Family of Elderly Shetland Ponies Rehomed

Damson, April and Mopsey find sanctuary at the horse charity in Buttsbury, near Ingatestone in Essex.

Three elderly Shetland Ponies, all in their thirties, have been rehomed at Remus Horse Sanctuary after their owner was struggling to look after them. Damson (38 years old), mother of April (32 years old) and aunt to Mopsey (36 years old) will be loved and cared for at the Sanctuary and receive the required medication to manage their various ailments.

At present the girls are in isolation whilst tests are being carried out to ascertain their needs – elderly horse care is a specialty at the Sanctuary. As horses and ponies get older it is vital owners are aware of their changing needs – in particular their teeth, diet, stabling and general healthcare.

The picture shows these delightful little girls from left to right: Damson, mother of foal April, and her niece Mopsey. Damson suffers from Cushings’ disease (PPID), which she is being treated for, and Laminitis. Due to her thick Cushingoid coat she has been clipped.

The previous owner, an elderly lady who was struggling to look after the ponies and her own sickly mother at the same time, contacted founder Sue Burton to see if the charity could help.

“It broke her heart to part with them, but she had the strength to make the right decision by them and let them come to Remus,” said Sue.

Extensive blood tests are required on all new animals at the Sanctuary. They have had their first Strangles test which came back clear. Once the second test is completed and they have the all-clear, they will be able to go out into the paddocks, meet the other ponies and live the rest of their lives together.

“Damson, April and Mopsey are such delightful little girls! They’ve always been together and, by coming to Remus, we will ensure they stay together.

“At the moment, this is quite a change for them, and Damson is quiet and quite nervous. April the youngest and by far the spriteliest has a lot of character and is the most confident. Mopsey is quiet and timid, she’s still not sure of us.

‘All three love their food and are eating well, which is always a good sign. We’re really looking forward to seeing how they develop and settle in at Remus.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to support the ongoing care of Damson, April and Mopsey at the Sanctuary can do so online or direct to the charity. Details can be found at: www.remussanctuary.org/donate. People can also find out about sponsoring the newly homed Shetland Ponies here: www.remussanctuary.org/how-you-can-help/sponsor.

For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.