Five ponies, including a filly, who were discovered crammed on a transporter alongside 21 other horses are now available for rehoming through World Horse Welfare. The ‘Dover 26’ were rescued after they were discovered by authorities being illegally smuggled out of Dover port, with some believed to be destined for a European slaughterhouse.
Several in the group were found without the necessary paperwork and were suffering from health issues, making them unfit to travel. One was in such poor condition she had to be put to sleep to avoid any further suffering. The rescued horses and ponies were taken into World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk where they have been receiving ongoing care and rehabilitation programmes.
Despite their traumatic experiences, the group has made a remarkable recovery. Now, the first five – Crocus, Dior, Foxy, Heyday and Mair – are ready to find loving new homes.
“I remember so clearly the arrival of the Dover 26, they were so frightened and they’d clearly all been through a harrowing experience,” said Lizzie Bird, Assistant Farm Manager at Hall Farm, said. “Soon after they arrived, we found that the group was carrying Equine Influenza and the outbreak forced the farm to go into lockdown while the horses were treated.
“Since then, we have worked hard to build their trust in people with careful handling and dedicated care. We are delighted that the first of the group are ready to rehome. All five mares deserve a second chance in a home with a sympathetic rehomer where they can feel safe and secure.”
Meet the five ponies ready for rehoming:
Crocus, a 14-year-old mare, who stands at 12hh
“Crocus was one of 26 horses cruelly crammed into a lorry to be illegally exported from the UK,” explained World Horse Welfare. “This might explain why she is now so reluctant to catch from the field. We have to bring her buddy in and Crocus will then follow her into the stable. Once in the stable she will do whatever is asked of her. Although a bit anxious and jumpy, she will stand to be groomed and she is good for the vet and farrier. Overall Crocus is a very sweet pony but it takes time to gain her trust, possibly due to her past. She is also quite head shy so it is necessary to go gently and quietly with the head collar. Crocus would benefit from a quiet home and a regular routine so she knows what to expect. She will need a sympathetic handler to gain her trust at her pace. It would be an advantage to have the facilities to gently herd her into a smaller space and not rush or force her in any way. With time and patience Crocus could blossom into a lovely little non-ridden companion to others.”
Dior, a two-year-old 12.1hh mare
“She loves people and attention and is proving to be a very affectionate little mare,” said World Horse Welfare. “Dior is a confident soul who is generally good to handle with a sweet nature. She mixes well with others and has easily integrated into her herd. After the horrors she has endured we are looking for a home where Dior can feel safe and secure. She may have the potential to be backed to ride in the future depending on how she develops. In this case she will require a rehomer with previous experience of backing and producing ponies to ride and she will have a maximum rider weight limit of 6.5 to 7 stones. Alternatively, we are equally happy for Dior to remain as a non-ridden companion in a caring home where she can just kick up her heels and enjoy life to the full.”
Foxy, a 14-year-old mare, who stands at 13.2hh
“We can only begin to imagine what horrors she endured on that journey, so it is not surprising Foxy is reluctant to be caught now,” explained World Horse Welfare. “She is quite a nervous pony and a bit of a worrier. However, once caught she is a sweet pony and generally good to handle. She has been very good for our vet, farrier and equine dentist which all points to her being a sensible pony with a willing nature. Foxy tends to keep herself to herself in the herd although she does get on with others. It is hoped that once she is in a loving home with a regular routine Foxy will overcome her anxiety at being approached when loose in the field and start to relax more. She will be best suited to a small, quiet yard with a sympathetic handler who is prepared to spend time encouraging her to approach humans herself rather than be ‘caught’. Foxy is not suitable to ride but she certainly deserves to be given a second chance as a non-ridden companion.”
Heyday is a 11.2hh mare, who is four
“Only she knows what happened in her past, and it is particularly sad when you see what a sweet natured mare she is,” explained World Horse Welfare. “Although quite sensitive, Heyday is a fairly calm, inquisitive pony who has been easy to handle. Despite a little wary at first, Heyday appears to really enjoy human contact when she gets to know you. Heyday is not suitable to ride but she could make a lovely non-ridden companion who will bring a lot of joy to her new home.”
Mair is a one-year-old filly, who stands at 11.1hh
“It is really shocking to know this tiny young filly was one of 26 horses crammed into a lorry to be illegally smuggled from the UK,” explained World Horse Welfare. She is only a baby and unbelievable she has gone through so much already at her tender age. Despite everything she is proving to be a bright little thing who is generally good to handle and a quick learner. As Mair is young she can display some excitable behaviour, so it is important she has the right guidance to channel her energy in the best direction.
“Bad habits are as easily formed as good ones at this age! Mair is a friendly filly in the field, and she gets on well with most in her herd. Mair might have the potential to be brought into work when she is older although this will depend very much on how she develops as she grows. Mair is unlikely to be more than 12.0hh when fully grown as her mother is quite small. If ridden Mair would have a maximum rider weight limit of 4.5 to 5 stones. We are happy for Mair to be rehomed purely as a non-ridden companion for life, but ideally with a person who has previous experience of foals or youngsters.”
World Horse Welfare has recently launched a campaign to urge supporters and animal-lovers to write to their MP to speak out against horse smuggling in the UK Parliament. Take part by visiting World Horse Welfare’s website here.
