Polly

Polly

From wild pony to cheeky Adoption Star, our pretty Polly stole everyone’s hearts.

Location: Caldecott, Norfolk

Height: 11hh

Breed: Welsh Pony

Colour: Grey

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

Little Polly was rescued in 1984 after a distressing start to her life. She was born on Dartmoor, where she spent her days as a foal roaming freely as a wild pony.

One day, poor Polly was separated from her mother and put in an auction with many other terrified ponies, many of whom were being sold for slaughter. Polly was sold to a dealer and then to a lady, who had no experience of looking after a wild pony and kept her permanently tethered without another horse or pony in sight.

After being rescued, Polly’s life transformed at Redwings; she was able to live in a herd again, as she had done on the moors. Polly blossomed from a nervous little pony into a friendly pony (with a few cheeky tendencies) making her the perfect next addition to our Adoption Scheme.

Polly spent the rest of her days living peacefully at our Sanctuary, however with old age she developed chronic arthritis and an incurable condition called Cushing’s disease. Sadly, no amount of treatment was improving Polly’s condition and she was put to sleep in 2006.

Polly was a true star and we are so glad she was able to spend the majority of her years living with us at Redwings. 

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