Two horses rescued from a field in Lincolnshire last summer thanks to Horse & Hound’s online forum users have a safe home for life.
The emaciated horses, nicknamed Carrot and Spud, were rescued by the British Horse Society, police and the RSPCA after concerns about their welfare heightened in September during Burghley Horse Trials.
The owner of the horses has now signed them over to the RSPCA, and a permanent home has been found for them at the Bransby Home of Rest for Horses.
Since their rescue in September, Carrot and Spud have undergone intensive rehabilitation and dedicated nursing.
A spokesman for Bransby said: “They have made an amazing recovery back to full health — everyone is amazed at the pair’s fighting spirit.
“Staff are overjoyed with the news [that the horses will stay at Bransby permanently], as they have become firm favourites.”
Alarms had been raised about the geldings before they were rescued in September with World Horse Welfare. But the charity said although it had made checks on the horses with a vet, its hands were tied by law.
In September, a concerned member of the public sought advice from users of the Horse & Hound forum, and support was mobilised. The same day as the query was first raised, the horses were removed from their field in Stamford.
The photographs show Carrot and Spud on arrival at Bransby (above), and then only four months later after correct specialist care (pictured below).
A just-giving website, set up by H&H forum members to raise money for the ponies, was flooded by donations and has so far raised over £1,700. To donate, visit, http://www.justgiving.com/stamford-horses