Io
Io is an adorable little Shetland pony who arrived at Redwings in 2002 as a nine-month old, along with 42 other Shetlands following a large rescue in Devon. Out of control breeding under the previous owner had seen a small group of ponies increase to unmanageable proportions. Redwings was called in to round-up Io and her friends after the herd had become wild and neglected - suffering from lice, worms and overgrown feet as a result.
Although it may look like horsey heaven, being left to roam with no human intervention can lead to serious welfare problems
Sadly, due to indiscriminate breeding within the herd, Io has very poor bone conformation, leaving her joints prone to wear and tear. She was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of eight and takes medication to reduce the inflammation. Sadly arthritis is a progressive ailment with no miracle cure, as scientists are yet to work out how to reverse joint damage.
Beautiful Io, named after a Greek mythological priestess, will live a peaceful life in the Sanctuary
Around 25% of Redwings’ horsey population suffer with arthritis, as many of our residents are elderly or have been victim to indiscriminate breeding. Many of our arthritic residents take a little medication everyday to ease inflammation and live outdoors all year round so they can get as much, or as little exercise, as they please. People love to wrap up warm and stay indoors when feeling under the weather – but for an arthritic horse, the opposite is true as stabling for long periods of time can lead to their joints seizing up. All of our arthritic residents, including Io, live outside all year round!
