A young abandoned pony, which was found wandering the streets of Potton, has been made the focus of an animal welfare charity’s Christmas appeal.

The Comet: Colin the abandoned pony, pictured in Potton on Chris' first visit in early 2018. Picture: Chris ShawColin the abandoned pony, pictured in Potton on Chris' first visit in early 2018. Picture: Chris Shaw (Image: Archant)

Colin the pony was found in a poor condition with no food, water or shelter earlier this year, after a member of the public called the World Horse Welfare line to report concerns for horses which were straying on to the roads in the town.

One of the charity’s field officers Chris Shaw visited and spotted Colin in a poor condition.

The Comet: Colin has settled into his new home at Hall Farm in Norfolk, after being rescued by World Horse Welfare. Picture: Laura BeckColin has settled into his new home at Hall Farm in Norfolk, after being rescued by World Horse Welfare. Picture: Laura Beck (Image: Laura Beck)

Enquiries were made, but he was unable to find the owner.

When he revisited a few weeks later, Colin’s condition had deteriorated and he had been causing problems on busy roads.

The Comet: Colin was in a poor condition when he first arrived at Hall Farm in Norfolk after being rescued by World Horse Welfare. Picture: World Horse WelfareColin was in a poor condition when he first arrived at Hall Farm in Norfolk after being rescued by World Horse Welfare. Picture: World Horse Welfare (Image: Archant)

Chris said: “On my most recent visit, Colin was alone with no equine companion and appeared to have no one to care for him, instead he was just left to his own devices.

“He was underweight and suffering from a lice infestation, plus he wasn’t being kept in an enclosed space so was a real risk of injuring himself or causing an accident.” Chris was told that Colin had learnt the school finishing times, and would make his way to the local school and wait at the gates to find food.

The Comet: Colin was in a poor condition when he first arrived at Hall Farm in Norfolk after being rescued by World Horse Welfare. Picture: World Horse WelfareColin was in a poor condition when he first arrived at Hall Farm in Norfolk after being rescued by World Horse Welfare. Picture: World Horse Welfare (Image: Archant)

He also found where other horses were kept, a would go and stand with them for companionship.

“Colin’s hooves were splitting as they had not been trimmed and given that no owner could be found, we worked with the local council to have Colin signed over into our care,” Chris added.

The Comet: Colin the abandoned pony, pictured in Potton on Chris' first visit in early 2018. Picture: Chris ShawColin the abandoned pony, pictured in Potton on Chris' first visit in early 2018. Picture: Chris Shaw (Image: Archant)

“He was in such a sorry state when we found him so it’s really heartwarming to see him looking so healthy, happy and full of life now – living exactly as a young pony like him should be.”

Since being in the care of World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm in Norfolk, he has thrived and made friends with the other ponies.

The Comet: Colin has now been rehabilitated after being abandoned in Potton. Picture: Basil Hayes, World Horse WelfareColin has now been rehabilitated after being abandoned in Potton. Picture: Basil Hayes, World Horse Welfare (Image: WORLD HORSE WELFARE)

“Seeing horses transformed in the way that Colin has been is what makes my job so worthwhile and keeps me going every day,” Chris added.

“There are so many horses just like Colin who need our help both at Christmas and all year round so I’d ask anyone who is able to spare a few pounds to donate to World Horse Welfare’s Christmas appeal and enable us to change the lives of even more horses and ponies.”

The Comet: Colin has now been rehabilitated and is the face of the charity's Christmas appeal. Picture: Basil Hayes, World Horse WelfareColin has now been rehabilitated and is the face of the charity's Christmas appeal. Picture: Basil Hayes, World Horse Welfare (Image: WORLD HORSE WELFARE)

To find out more about Colin and the World Hose Welfare, or to donate, go to worldhorsewelfare.org/Home.

The Comet: Colin has now been rehabilitated and is the face of the charity's Christmas appeal. Picture: Basil Hayes, World Horse WelfareColin has now been rehabilitated and is the face of the charity's Christmas appeal. Picture: Basil Hayes, World Horse Welfare (Image: WORLD HORSE WELFARE)