Following an abandonment, five young colts were taken in by Bransby Horses, just in time for Valentine’s Day last year.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, British Horse Society (BHS) got in touch with Bransby Horses regarding five ponies who had been abandoned on a farm in Leicestershire. The landowner had contacted BHS after putting an abandonment notice in place under The Control of Horses Act (COHA) and receiving no claims of ownership before it had expired. All five ponies were soon transported to Bransby Horses and signed over into the charity’s care.
Upon arrival, the young cobs, aptly named Eros, Casanova, Rouge, Valentino and Cupid, were nervous, afraid and unhandled. They were underweight with high worm burdens, all had lice, which is usually a sign of poor health, and one had burrs matted in their tail.
Four of them were estimated to be under eight months old, barely old enough to be weaned from their mothers, while the fifth one was thought to be slightly older. All were very poorly, weak and lethargic, but Casanova and Eros especially so. Despite a lot of treatment and care and a spell in an equine hospital, their health status was too complex, and the sad decision was made to put both ponies to sleep.
The team then focused on the three remaining youngsters, Rouge, Valentino and Cupid, who were being introduced to routine care and handling for the first time. Equine Welfare Deputy Team Leader Mia Miller said, “Because of all the medication they were on, we had to syringe them twice a day and take their stats, so whilst this was time consuming, it got them used to being handled by us.”
They continued monitoring the ponies closely, keeping an eye on their demeanour and any signs of deterioration. Rouge, Valentino, and Cupid soon started to improve, and it wasn’t long before they were leaving the Animal Reception Centre, ready to start a new journey at a different yard.
The three cobs spent some time at our Peter Hunt Training and Rehabilitation Yard, meeting other equines that provided them with a bit of guidance as they grew up. They gained confidence and became a firm favourite, before moving to the Main Yard.
Now a year on since their arrival, Rouge, Valentino and Cupid will soon be allocated handlers who will start further education and assess them for their rehoming eligibility. All fingers crossed the boys will fly through their assessments and find their Perfect Partners very soon.
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