Rehoming Welsh ponies: A Heartwarming Story
With over 600 equines in foster homes across the UK, the charity always has a happy rehoming story to share with supporters. This one is no different about rehoming Welsh ponies. Meet Billy, Brynn and Arya, three Welsh ponies who arrived in separate circumstances but have come together to share one new home.
Back in 2023, Bransby Horses took part in two collaborative operations at the Gelligaer and Merthyr Common. An area that is frequently supported by various equine welfare charities to assist owners and improve the overall welfare of the herds. The first operation brought five Welsh ponies into the care of the charity. Welcoming Enid, Dafina, Gwen, Dafydd and Brynn to the Bransby Horses Lincolnshire site.
From Fear to Friendship: Brynn and Billy Begin to Trust Again
Brynn was just shy of his first birthday and very nervous of humans. He wouldn’t allow people near him, and it took a lot of patience, care and kindness to start gaining his trust. Brynn spent over a year at the Peter Hunt Yard. A yard that dedicates their time to semi-feral, nervous or unhandled equines, and progressed quickly, soon becoming eligible for our Perfect Partner scheme.
Meanwhile, Billy was undergoing rehabilitation of his own. Having arrived in November 2023 as part of the second collaborative operation. Two-year-old Billy was part of the ‘Gavin and Stacey’ group. 11 equines that were named in honour of their Welsh heritage, all of whom arrived with overgrown, twisted feet, sharp teeth, and matted fur.
Billy took the yard team by surprise when he turned out to be the friendliest pony. Quickly deciding that humans were okay and would allow his handlers to put a headcollar on him and practice some leading skills. He soon progressed to the Peter Hunt Yard, and it wasn’t long before he was ready to find his new home.
Arya’s Journey: From Shy Foal to Confident Young Pony
Arya was four months old when she arrived at Bransby Horses. She arrived with mum Sansa and older sister Daenerys. They were part of a larger RSPCA rescue. They were all quite shy to start but Arya and Daenerys liked to spend most of their time running, playing or sleeping together.
Arya was weaned from her mum and underwent an individual handling programme tailored to her needs. She spent almost five years under the care of her handlers, before she was ready to be rehomed.
A New Chapter at Shardeloes Farm
Billy, Brynn and Arya joined the British Horse Society (BHS) Second Chance Rehoming Project. A scheme designed to give neglected and rescued horses a fresh start at a BHS Approved Centre. They found their new home at Shardleloes Farm Equestrian Centre in November 2024.
Shardeloes Farm Equestrian Centre, who had already taken in three equines from the BHS scheme, welcomed Billy, Brynn and Arya to the site in Amersham. “The long-term goal for them is to join the riding school.”
Explained the centre on Facebook. “Arya being the oldest will likely be the first to join, whilst Brynn and Billy will be left to grow and mature, whilst engaging in grooming and groundwork with our staff. All training will be done at each individual’s pace, and we will listen to each pony’s needs throughout their training.”
A Bright Future Ahead for Billy, Arya and Brynn
Since their arrival, all three have settled in very well. Arya is starting her ridden education and the two boys busy learning the ropes. They are well and truly loved at their new home and the charity can’t wait for future updates on their progress.
So far, 18 equines from Bransby Horses have been rehomed through this scheme, with more ready to find their perfect centre. “It’s been really positive” says Rehoming Coach Amy Baylis. “The centres have been really willing to share photos; they love to tell us how [the equines] have settled in. Especially some of them where the staff absolutely fall in love with the ponies.”
This story about rehoming Welsh ponies is one of many. Amy and the rest of the Rehoming Team hope this scheme will continue to be successful. Providing a new way for equines like Billy, Arya and Brynn to find their Perfect Partner and start their rehoming journey.
