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Pint-sized pony Pam melts hearts at Somerset rescue centre! 

Shetland pony foal born at centre after her mum was rescued has galloped off with the hearts of everyone she meets.

Posted on 29/10/2025

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A tiny Shetland foal who weighed just 17kg at birth – about the same as a springer spaniel – has been winning hearts left, right and centre since being born at our Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset. 

Pam, who was born in July, is one of the tiniest foals ever seen at the centre in its nearly 20-year history. Her proud mum, Sophie, was rescued in September last year as one of a group of frightened, unhandled ponies – and now both mum and baby are thriving. 

“Pam is an absolute sweetheart – she’s teeny tiny but full of personality,” said Amy McCormack, Yard Supervisor at Glenda Spooner Farm. “By the time she was a month old she was just 22 inches tall and weighed 31kg – still more of a size you’d expect of a large dog than a foal. The other foals born at the farm this summer weigh around twice what she does, so Pam definitely stands out in the paddock!” 

A groom dressed in navy sits down in a stable next to a very small Shetland foal the size of a Spaniel dog.

Tiny she may be, but Pam’s certainly not lacking in character and charm. Her cheeky confidence and adorable looks have made her a firm favourite with visitors, with a long list of people already interested in rehoming her – even though she’s not quite ready yet. 

“I think we’re going to have a lot of disappointed people on our hands when she’s eventually ready for rehoming – everyone wants Pam!” says Amy. 

Pam’s mum Sophie was rescued along with several other ponies last year, with the group unhandled and very nervous around humans when they arrived. But thanks to the expert care of our charity’s dedicated team, the group have been transformed into confident, happy ponies, with a number already enjoying new lives in loving homes. 

A groom dressed in navy stands on a path between paddocks next to a very small Shetland foal the size of a Spaniel dog and her mum, a black Shetland.

Pam had the best start, born in safety and surrounded by love,” says Claire Dickie, Glenda Spooner Farm Centre Manager. “It’s a far cry from the start her mum and so many of the other horses and ponies we rescue have in life.” 

Our charity retains ownership of all the horses we rescue, so Pam and Sophie’s futures are now secured for life. Once successfully rehabilitated, we find loving homes for the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who come into our care.   

Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can explore the farm, enjoy a coffee and, of course, meet the ponies! Find out more and book a visit! 

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