We love celebrating anniversaries at Bransby Horses, and this time it’s the turn of Sponsorship Star Pecan.
10 years ago, in May 2016, a tiny Shetland family trio graced the doorstep of Bransby Horses. Cashew, Pistachio and their foal Pecan, had been abandoned on council land with two other Shetlands in Doncaster. With no owner coming forward to claim them, the responsibility of their care passed over to Doncaster Council, who were able to rehome two of the ponies, but couldn’t find a place for Cashew, Pistachio and Pecan.
The council asked Bransby Horses if they were able to take in the three Shetlands, knowing the only other option was euthanasia. At the time, Bransby Horses was caring for over 400 equines, the highest number in the charity’s history, but couldn’t turn away the family trio.
Mum Cashew, dad Pistachio and their one-month-old foal Pecan soon found themselves on their way to Lincoln.
All three were in relatively good physical condition and once they had gone through all the standard checks and tests that take place, they settled into their new life well. Pistachio and Cashew were ideal candidates for rehoming, and it wasn’t long before they found their Perfect Partners. Pecan remained onsite due to his chronic breathing difficulties, which were better managed at Bransby Horses.
Pistachio returned in 2020, rejoining Pecan in his Shetland herd. Cashew still remains in her foster home, where she’s been for almost a decade now.
Pistachio and Pecan were very close until Pistachio sadly passed away in 2021, after developing colic on top of his pre-existing conditions. They would often be found playing together, making visitors and their handlers laugh.
Pecan and Pistachio playing together
Pecan is still a well-known equine across the charity, living on our Visitor Centre Yard among a herd of Shetland geldings, including fellow Sponsorship Star Pika. Come and visit Pecan on Friday 1st May at our Visitor Centre Yard, where he will be celebrating his 10th birthday.
Want to know more about Pecan and receive regular updates about his adventures? You can sponsor him for just £3 a month.
Want to know more about Pecan and receive regular updates about his adventures? You can sponsor him for just £3 a month.
