Ruby the famous ‘train pony’ now has a foal
Ruby, the Welsh Sec A pony who hit the headlines earlier this year when her then owner tried to take her on a train, has given birth to a healthy colt foal.
The 12.2hh mare became an internet phenomenon after CCTV footage of traveller Joe Purcell, 68, based in Wrexham, trying to board a Holyhead train with her in tow appeared on the web.
The duo were also filmed in a lift at the station after being turned away from the local A&E department and spotted in their local pub.
Ruby was taken by the RSPCA after she was found grazing on council land near Wrexham’s Maelor Hospital on 31 May and Mr Purcell handed over ownership to his friend and chairman of the North East Bridleways Association Michelle Crowther in June.
And now the pony’s latest adventure is as mother to an as yet un-named skewbald colt, born two weeks ago.
Michelle told a local newspaper: “He’s very shy at the moment because Ruby is very protective and keeps pushing him behind her so he’s safe.
“She’s a really good mother and looks after him really well.”
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Picture by Andrew Price/Viewfinderpictures
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A self-confessed newshound, farmer’s daughter and journalist of many years' experience, Charlotte worked on regional papers before joining H&H in 2007. A regular rider, she visited Ireland in 2010 to investigate the fate of Irish horses through the recession, to much acclaim, and reported from the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. She left Horse & Hound in March 2013.