Rescue Shetlands get new rugs for Christmas

A herd of Shetlands rescued by the RSPCA have been given new rugs in time for Christmas.

Bad state

A total of 21 pint-sized ponies arrived at Gonsal Farm Equine Centre in Dorrington, Leicestershire earlier this autumn, after suffering neglect

“We didn’t have quite enough rugs for them all, and though Shetlands wouldn’t normally need a rug in most circumstances due to their thick coats, these were in such a bad state of neglect they needed the extra layer to keep them warm,” explained Kate Clement, equine yard manager at RSPCA.

Shetland fan

The charity contacted local horse rug company Ruggles who gave them eight rugs at a discounted price, and one for free.

“We are a small company but I always try to help out animals charities where I can,” said Diane Leake of Ruggles. “As the doting owner of a miniature Shetland myself, I do have a partiality to them!”

Round-the-clock care

A total of 28 Shetland ponies were rescued in October, bythree RSPCA inspectors and a team from Gonsal Farm.

Seven of them were taken into the care of World Horse Welfare, while the remaining ponies went to Gonsal Farm. They are receiving round-the-clock care to help them put weight on, with three meals a day and as much hay as they can eat.

The Shetlands will be looking for new homes in the future and anyone interested can register with the RPSCA.