Shetland ponies found in field with overgrown hooves

RSPCA officers were called to a field in Wimborne on Friday, March 11, by World Horse Welfare officers.

One of the RSPCA’s officers, Inspector Graham Hammond, said: “World Horse Welfare officers contacted us with concerns about a little roan-coloured Shetland pony.

“He had extremely long untrimmed hooves which we suspect had not been seen by a farrier for years. The pony was struggling to walk and was clearly suffering.”

Officers from the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare managed to catch the pony and called out a vet and a farrier to see him.

READ MORE: Natural History Museum to investigate dead dolphin at Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth

READ MORE: Loving animals in need of a forever home

The pony - a gelded male, adult Shetland who is less than 10-years-old and is roan-coloured and not microchipped - was taken into RSPCA care.

Rocky's grown out hooves

Graham said: “We took the pony, who has been named Rocky, for urgent veterinary care. He’s had X-rays, pain relief and emergency remedial farrier trimming.

“Now I’d like to find out who owns this little pony and has allowed him to get into such a state."

A number of horses were removed from the field and taken into RSPCA care, including Rocky and another Shetland pony.

The second pony - a bay adult gelding, no older than 10 - was found to be overweight and his hooves needed trimming by the farrier.

He has been named Apollo and is also receiving care from vets.

Graham is also appealing to find out who owns Apollo.

Apollo

He said: “Anyone who knows who owns this pony or is responsible for his care, please contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The ponies will remain in RSPCA care while investigations are ongoing. If they are not claimed they will be made available for rehoming once the vet and farrier has given them a clean bill of health.