Troubled horses need exceptional homes

Horses and ponies, as prey animals, are by nature creatures of flight. For some, the flight instinct is heightened because of bad treatment, eventually causing them to distrust humans. While many may be won round with kind, consistent and experienced handling, others will remain anxious and troubled, lacking the confidence ever to become safe riding horses. However they can offer very rewarding roles as companions.

Many ponies and cobs currently in our care have been so badly neglected and abused in the past, they will never be able to be ridden yet still have plenty of affection and pleasure to give as companions. Horses and ponies are herd animals and are usually much happier and more relaxed with company of their own kind. In some cases having three or more rather than just two means there is always company for those left behind when one is being ridden?

Take Rusty for example. This little stallion was one of a large group of horses seized by the RSPCA and taken into Blue Cross care. The sad reality was that, even with his poor conformation, Rusty had been able to cover mares and produce off spring with equally bad conformation. Such indiscriminate breeding is fuelling in the serious welfare problem that equine charities are facing all over the country.