Rugs galore for Shetland ponies at Shropshire rescue centre

The 21 Shetland ponies which arrived into the care of RSPCA Gonsal Farm Equine Centre in Shrewsbury have seen their luck change as they have been given brand new rugs to beat the cold weather.

The Shetlands, which arrived in Shrewsbury earlier in autumn, are building up their strength after suffering neglect but things are again looking up as they have been given the new rugs to keep them warm in the build up to Christmas.

Eight rugs have been given to the team at Gonsal Farm for a specially reduced price by Leicestershire-based Ruggles Horse Rugs.

Kate Clement, equine yard manager at RSPCA Gonsal Farm, said they were grateful to Ruggles Horse Rugs for their help.

She said: "It was a shock to suddenly receive the 21 Shetlands all at once, but they needed care immediately so we had to make room.

"We didn't have quite enough rugs for them all, and though Shetlands wouldn't normally need a rug in most circumstances due to their thick coats, these were in such a bad state of neglect they needed the extra layer to keep them warm now the weather has turned colder. We contacted Ruggles and they kindly let us have the rugs at a discounted price, and even one free.

"We are so grateful to Ruggles Horse Rugs for helping us out."

The herd of Shetlands, which are a range of different ages, are still underweight and the team at RSPCA Gonsal Farm are working around the clock to help build them back to strength.

Diane Leake of Ruggles Horse Rugs said she was only too happy to help: "We are a small company but I always try to help out animals charities where I can. When my team and I had the call from the team at Gonsal Farm and heard about the Shetlands, we wanted to help them out.

"As the doting owner of a miniature Shetland myself, I do have a partiality to them!"

With the help of two other RSPCA inspectors and a team from Gonsal Farm, RSPCA inspector David McCartney collected the group of initially 28 Shetland ponies back in October - seven of which were taken into the care of World Horse Welfare.

He said: "A great effort from our equine team saw these ponies safely and quickly collected, 21 of which were transported to Gonsal Farm.

"They are receiving the best of care there, including three meals a day and as much hay as they can eat. I am very hopeful that in time they will each find loving new homes."

The Shetlands will be looking for new homes in the future so potential, new loving owners can register their interest by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/rehomeahorse