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A pony with hooves so long they were starting to curl up like “Turkish slippers” has been found in Devon.
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a small grey mare around 11hh was found on a path in a woods near Bridford on 17 February.
A member of the public caught the pony and put her in a barn for safety before calling the RSPCA.
The pony is thought to be at least eight years old.
She was in good bodily condition but her hooves were very long — making it difficult and painful for her to walk.
An x-ray confirmed that the pressure of having long feet has caused some movement in the pedal bones but this has not broken through the foot — which would have meant her being put down.
RSPCA inspector Marija Zwager said: “The vet believes this poor creature’s feet had not been trimmed for three or four years.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Both her front and back feet were very long and although she could still walk she would not have been able to get very far so we think that she has either escaped from somewhere nearby or she was deliberately abandoned, probably by whoever allowed her to get into this state.”
The pony, which has been named Delilah, is currently being cared for at the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter in Exeter.
Inspector Zwager added: “This little pony is very friendly and is clearly used to being around people, so somebody must recognise her and have information about where she comes from.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA on: 0300 1234 999.
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.