Say hello to three tiny Shetlands
with not so tiny problems.
Say hello to three tiny Shetlands
with not so tiny problems.
Introducing Miriam, Remus and Tonks
Since the start of 2025, field officer Kris Walker had been attempting to work with owners of over 20 cobs and Shetland ponies at a location in Northern England.
Kris was particularly concerned over Shetland pony Miriam and her seven-month-old foal Remus, convincing the owner to sign them over as a welfare concern.
Arriving on site, the veterinary team could see the extent of the neglect and were immediately concerned for their health. Both Miriam and Remus had body condition scores of 0.5, overgrown feet, a lice infestation, a high worm burden and poor skin. On top of all that, Miriam was also heavily pregnant.
Introducing Miriam, Remus and Tonks
Since the start of 2025, field officer Kris Walker had been attempting to work with owners of over 20 cobs and Shetland ponies at a location in South Yorkshire.
Kris was particularly concerned over Shetland pony Miriam and her 9-12 month-old foal Remus, convincing the owner to sign them over as a welfare concern.
Arriving on site, the veterinary team could see the extent of the neglect and were immediately concerned for their health. Both Miriam and Remus were emaciated, they had a body condition scores of 0.5, overgrown feet, lice and a high worm burden. On top of all that, Miriam was also pregnant.
Life-saving decisions
Just two days after their arrival, Veterinary Surgeon Emma Tune was very concerned about their health and made the decision to send them both to Oakham Veterinary Hospital as an emergency referral. This decision was a lifesaving one, with Miriam giving birth less than 24 hours later.
Tonks weighed just 7.6kg at birth, the average weight of a Jack Russel, and without the immediate veterinary assistance of the team at Oakham, both mare and foal wouldn’t have made it.
Tonks was was immediately diagnosed with ‘dummy foal’ syndrome as she struggled to stand, nurse and respond normally to her surroundings.
Life-saving decisions
Just one day after their arrival, our onsite vets were particularly concerned about their condition, and made the decision to send them both to Oakham Veterinary Hospital. This decision was not only a great one, but it was also lifesaving. 24 hours later, Miriam was giving birth.
With barely any energy from trying to keep both herself and Remus alive, the veterinary team at Oakham Hospital had to assist her, doing what Miriam was too weak to do herself and welcoming premature Tonks into the world, who weighed just 7.6kg at birth.
Initially, she was unable to stand and was being fed every two hours around the clock by members of the Oakham veterinary team, with Miriam’s body too weak to produce milk.
A barrier between them
Meanwhile, Remus experiencing a journey of his own. To stop Miriam feeding two foals whilst struggling to look after herself, the team at Oakham had no choice but to place a barrier between mother and son, preventing Remus from going through the gradual weaning process.
His health was still a major concern and with the hospital not having any suitable grass turnout for him, the constant stabling caused issues with his breathing. The decision was made to bring him back to Bransby Horses earlier than planned, where he was placed on steroids for his breathing and a feeding plan to help increase his weight. He is now spending time with another Shetland pony for companionship.
New foals and hospital bills
During this time, Remus was struggling himself. While still in the same stable as Miriam and the newborn foal, Remus had been separated by fencing to stop him suckling. He was placed on an IV to get fluids into his system but wasn’t eating and was suffering from diarrhoea.
It was touch and go, with the team prepared for the worst, but Remus showed his strength and slowly started to improve with expert treatment from Oakham. Miriam was also showing signs of improvement and had started to produce small amount of milk.
With things looking promising, the decision was made to bring all three back to Bransby Horses.
Their vet bill cost over £9000.
and that is only the beginning.
The ongoing care these three equines will need is extensive, including future veterinary treatments, farrier visits, dental appointments, feed, bedding, and any other specialist care they may need due to the poor condition they arrived in.
Providing equines like Miriam, Remus and Tonks with a future is only made possible due to the kind donations from our supporters. Please consider making a donation today.
Their vet bill cost over £9000.
and that is only the beginning.
The ongoing care these three equines will need is extensive, including future veterinary treatments, farrier visits, dental appointments, feed, bedding, and any other specialist care they may need due to the poor condition they arrived in.
Providing equines like Miriam, Remus and Tonks with a future is only made possible due to the kind donations from our supporters. Please consider making a donation today.
Their future
Tonks and Miriam also returned to Bransby a few days later, with Tonks soon up and running circles around her mum. But their return from hospital doesn’t mean their recovery is over, Tonks needs ongoing farrier care to support her tendons and help her legs grow in strength, and Miriam is still suffering from a high worm burden which will possibly cause long term damage to her colon.
All three Shetlands will carry the consequences of neglect for the rest of their lives, and while they are slowly showing signs of improvement, there’s still a long way to go.
Their future
Tonks is getting bigger every day, but her tiny stature at birth will cause physical issues later in life. While tiny ponies may look cute, their size equates to a myriad of health issues that don’t disappear as they grow up. Miniature horses are more susceptible to limb deformities, dental issues, lameness and obesity, the smaller they are they more likely these problems will occur.
For Miriam and Remus, the hope is that they will improve more and more over time, becoming more stable in their health and going on to live a full and happy life, whether that’s with us at Bransby Horses or potentially in a foster home.
Help us, help them
There are various ways you can help us support equines like Miriam, Remus, and Tonks as they undergo rehabilitation.