Rehoming on the hoof for SSPCA's north-east animal rescue centre

THE north-east's SSPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre has enjoyed a lot of success on the hoof in 2020 – quite literally!

While it may have been the year of Covid it was also one of many happy horse rehomings at the centre in Drumoak.

It is one of only two out of the SSPCA's rehoming facilities to care for horses.

One of those to trot off to his forever home was Nash the Welsh pony, who arrived at the centre in November 2019 with his friend Kenny due to their owner being unable to care for them. He was only four-years-old and had not had much human handling before.

With some time and patience from Scottish SPCA staff, Nash’s confidence started to build and his sweet nature started to shine through.

Scottish SPCA senior animal care assistant, Laura Hopkins, said, “In September 2020 a lovely lady named Emma came to visit Nash and it was love at first sight!

“Emma had previously rehomed a Shetland pony named Tina from us in 2014. After several meetings Emma took Nash home in October.

“Nash has settled in to his new home wonderfully and both ponies are doing amazingly well.

“We are told that he has taken his spot as the King of the field, and Tina is his smitten Queen! They are constantly nuzzling each other. I think it’s safe to say they have fallen head over heels for each other.

“Nash has had his cheeky moments of misbehaving but his new owner loves his personality and wouldn’t have him any other way”.

Isla and Rum also came to the centre in 2019, arriving with seven other ponies due to welfare reasons.

All of the horses were very unwell and weak. They were all underweight and had lice through their coats. They needed round-the-clock care and veterinary treatment from the Scottish SPCA’s dedicated team.

After several months of special diets and veterinary visits they became strong enough to search for their forever homes.

Laura continued: “Ingrid visited our centre looking for ponies for her two young girls.

"Isla and Rum have a very sweet, laid back nature so when Ingrid and her daughters came to meet them it was the perfect match!

“In July this year Isla and Rum were very happy to trot off to their forever home together.

“They have settled in really well. We’ve been told Isla especially is a real character and loves nothing more than a cuddle. Her new owners think she wishes she was a lap dog!”

When Monarch came into the care of the Scottish SPCA in March his feet were so severely over grown that he could barely walk.

He needed immediate veterinary attention and X-rays. He then needed ongoing vet treatment and regular visits from the Scottish SPCA’s farrier. With the proper care and time, the condition of his feet improved and he was able to be rehomed but he did not want to go alone.

Smartie arrived at the centre in 2019 and was turned out into the field with a small herd of geldings. One of which was Monarch. They instantly became the best of friends and could always be found side-by-side.

In August Una came to the centre searching for a new pony, and didn’t have the heart to separate them so ended up leaving with them both!

Laura added: “Una came into the centre to meet Monarch after being drawn to him on our website.

"After seeing him with Smartie she decided to rehome them both as they were such good friends.

“In September both boys went to their new forever home together and have settled in really well.

“They enjoy spending their days standing to be pampered and going for walks together.

“They are also the star attraction for local children who are learning about pony welfare and they love all the attention!

“They are turned out on a hill much of the time, building their strength and confidence – they have become proper Welsh ponies.”

If you are interested in rehoming a horse, or any animal, please visit the Scottish SPCA’s website at www.scottishspca.org/rehome