been shot and set on fire were found in a woodland area in Suffolk on Sunday (14 December)

Officers received a call from a member of the public who discovered the two carcasses — believed to be a mare and a yearling — in King’s Forest, near North Stow.

Suffolk police confirmed that the horses appeared to have been set on fire before being left at the Forestry Commission site.

“I suspect they were either not needed, not required or ill, and to save cost, somebody has decided to take the law into their own hands,” said PC Mark Bryant.

A senior field officer from Redwings Horse Sanctuary attended yesterday (Tuesday 16 December) to help the police with their investigations. A spokesman from the charity told H&H that it was “shocking scene”.

“Although we don’t know the circumstances in this case, as the value of horses has plummeted we have seen more and more situations where horses are dumped, abandoned or neglected. This is either because owners can no longer care for them or as they are considered of such little value that their owners don’t consider them worthy of a humane end,” the spokesman added.

“It’s a terrible situation and shows exactly why horse ownership and breeding should never be treated lightly ­— there are too many horses out there and not enough homes and it’s the poor horses at the bottom of the chain who suffer when things go wrong.”

The police also reiterated that it was illegal to dispose of bodies in this manner.

“If you do own any pets or horses that do have to be but down, there are ways to go about it,” PC Bryant added.

“What you can’t do is just go out into the countryside, shoot animals and dump the carcasses.

“There are ways and means of doing this and this is way outside of what I would consider to be acceptable.”

The RSPCA also told H&H that they were aware of the “distressing incident” and they were offering the police any assistance they required.

Anyone with any information should contact PC Mark Bryant on 101 or 01473 613500

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An elderly pony has been rescued after being abandoned and tied to a gate post on a bridleway in Dorset.

The chestnut mare was discovered by a rider who was hacking along the path at Holt Heath, near Wimborne on Monday (27 October).

She has now been taken in by RSPCA who are appealing for information (see number below) about the pony.

The pony appears to have been reasonably well looked after and had a full set of new shoes and a neatly trimmed tail.

The pony was not microchipped but RSPCA animal welfare officer Jo Blackburn said she has a “crescent-shaped marking on her forehead which someone might recognise.”

“She was found tied up to a gate, but she didn’t have any food where she was. It looks like she may have been there since early on Monday or late on Sunday evening,” Ms Blackburn added.

“She’s sweet old pony and is really friendly, so it is a bit of a mystery why she was abandoned.”

Since being taken in by the RSPCA the pony has treated for some minor cuts but is otherwise in good health.

UK equine welfare charities have made repeated calls for horse identification legislation to be tightened so that it is compulsory for all animals to be microchipped, have a passport and be registered. This would mean that in cases like this the owners of the animal would be identifiable.

The European Union (EU) Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health announced changes last month (15 September), which will mean that every foal will now have to be issued with a single passport with a unique identification number before its first birthday.

Under the new regulations all horses born after the 1 July 2009 will have to be microchipped so that their records can be checked and updated and serve as a passport.

It will also be compulsory for all this information to be stored on a centralised database for all EU member states. However, these new rules will not come into forces until 2016.

If anyone has any information on the dumped pony they should call the RSPCA on 03001238018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The body of a piebald foal has been found dumped in a ditch in Essex. A passer-by discovered the young horse in a field at the entrance of a field in Woodham Ferrers last Tuesday (22 April) and reported it to the RSPCA.

There were no obvious signs to indicate how the foal may have died, nor any clues to track down the owner.

“It was a very distressing discovery for the member of the public who came upon this poor young horse,” said RSPCA inspector Steve Craddock. “We have no way of knowing where this foal came from, or how he died. It concerns us greatly about the sort of welfare issues that could have caused such a premature death.”

The RSPCA is appealing for information. Tel: 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two emaciated horses left to die in a Buckinghamshire field are facing a brighter future, after their companion was put to sleep due to the severity of her condition.

Officers from the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare found 3 bay mares in a large cornfield near to the M25 in Chalfont St Peter last Friday (21 February). All 3 horses were emaciated and in a terrible condition.

One mare was so weak she had collapsed and was unable to stand. She was euthanased.

The 2 surviving horses — named Pollyanna (above) and Penelope — were taken to The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses in Speen, Buckinghamshire. They are both in a serious condition — one has a bad injury to her hind-leg. They face a long road to recovery, but it is hoped that with expert care and veterinary treatment they will pull through.

The Horse Trust’s chief executive, Jeanette Allen, said: “These mares are very affectionate and have clearly been well-handled, and there are signs that they were cared for in the not-too-distant past.

“The horses have microchips, which should make it easy to detect the owner, but they had not been registered — a problem that we encounter all too often.”

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith, who was first on the scene with World Horse Welfare’s Nick White, said: “This was a horrific situation. It is awful to think that someone no longer wanted these animals and neglected, then dumped them with no thought for their welfare.”

Anyone with information about the horses or who the owners are should contact the RSPCA in confidence on tel: 0300 123 8018.

To follow Penelope and Pollyanna’s progress, visit The Horse Trust’s website www.horsetrust.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RSPCA are appealing for witnesses after a pony’s body was discovered in a canal, near Rugby, last Saturday (7 December).

It is thought the pony may have been dragged to the spot, which is directly opposite a large lay by. It is not clear whether the pony was alive or dead when it entered the water.

“The soil is really disturbed in places, which could mean the pony was alive and had been struggling,” said RSPCA inspector Louise Labram.

“There were also clumps of mane and tail hair in the lay-by and drag marks leading to the towpath.”

Witnesses said that the pony’s body was warm when it was discovered.

“It is awful that a pony has just been dumped in this way and distressing for anyone who sees the body, ” added Inspector Labram.

Dog walkers reported a dark coloured Range Rover in the area at around 7am.

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA inspector information line on 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Life is looking up for a skewbald pony found close to death in a pile of rubbish by the side of a Kent lane last week.

Samantha Skinner was alerted to the dumped pony by a neighbour and took the horse to her stable while they waited for an RSPCA inspector and vet. A vet examination found severe infection in his legs, lice, liver damage and signs of a heart murmur. He was also badly bruised and emaciated. His condition is so poor that the vet has not been able to confirm whether or not he has been gelded.

Because Samantha had taken the pony — now named Poppet — into her care, she has been advised by the RSPCA that he is now her responsibility. She persuaded the charity to pay for a £60 blood test to see whether it was worth saving him, but will have to foot the estimated £500 cost for initial treatment or euthanasia herself.

“I know the RSPCA is inundated, but I am a single mum with £3 in the bank,” said Samantha, who also owns a Hanoverian/Trakehner. “If I hadn’t helped him, the RSPCA would not have gone to him. You don’t walk past something like that. Even if they couldn’t help financially, I’d expect them to offer emotional or physical support. I don’t deal with this kind of case normally.”

An RSPCA press officer told H&H that they understood that the pony “is being cared for by someone who kindly rescued it”.

“We have contributed to his care, organised a vet to attend, and will continue to advise and help where we can,” she said. “Our rehoming centres are full to bursting and the RSPCA is struggling to cope.”

The RSPCA has received 523 horse-related complaints in Kent from January to May; 12,210 nationally.

Samantha took to Facebook to gather support instead — the page now has 500 friends. She has been offered money, rugs, food and physical help to secure a future for the colt. Henry’s Helping Hoof Charity has pledged £250 towards his treatment.

Poppet’s future is assessed on a day-to-day basis.

“Every day the vet finds something new, but he is brighter in himself, and certainly likes food,” said Samantha. “He won’t get better in four weeks, but somehow we’ll find a way to give him the best chance.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RSPCA is appealing for information after three dead horses were found dumped in Hertfordshire in recent weeks.

The discovery of a colt in a ditch near Darnicle Hill on 12 February prompted concerns about what appeared to be a spate of dumpings in the area, the RSPCA said.

A week earlier two dead horses were found about five miles away.

The colt, described as “very young” and with blue baler twine around its neck, appeared to have been dead for some time. RSPCA inspector Tina Ward said it had probably been buried by snow before being spotted by a member of the public.

The RSPCA is working with local police to find information that could lead to prosecutions.

RSPCA spokeswoman Diane Roberts told H&H: “There is evidence that they are not in good condition, that they were not being given the best treatment when they died.

“There are no forensics at the scene, no chips or branding, so we rely on people seeing something that can help us work backwards — what happened in the month before the horse died? Did you see it? When did its condition start to deteriorate, information that may lead to a prosecution.”

If you have any information, contact the RSPCA on: 0300 123 8018.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Glamour girl Jodie Marsh was shocked to find four horses dumped in her garden yesterday morning (Tuesday 8 January).

She tweeted: “Right I know I love animals & I rescue them but…..four ponies have just been dumped in my front garden!!!!!!!”

And the tweet caused Jodie’s rival, horse lover Katie Price, to offer help.

“@JodieMarsh if you ever need help with saving horses I have 52 acres I can help as I’m sure you no I’m a horse lover too x” tweeted Katie.

Essex police later came to collect the horses and corralled them in a neighbouring field, but had no further information available when contacted by H&H.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A foal, who was abandoned with a gaping neck wound, is being treated at Redwings.

The piebald pony, who staff have named Simon, is thought to be less than six months old and was reported to the RSPCA by residents of a council-owned traveller site in Long Lane, Orsett, Essex.

The charity believes his wound was caused by an untreated bite or injury.

“Simon’s neck wound was badly infected and no doubt very painful,” said Redwings field officer Jo Franklin.

“He is only a few months old, and this must have been a very traumatic experience for him.

“The residents of the site had done a great job of keeping him safe and warm until we were able to get there.

“Simon will receive treatment at our centre and then — if his owners do not come forward — will be given a home at Redwings for life and may be re-homed through our Guardianship Scheme once he is old enough.”

The RSPCA is trying to locate Simon’s owners. Anyone with information should ring 0300 1234 999.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Significant numbers of horses are being abandoned as recession bites deeper and bills soar.

This is the sad fact revealed by end of year figures from Britain’s equine charities.

Redwings received reports of 67 abandoned animals in December 2010, up from 16 in the same month in 2009.

Calls are increasing not only from the public, but also from councils and the police, who are finding dumped horses on council and private land.

“This is likely due to the low value of horses,” said Redwings’ Rachel Angell.

“You can buy a pony for less than £5 — we’ve heard of people buying ‘job lots’ and then abandoning some.”

Around 28 horses and ponies were dumped en masse near Pencoed in Wales at the beginning of December. And around 70 abandoned horses were found in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire Council announced on 30 December.

The Horse Trust also witnessed a rise in dumped horses last year, specifcally in Buckinghamshire, spurring them to take in seven for the first time.

“Many simply can’t afford to look after their horse,” said spokesman Liane Crowther.

In December 2009, the RPSCA recorded 72 calls regarding equine abandonments, but last December this was up to 90.

And the Blue Cross is in a similar situation.

“We’ve seen a surge in recent months from people wanting to give up their horses,” said centre manager Vicki Alford.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (27 January, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RSPCA is appealing for information about an emaciated mare and foal who were dumped in a field in Ripley, Surrey.

The bay mare had collapsed and was discovered in a field on Hungry Hill Lane on the morning of 30 December by a member of the public.

It appears the horses were deliberately dumped in the field, which was unlocked.

“The mare could hardly stand so it is very unlikely she strayed into the field. The most likely explanation is that she was dumped from either a lorry or a trailer,” said RSPCA inspector Rob Jackson.

He said the colt was thin, not emaciated, but his mother (pictured, right) was too weak to stand.

“It was touch and go if we would be able to get her standing or whether she would have to be put to sleep,” Inspector Jackson said.

Eventually the mare was able to go in a horsebox and was transported to stables nearby to give her the best possible chance of recovery.

Inspector Jackson said: “I would urge anyone who recognises these ponies or has information about where they came from, or how they came to be in this field, to contact the RSPCA.”

The 14.2hh mare is thought to be aged between seven and nine and has a two-month-old colt at foot. The colt is also bay, with a white star and snip.

Neither of the horses was wearing a headcollar but the mare had a piece of blue rope, like a thick shoelace, tied around her neck.

Abandoning an animal is a criminal offence that can incur fines of up to £20,000 and a six-month prison sentence, so the RSPCA is keen to trace the people responsible for these horses.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the confidential RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Jackson.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a dead foal was found dumped among rubbish in east London.

The skewbald colt was found over the weekend on the road between a Sainsbury’s supermarket and the Docklands Equestrian Centre, in Newham.

A post mortem is being carried out to determine the cause of his death.

RSPCA inspector Dawn Avery said: “We are appealing for anyone who knows anything about this dumped foal to come forward — we would like to know whom he belonged to.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234999.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Essex Horsewatch has put out a further appeal for information after the body of a dead and badly beaten pony was found dumped in a field in Pea Lane, Ockendon.

Valerie Crawford, of the Horsewatch group, said a farmer found the mare in his field, under a pile of wood a week ago.

The skewbald was around 14hh and had feathered front feet.

“The field was close to the road so we believe whoever dumped her may have dragged her into the field from a vehicle,” said Ms Crawford.

The mare, estimated to be 10 years old, had a broken eye socket, which was almost definitely sustained before death.

The mare’s ears had also been ringed in red tape and she had spots of purple spray all over her body.

“We want to find out who attacked her in this way,” said Ms Crawford. “She did not deserve this ill-treatment and must have died in great pain.”

If you have information, contact Essex Horsewatch in confidence at www.essexhorsewatch.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a horse was found dumped in Upminster last week.

The bay mare was found on Wednesday, 20 May, in Sunnings Lane, Upminster.

She had ropes tied to her back legs, but there was no obvious sign of injury. According to RSCPA inspector Andrea Middleton, the horse appeared to be a young animal.

Inspector Middleton said: “This horse appears to have died and then just been dumped by an owner who wanted to save the expense of disposing of it correctly.

“Our worry is that this horse may have suffered before dying and was not given veterinary care.”

According to research done by vet Ben Mayes of the British Equestrian Veterinary Association, the average cost of disposing of a horse is between £300 and £800.

“But unless you send the horse to a hunt kennels, the costs of euthanasia and disposal rarely less than £500,” he said.

An RSPCA spokesman said there have been a number of abandoned horses in recent months.

“We’re not entirely sure why this is the case but we’re keeping an eye on it,” she added.

Anyone with any information on the horse is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234999.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The RSPCA is appealing for the owner of 22 horses left in a field in Watford to come forward after one horse died and another two were found collapsed.

The RSPCA removed the dead body, the two collapsed horses and a third live horse from the field off Hamper Mill Lane, Watford on Friday 19 December.

Seven other horses were removed by bailiffs earlier in the week at the request of the owner of the field, where the horses had been left without permission.

The charity said the horses are being examined and the emaciated body of the dead one will be post-mortemed to establish a cause of death.

The three live horses are also extremely thin, but the cause of the weight loss is currently unknown.

As spokesman said: “The remaining 18 horses are in reasonable bodily condition and the RSPCA will continue to make further visits to the field to monitor them.”

RSPCA inspector James Bromley said: “We are currently investigating how these four horses came to be in such a poor condition. There may be a reasonable explanation so we need to find the owner as soon as possible to rule them out of our investigation.”

Anyone with information about this incident should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A pair of foals has been found abandoned near Grimsdyke Golf Club in Harrow.

The underweight colts were taken into RSPCA care on 13 September and are both suffering with leg injuries.

The foals are aged about six months and neither had been handled.

RSPCA inspector Raquel Schwartcz has appealed for information about the bay pair.

She said: “Both are responding well and staff are pleased. Obviously we would love

to hear from anyone with any information.”

The larger foal has been named Cracker by RSPCA staff. He had a massive absess on his hock which thankfully had not gone into the bone and is being drained.

He is becoming more confident and relaxed.

The other foal, whom they have named Champion, is more nervous and has ligament/tendon damage to its fetlock.

Contact the RSPCA in confidence, on 0300 123 4999.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now