Appeal to find owners of Shetland ponies

Appeal to find owners of Shetland ponies

21.03.22

close-up of male shetland pony standing in a field © RSPCA
We're investigating after taking two Shetland ponies - one with seriously overgrown hooves - into care.

Our officers were called to a field in Wimborne, Dorset, on Friday (11 March) by World Horse Welfare officers. One of the officers, Inspector Graham Hammond, said: "World Horse Welfare officers contacted us with concerns about a little roan-coloured Shetland pony.

close-up of long hoof of rescued male adult shetland pony © RSPCA"He had extremely long untrimmed hooves which we suspect had not been seen by a farrier for years. The pony was struggling to walk and was clearly suffering."

Together our officers and World Horse Welfare managed to catch the pony, called out a vet and a farrier to see him. 

The pony - a gelded male, adult Shetland who is less than 10-years-old and is roan-coloured and not microchipped - was taken into our care.Graham said:

We took the pony, who has been named Rocky, for urgent veterinary care. He's had X-rays, pain relief and emergency remedial farrier trimming. Now I'd like to find out who owns this little pony and has allowed him to get into such a state.

Anyone who knows who owns this pony or is responsible for his care, please contact the RSPCA's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

A number of horses were removed from the field and taken into our care, including Rocky and another Shetland pony.

overweight and long hooved rescued adult shetland pony © RSPCAThe second pony - a bay adult gelding, no older than 10 - was found to be overweight and his hooves needed trimming by the farrier. He has been named Apollo and is also receiving care from vets.

Graham is also appealing to find out who owns Apollo.

The ponies will remain in our care while investigations are ongoing. If they are not claimed they will be made available for rehoming once the vet and farrier has given them a clean bill of health.

To help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals, like Apollo and Rocky, please donate online or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.