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Ponies Brussel and Santa spring back to life after terrible start

Rachael Turner Rachael Turner

    • Brussel before 3[1]Two ponies found close to death’s door have been given a new start in life.

    Two-year-old piebald colt Brussel was found collapsed in a field just after Christmas in 2013.

    He was cared for in equine hospital for two weeks (pictured, right) before spending some time at a private boarding establishment for further recuperation. He then moved to the RSPCA’s Felledge Equine Centre in Co. Durham at the end of April this year.

    Santa before 1[2]13hh dark bay colt Santa was found emaciated and alone in a field in Seaham, Co. Durham last December (pictured, right).

    “He had been left alone to stray, but when I managed to find him on that very cold, very dark evening, he was in an allotment,” said inspector Helen Nedley.

    “He was so thin that his hips, ribs and spine could easily be seen, and he had no access to grazing, food or water.”

    The now three-year-old was taken into RSPCA care at Felledge and over the next few weeks he began to put on weight.

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    “Fortunately once police seized him, his owner signed him over to our care. He was so good to handle, such a quiet pony,” added Ms Nedley.

    Both ponies are now ready to be rehomed.

    “Brussel is good with other horses in the field, and he really loves to be handled,” said Felledge yard manager Lisa Paulin.

    “We think he will grow to about 14hh and he is looking for an experienced home with someone who has the knowledge to bring him on into work when he is old enough. He could be fostered or adopted at this stage; we would just like to see him in a loving home as soon as possible.”

    Santa is also hoped to make a riding pony in the future.

    “We have just started bringing him into work with some in-hand exercise, and he’s been such a good boy, it looks like he’s going to be very straightforward to bring on,” added Ms Paulin.

    For more information about Santa and Brussel contact Lisa Paulin by calling 03001230724.

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