A herd of Welsh mountain ponies have gone from strength-to-strength since they were taken in by a charity.
Dorrito
HAPPA (The Horses and Ponies Protection Association) took part in a multi-agency rescue of over 40 ponies and some were taken to the charity’s base to begin their new lives.
Staff named the ponies after some of their favourite crisps — “we must have done this before lunch,” they joked — and updated supporters on their progress.
Skip
“HAPPA Skip has been weaned and is enjoying getting used to being bathed and pampered,” they said. “She is enjoying playing out with the other two yearlings, HAPPA Dorito and Buddy.
“She is still a little nervous and unsure of things but growing in confidence.”
She is now available on HAPPA’s Temporary Foster Care Scheme and you can see all the details here.
Dorito
Wotsit
HAPPA Dorito has recently been gelded.
“He is a sweet boy who also loves being bathed and pampered,” staff said. “Everyday his confidence grows and he will now approach the public to say hello when they are at his stable door.
“He enjoys playing out with HAPPA Buddy and Skip, but prefers Skip as she is more his size.”
Dorito is also now looking for a Temporary Foster Care Home.
Wotsit
HAPPA Wotsit (AKA Little Wotsit) has settled into life at the farm very well, according to staff.
“He has enjoyed his first bath and loves being brushed,” they said.
“Wotsit has also made a BFF with HAPPA Frosty and enjoys playing with him in the Crew Barn.
Skip
“Wotsit will be assessed for his suitability for ridden work after being given a bit more time to settle in.”
McCoy
HAPPA McCoy (pictured top) has settled in well, getting used to being handled on a daily basis.
“He wasn’t keen on having his feet picked out and needed a lot of time spent with him, but he is now happy having his feet picked out daily and is improving with the farrier,” said staff.
McCoy will be up for rehoming shortly.
Pom-Bear and Mini Cheddar
One of the rescue ponies has had a foal since being taken in by HAPPA and both mum and baby are thriving.
“HAPPA Pom-Bear has settled in at HAPPA nicely and has also had her foal, the incredibly cute, Mini Cheddar,” staff said.
Pom-Bear and Mini Cheddar
“Pom-Bear has been a fantastic mum and has been very protective of Mini Cheddar. Before having Mini Cheddar she did manage to have a bath and a clean-up. Pom-Bear is not keen on having her feet picked out but has improved.
“Mini Cheddar is doing well, growing daily and becoming quite a character. Pom-Bear will be up for rehoming as a companion after Mini Cheddar has been weaned in the summer.”
Pringle
HAPPA Pringle was the most nervous and “completely feral” when she arrived at HAPPA.
“She is now happy with being handled every day and able to go out in our Crew Barn,” said staff.
“Pringle can be groomed on her neck and shoulders and is progressing slowly. She still has a long way to go, but we are very proud of her progress so far.”
Pringle
The ponies are living at HAPPA’s Shores Hey Farm, Burnley in Lancashire. They were among those taken in after by rescue charities after the sudden death of their owner.
HAPPA worked alongside World Horse Welfare to roundup the herd.
“It is always a pleasure working alongside World Horse Welfare supporting them, offering our resources and enabling such great team work,” said Tracy Heaton, Equine Inspector from HAPPA. “Especially in today’s difficult equine welfare climate, working in partnership is key to getting the job done.
“Any task involving the round up of large groups can be extremely challenging and is reliant on a knowledgeable, proficient team working in harmony with each other; likewise, HAPPA equally works with World Horse Welfare calling on their resources to assist us on equine operations where necessary.”
