Abandoned Pony and Friends Move to New Home

A new tailor-made equine Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre for the North of England will be taking in its first residents next Tuesday, 20 February. Bobby, an abandoned pony and his friends will be moving to Penny Farm, Nr. Blackpool, the sixth Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre of the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

Formerly a dairy farm the new Centre has accommodation for 65 rescued horses and ponies, together with an isolation unit, spacious veterinary treatment area, and a large covered exercise arena, all nestling in 110 acres.

Tony Fleming, Centre Manager says, ·The new Centre is a superb place for the horses to come to for specialist care and to start a new, happier life - it is indeed the ILPH Flagship. The purpose built Visitorsµ Centre will allow us to get our message across to a far greater audience in a busy tourist area where up till now we have been relatively unknown, and having the campsite nextdoor is an extra bonus.

Chris Williamson, the regional ILPH Field Officer added, ·In the past, welfare cases from the North and the Midlands had to travel to our R & R Centres at Hereford, Aberdeen or Norfolk, all of which were huge distances, even for fit horses. Having a new ILPH Centre in this area will not only mean that rescued animals will travel a much shorter distance but those people wanting to offer loan homes will be able to come here rather than Centres further afield.

Although Penny Farm is now taking in neglected horses, the new Visitor Centre and Caravan site adjacent (bookings 01253 763107), will not be open until Sunday 1st April. HRH The Princess Royal will be officially opening Penny Farm on 15 June next.

Bobby 13 hh Bay Gelding 2 yrs 6 months old Abandoned as an 8 month old foal in the rear garden of a house backing on to a busy main road. He was suffering from an acute case of strangles, needed urgent veterinary attention, isolating from other horses and nursing back to health.

Tilly 15 hh Black Mare 12 yrs old

Found abandoned and stuck in ditch. Local Fire Brigade had to lift her out. She was in very poor condition and had to stay on a sling for a long time until she could support her own weight. Appeared on Animal Hospital with Michael Peace at our ILPH evening last year held at Osbaldeston.

Shady Lady 15.3 hh Bay Mare approx 22 years old

Found in very poor condition. Collapsed on arrival at a place of safety and had to be kept on a sling for a few days until she could support herself. Owner successfully prosecuted by the RSPCA.

Rosa 15.2 hh Bay Mare 8yrs old

Rosa had an open wound on her fetlock joint containing maggots. Nursed back to health at a place of safety. Owner signed her over to ILPH, was not prosecuted as there was not enough evidence of neglect.

www.ilph.org