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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.