News stories
New Amersham arrivals at Redwings!
This week we have welcomed 17 more of the horses and ponies rescued from Spindle Farm in Amersham into our care.
For the last 18 months, they have been at a boarding yard on behalf of the RSPCA following their high profile rescue from Spindle Farm. The rescue, which attracted an outpouring of public horror, led to a court case concerning the unnecessary suffering and unmet welfare needs of 125 horses, ponies and donkeys in which five family members were convicted. The case is ongoing, however, after the family involved appealed against their convictions and sentences but an appeal hearing date has yet to be set.
A member of our specialist handling team works with one of the ponies
rescued from Amersham
While a question mark does still hang over the future of the equines involved because of the appeal, 17 have been moved to Redwings in the meantime for more specialised care and the handling expertise offered by the charity. The group comprises a wide range of breeds and temperaments and includes tiny Shetlands, two Welsh ponies called Morris and Norris, and three horses now known as Bungle, Zippy and George!
This new influx means that as well as being involved in the rescue operation itself, we now have 40 of the ponies and donkeys that were originally rescued from Spindle Farm in our care, as well as six foals that have been born since the rescue. Among these six is Timothy, the donkey who was born the day after his mother’s arrival.
Timothy and Pinocchio enjoying life at Redwings!
Redwings Chief Executive, Lynn Cutress, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these special horses and ponies a home here at Redwings. While some have learned to trust humans, others are still very nervous and will need very patient handling. We will have to wait for the outcome of the appeal to find out if they will live with us permanently, but our first priority is caring for them while they are here, however long that may be.”
Since January 1st 2009, we have now taken in more than 180 horses, ponies and donkeys and have had 17 foals born from rescued mothers. That's a lot of mouths to feed, please help us continuing caring for these special horses, ponies and donkeys by donating to the Esther's Rescue Appeal today! Thank you!
