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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
To find out more about Colin and the World Hose Welfare, or to donate, go to worldhorsewelfare.org/Home.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here