Two ponies standing together facing the camera

05 January 2026

Making a home that works for Mica

For sanctuary residents, living as part of a herd is at the heart of their wellbeing. Our care teams do everything possible to help foster friendships. For some of the horses in our care, those bonds even support the care they receive on a daily basis.

Mica came to Redwings in February 2009, one of a group of 35 neglected ponies rescued from living in very poor conditions on a waterlogged riverbank. His mane and coat were matted, and he was heavily infested with lice. Mica was semi-feral. He was so unused to contact with people that he was frightened of our attempts to care for him.

Many of the ponies in the group had formed strong bonds with one another and Mica was happiest when he could spend time with friends Cornelian and Moonstone. For the wellbeing of all three ponies, we kept them together as much as possible.

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could provide essential early treatment

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could fund a Redwings vet to assess and rescue a pony in urgent need of help

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could provide vital support for a pony with long-term health needs

A new beginning

Once settled into sanctuary life, Mica spent time with the Behaviour team, working on rewards-based training to help him adapt to the care and handling that had become part of his new life. Despite the team’s patient work, there are some situations where Mica still feels nervous.

For example, when he needs dental care or farriery, friends Cornelian and Moonstone join Mica in a designated training and handling area at our Behaviour Centre. He is first sedated, then the vet and farrier can check his teeth and feet and carry out any care needed. This is a routine he is very familiar with and enables us to keep Mica - and our team - safe, whilst ensuring that he receives the care he needs.

He and his group of friends gain a sense of security through their companionship. They are also given more opportunities to exhibit natural behaviours, such as mutual grooming, that are vital to their welfare.

Terrington (left), Evie (right) and Mica in the background

Terrington and his friends were left to fend for themselves

Just two years old when he was rescued, Terrington was rescued along with three other ponies. Since 2019 Terrington and his rescued friend Walpole have been field mates with Mica. The ponies have compatible personalities and have very similar management needs, making them perfectly suited for one another.

An old friend in Evie

Another friend of Mica’s is Evie, a Welsh Cross mare who was born at Redwings. Like Mica, seventeen-year-old Evie is prone to lameness and since she was a youngster has been susceptible to conditions that affect her eyes. The two have lived as part of the same group for over ten years.

Your gift can help transform lives.

For ponies like Mica, whose experiences early in life have shaped how he responds to people, the home that Redwings can provide is vital to his welfare.

Your donation could help a pony like Mica, Terrington or Evie enjoy the friendship and the care they deserve for a lifetime.

Text MICA 10 to 70450 to donate £10*

*You can give any amount - whole £s only - up to £20. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting in to hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear from us, please text MICANOINFO instead.

Thank you.

Redwings Press Office

For all enquiries please contact lplumtree@redwings.co.uk

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Making a home that works for Mica

£18

£22

£25

Your gift can help transform lives.

View appeals

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Welfare is at the heart of everything we do

Making a home that works for Mica

£18

£22

£25

Your gift can help transform lives.

View appeals

A new beginning for Marjorie

Counting the cost of Storm Babet

A new beginning for Marjorie

Counting the cost of Storm Babet

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Welfare is at the heart of everything we do