The story so far
Piebald Cob cross Gelding, Ludo, was found abandoned alongside his companion, 7.3hh Chestnut Miniature Shetland Gelding, Sir Didymus. They were both in poor condition. Ludo was underweight and had engine oil poured over his head, back and shoulders and Sir Didymus required immediate medical care.
The pair stayed together at the sanctuary on their arrival, finding comfort in one another, sleeping and eating together. Their bond was important to them and to our grooms; however, as they grew older the pair temporarily had differing grazing needs. The decision was made to move Ludo to our smaller Yelverton Sanctuary, where he could form bonds with our other ponies, and Sir Didymus would stay with our ‘mini-herd.’
While Ludo and Didy spent time apart, they continued to grow in confidence within their new herds. Sir Didymus made good friends with other Shetlands, Pickle, Zebedee and Lola, whilst Ludo became good friends with Stanley, one of our other sponsorship ponies. Today, their needs have aligned again, and they are able to be reunited with each other.
Fiona joined our team in 2023, where previously, she worked with us and freelanced in photography for equines, dogs and people. Fiona captured the beauty and respect of our horses our ponies so wonderfully. Her knowledge and understanding of all creatures, big and small, has been a wonderful asset to our content creation team.
“I first met Ludo and Sir Didymus (Didy) in 2016, shortly after they arrived in the Sanctuary’s care. Their story touched me deeply. Having only recently started working with the Sanctuary, I had not yet been exposed to cases like theirs. To meet them in person and witness their calm, gentle natures despite the condition they had arrived in was incredibly moving.”
Watch Ludo and Sir Didymus’ journey in our latest YouTube video
The Journey of Sir Didymus and Ludo
A new chapter in Ludo and Sir Didymus’ journey
Fiona loved photographing both Ludo and Sir Didymus. She recalls one day, where Sir Didymus was having so much fun with his exercise ball she laughed until she cried! She knew over the years that she would love to give them a home for life.
Fiona already has two horses, Dusty and Noodle, living on her yard. Ludo and Sir Didymus will be joining them in adjacent fields until they feel settled with Dusty and Noodle.
After keeping horses since she was a child, Fiona is well versed in equine behaviour. Working alongside them in her photography business has also provided her with excellent knowledge and understanding of horses and their personalities.
Though Ludo and Sir Didymus will be missed at our Sanctuary, we know that they are now ready to settle with Fiona at her home, and we look forward to sharing updates.
