The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) is appealing for public donations this Valentine’s Day to support two-year-old fillies, Sugar and Spice, who are currently being rehabilitated at their Shores Hey Farm in Burnley. Both ponies arrived unhandled and under sedation, showing little interest in food or human contact initially, but through patient care, they have begun to build trust with the team. Sugar, a skewbald filly, has settled well and formed bonds with the staff, while the more nervous chestnut filly, Spice, is gradually coming around.

Tragically, both ponies are believed to be pregnant, with Sugar over 100 days into her pregnancy and Spice in the early stages requiring further monitoring. Despite their difficult pasts, HAPPA’s equine care supervisor Nicole Simpson remains hopeful, emphasizing the resilience of the ponies and the joy of seeing them regain trust and happiness. The rescue centre encourages donations to help provide these ponies and others a second chance at a better life. More information is available at www.happa.org.uk/donate.