Honey Dollar, an eight-year-old chestnut mare and former racehorse, has been rescued from an illegal slaughter operation in Sicily and is now thriving in her new home in Dunrossness, Shetland. She was part of “The Forgotten 10,” a group of horses saved by the Maltese horse rescue charity RMJ, which works to rehome horses from the racing industry that would otherwise face slaughter. After a long journey from Malta through Europe to Shetland, Honey Dollar is settling in well, gaining condition, and building trust with her new owner, Belle Cross.

The RMJ charity, founded in 2016, has grown significantly and focuses on rescuing, caring for, and rehoming horses, raising awareness about the plight of racehorses sent to slaughter. Volunteers like Gillian Ironside and her daughter Belle have been instrumental in supporting the charity’s mission. Honey Dollar’s rescue highlights the ongoing need for such efforts, as many horses are discarded once they no longer bring winnings, but RMJ ensures they are given a chance at a peaceful life, symbolized by their motto “lead ropes not horseshoes.”