Dumped and used for target practice  

A young skewbald pony abandoned near an industrial estate in October last year has been transformed in the care of our Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset.

The yearling colt, named Toby, was found by our charity in February after spending months fending for himself in a flood run-off zone by the side of a road. Local residents were so concerned that the council, police and RSPCA also received calls about him, including harrowing reports of Toby being chased by youths at night, with rocks and bottles thrown at him. Now, after seven months of expert care at our Somerset centre, Toby is happy, healthy and on his way to a new home of his own.  

World Horse Welfare Field Officer Chris Shaw was alerted to Toby’s plight after we received a welfare report about the colt.

“One caller reported that Toby was so weak that he was no longer even reacting to objects being thrown at him, which was just heartbreaking to hear,” says Chris. “After visits from the various organisations he’d been reported to, we were all in agreement that Toby had to be rescued.

“A Control of Horses Act notice was issued and once it was clear that Toby really had been abandoned, I got him taken to safety as soon as possible. The young pony was underweight and weak, so he spent a week at a holding yard to build up his strength before he was transported to our charity’s Somerset rescue and rehoming centre. 

“I saw him recently and couldn’t believe how much he’s changed from the poor little scrap we rescued from that awful site. He’s blossomed into a stunning young pony and his cheeky character has really come out.” 

At Glenda Spooner Farm, groom Grace has cared for Toby since he arrived. She said:

“It’s always amazing to see horses and ponies transform, but Toby’s story really does tug at the heartstrings. How anyone could treat him like that is beyond me, but now we can’t wait to see him thrive in a home of his own.” 

We are delighted that Toby has recently found a loving new home through our rehoming scheme. If you are interested in giving any of our rehabilitated horses, ponies, donkeys and mules a wonderful new home too, please visit our rehoming pages to see all the horses ready for rehoming and to find out more.