Rescue centre’s “odd couple” find fame

A tiny Shetland foal and a massive 18hh part-bred Shire has been causing a stir at a rescue centre in County Durham.

The two horses formed a touching friendship when they were turned out together – proof that in the horse world at least, size really doesn’t matter.

A touching picture of the two in the centre’s local paper – The Northern Echo – attracted a lot of interest.

“The Shetland, Edwina, is so small I canpick her up,” says Kate Wilson from Ramshaw Rescue Centre, near Bishop Auckland. “We are really pleased with the response. We have managed to find a home for Edwina and five other Shetlands.”

However, Edwina won’t leave the home to go out on loan until she is fully fit. She was rescued from near death after her mother died from neglect.

Trooper, the five-year-old Shire-cross was injured out hunting, but Kate says it is only cosmetic and she is keeping him to ride.

Anyone who is interested in offering one of the 50 other horses at the centre a home should contact Ramshaw Rescue Centre (tel; 01388 834644) or visit www.ramshawrescue.co.uk

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