News stories
Sad loss of adoption Ben
We are very sorry to announce that long-term Redwings resident and adoption favourite Ben has sadly passed away at the age of 25.
Gorgeous cream Shetland pony Ben was originally rescued by a kindly Redwings supporter after she saw him at a village fete; where he was being raffled off as a ‘lawnmower’ for a few pence a ticket. Fortunately for Ben, she stepped in and brought him to us, where he lived very happily for 25 years and was one of the first horses to be up for sponsorship through our Adoption Club.
Gorgeous Ben loved to get involved!
In 2001 Ben was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, a tumour of the pituitary gland, and was retired to Hapton where we could keep an eye on him. The disease cannot be cured but it was managed by our vet team with special care and medication; so well in fact that he lived very happily for a further nine years here under their care.
In his later years, he also began to suffer with arthritis and over the last few weeks in particular he had become quite uncomfortable despite being on the maximum possible medication. His carers felt that he lost his ‘bright spark’ and that he was no longer himself; being quite dull and depressed. In the end the Redwings vets made the difficult decision to put Ben to sleep to ensure he did not suffer.
Press and Communications Manager Nicola Markwell said: “Ben was loved deeply by our supporters and of course by the staff here at the Sanctuary. He was such a little sweetheart; always so gentle and friendly, and we will miss him so much.
“His life could have gone in a very different direction, but at least we know he had many happy years here at Redwings, and we’d like to thank everyone who adopted him over the years, he loved being an adoption pony!”
“We will be setting up a Memorial Fund in his memory as we often find people want to do something to help remember him. Telephone us on 01508 481010 or send your donation to Ben's Memorial Fund, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Hapton, Norwich, NR15 1SP"
