Elf was rescued by the RSPCA with his mum when he was just five or six months old.

The pair hadn’t received adequate care from their previous owners and it was clear that Elf had never been handled.

Elf’s mum was very poorly with a heavy worm burden which was eating into her intestines and vital organs. Sadly she was unable to be saved and timid Elf was left a lonely young orphan.

Meet Elf

Elf is a bay coloured, now 10-month-old, pony with two white rear feet. He’s a Welsh type so he’s reasonably fine but he’s got a little bit of feather.

He is currently about 12hh but will make about 14.1hh, so a good little riding pony.

When Elf came into the care of our Felledge Equine Centre, located just south of Newcastle Upon Tyne, his behaviour around people was erratic and unpredictable.

Thankfully, after a few months of patient care he became calmer and more confident, however orphaned Elf was still too young to be rehomed.

What Elf needed was somewhere safe where he could grow up feeling loved.

In steps our young horse foster carer

Nicola Wayman has owned horses for 10 years. As her children grew and moved away, her own horse, 20-year-old Welsh cob-cross Roley, was left alone.
 

Nicola wanted to find Roley company, but didn't feel she could make the long-term commitment of taking on another horse. So, she decided to become one of our fantastic foster carers.

Nicola is now fostering Elf, her third foster pony, on behalf of our Felledge Equine Centre. She says:

My cob is elderly in comparison so he makes Elf feel safe - having an older influence in his life is a bit like having an uncle.

Roley can teach Elf appropriate behaviour and socialise him through natural behaviour.

And in return Elf is keeping Roley young - as he’s quite playful.

He encourages Roley to do things he wouldn’t do otherwise - like having a run around the field.

Become one of our fantastic foster carers

If you would like to become one of our fantastic foster carers:

• Use the 'Find a horse' search on the right of this page and take a look at some of our horses and ponies available for fostering and adoption. With so many to choose from you're bound to find the right one for you!
   
• Find out how to apply.
  Check our criteria for horse fosterers and complete our online application form.
   

Other ways to help

Our busy equine centres are always in need of equipment to help care for horses and ponies.

• Find out how you can donate tack.
  
  Or
   
• Make a monetary donation online.

Thank you.