Icky

Icky

Icky’s real name was Haw Idris and he was a registered spotted pony.

Location: Caldecott, Norfolk

Height: 13.2hh

Breed: Native cross

Colour: Roan

If you would like to support our work, you can donate in memoriam for a one off payment from just £5.

Icky arrived at Redwings in 1991 after being rescued from a horse sale where he was destined for slaughter. His real name was Haw Idris, a special name given to him when he was born and registered with the Spotted Pony Society.

Despite his sought-after status, Icky was discovered extremely thin, with a severe worm burden and terrified of people. But thanks to specialist and sympathetic behaviour training from his carers at Redwings, Icky soon overcame his fears. His friendly and loving manner (and famous strawberry blonde beard and tail) made him a huge hit with visitors to the Sanctuary and he quickly became a Redwings Adoption Star!

Icky moved to our Caldecott Visitor Centre when it opened in 1999, and had lived there ever since. He stole the hearts of many supporters during the man years he served as an Adoption Star, with the last four years spent as a retiree.

Sadly, Icky was put to sleep in 2018 after suffering recurring bouts of colic linked to issues with his small intestine that meant he was unable to absorb glucose and nutrients efficiently. He was 30-years-old.

We’ll never forget this handsome and friendly chap, and we know you won’t either. RIP Icky.

Adopt a new friend today

Adoption pack

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

Sponsor a horse or donkey from as little as £2 a month via direct debit or make a one-off donation and you’ll receive a wonderful adoption pack.

What’s included

  • Three postal updates a year from your new friend including one at Christmas!
  • Your Adoption Star’s photo and rescue story
  • Quarterly email updates with photos from your Adoption Star Friend
  • An invitation to their birthday party – yes really!
  • A certificate of adoption
  • A factsheet all about your chosen animal
  • A bookmark featuring your Adoption Star

You will also receive our twice-yearly newsletter or children’s magazine so you can keep up with all the latest news from Redwings!

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

Whether you’re a fan of a good sing-song or love nothing more than snooze, find your perfect Adoption Star partner for yourself or your loved one!

2. Set up your adoption

For gift adoptions we will need to get a few extra details to know who to send adoption star updates too.

3. Receive your adoption star pack

Your wonderful adoption pack includes a special certificate, stunning photo of your new friend and their story.

4. Get regular updates

We'll keep you up to date on how you're supporting our vital work including sending your adoption star updates with photos and stories throughout the year.

How adoption works video still

Adoption scheme FAQs

We aim to send your pack as quickly as possible and you can usually expect it to arrive within five working days. However, delivery can take up to 21 days, especially in busy times, so please be patient. x

You can renew your adoption here or call our supporter engagement team on 01508 505246.

The majority of our adoption stars all live at one of our visitor centres around the UK. 

Opening times vary, you can find all the details here. Entry is free of charge and as part of your adoption package you'll receive an invite to their birthday party at the centre where they live - yes really!

Monarch is a 'special adoption' who currently lives at a closed site but we hope you'll be able to visit him in the not too distant future when he's had a bit more training!

Of course you can! Adopting a horse or a donkey for a loved one or friends makes a thoughtful and unique gift – perfect for Christmas, Easter or birthdays!

When you come to purchase your adoption, you can choose to have the adoption pack posted directly to the recipient, or you can opt to have the pack posted directly to you so you can give the gift at a time of your choosing.

After many years as well-loved Adoption Stars, we feel it’s only right that these wonderful residents have the chance to enjoy a peaceful retirement in their golden years.

If your Adoption Star retires, it doesn’t mean you still can’t sponsor them. It just means we won’t be accepting any new sponsors for that particular Adoption Star. You’ll still receive updates from your four-legged friend and can give them a cuddle at the visitor centre where they live.

Back to top