Shocking case of neglect leads to Sherbert the Shetland finding a loving new home

Shetland ‘Sherbert’ was one of 13 equines we rescued in a multi-agency operation to recover animals from a centre in Par, Cornwall in 2022. The rescue was an exceptional example of multi-agency rescue work provided by National Equine Welfare Council members including The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, The RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary and The Horse Trust.

Many of the equines found at the ‘Family Nest Therapy CIC’ were in a very poor state with severe malnourishment, conjunctivitis, lice, worm burden, overgrown hooves, heart conditions, alopecia, anaemia and chronic inflammation. Their bones showed through their skin, and some were covered in paint brush marks from children’s parties. Some ponies were showing signs of severe depression. Sentencing those responsible to suspended prison sentences and bans on keeping animals, Judge Simon Carr said it was one of the worst cases of animal neglect he had ever seen.

 

Our Sanctuary Care Team spent more than a year nursing the 12 surviving ponies and horses back to health. Each had an individual recovery plan tailored to their specific needs, including veterinary visits, medication and food supplements. They also required extensive behavioural training.

After such a traumatic start to her young life, four-year-old Sherbert will always have lifelong sanctuary with us. But after recovering and fully regaining her health, her carers at Honeysuckle rehabilitation yard felt Sherbert would benefit from one-to-one care with an experienced pony handler as part of the charity’s Sanctuary at Home loan scheme.

A loving new home

Following a widely publicised search for her perfect new home, Sherbert has finally settled into a wonderful new life with a new Sanctuary at Home carer, Christina from South Wales.

‘I’ve always loved horses’ says Christina. ‘I’d been looking after four Shetlands for a friend, but last year we lost three, leaving me heartbroken. Flora, our 32-year-old Shetland, was especially affected after losing her companions.

‘In a thoughtful gesture, my husband and friend looked into adopting a pony to cheer me up and provide companionship for Flora. We have a house full of rescued ginger-coloured pets and, combined with such a fitting description of her personality, Sherbert seemed the perfect fit. I eagerly searched for photos. The rescue images were heartbreaking but seeing her thrive at the Sanctuary showed the incredible work of the team. I knew she’d feel safe in a loving home.

‘When I met Sherbert for the first time, I cried tears of joy. As I entered her stable, her sweet little nose reached out for attention. Despite her past, she was a cuddly ball of fluff. I couldn’t believe how much she loved human interaction after everything she had been through. We walked her up to the field, but Sherbert had no interest in walking away from us when I took her head collar off. Cuddles (or in Welsh, “cwtches”) won over grass!

‘She definitely has a big personality. She follows me around the stables and is very good at finding all the food. I’m in a much better habit of shutting the feed room door now. It feels like she’s always been here. We enjoy walks in the nearby forest, and she loves splashing in the stream.

‘Sherbert has also helped Flora regain her spirit. It didn’t take them long to be inseparable, and it was a really magical moment when they first started grooming each other. Being with Sherbert has transformed Flora in ways I never thought possible. Flora was with elderly companions before, so a four-year-old has given her a new lease of life – they love running around the field together.

‘Sherbert has truly won my heart, and I can’t imagine life without her. Thank you to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary for making this possible.’

More than 400 of our equines are looked after by dedicated carers living across the Southwest. Director of Fundraising and Communications, Dawn Vincent, says the Sanctuary is incredibly grateful to Christina and everyone who supports the scheme: ‘By rehoming a pony, carers are directly supporting our mission by allowing us to rescue more horses and ponies in serious welfare situations. We rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts, and we are so grateful to every one of our supporters for their kindness. Every contribution is crucial in helping us to rescue and support hundreds of horses and ponies, and make sure they receive the care and compassion they deserve.’