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HomeHorse RescueTitle: Collaborative Efforts to Rehome Ponies from Gelligaer Common Support quality, independent, local...

Title: Collaborative Efforts to Rehome Ponies from Gelligaer Common

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Some of the mares and foals rescued from Gelligaer Common in November 2024. Three horse welfare charities have come together to rehome ponies living on Gelligaer and Merthyr commons.

According to RSPCA, there are currently 250 ‘semi-feral’ ponies living on the commons, the majority of which are unowned.

In November 2024, the RSPCA, alongside Redwings and World Horse Welfare, teamed up and completed a two-day welfare operation in the area. Helped by staff from Donkey Sanctuary, British Horse Society, Blue Cross, HorseWorld, and Bransby Horses, the charities removed 30 ponies from the common to try and ease the burden on the land before the winter.

The ponies have all been offered homes at the charities, with the ultimate aim of finding them private homes via a rehoming scheme.

Roxane Kirton, head equine vet for the RSPCA, said: “This operation forms part of a wider strategic project, working alongside Redwings, World Horse Welfare, and the Commoners Association, on a long-term herd management plan that can be overseen and implemented locally, and aims to reduce the numbers of ponies to a sustainable level in a way that supports good equine welfare. This will include cataloguing all the residents and removing those ponies who have a high chance of a good life in a private home.”

Huw Williams, chairman of the Gelligaer and Merthyr Commoners Association, said: “The Commoners Association is eager to work towards creating a sustainable future for the ponies on the common. We are pleased to be working with the equine charities on this project, which is aimed at establishing a healthy, thriving herd of ponies on the common.”

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RSPCA Cymru

Title: Collaborative Efforts to Rehome Ponies from Gelligaer Common Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today. Some of the mares and foals rescued from Gelligaer Common in November 2024. Three horse welfare charities have come together to rehome ponies living on Gelligaer and Merthyr commons. According to RSPCA, there are currently 250 ‘semi-feral’ ponies living on the commons, the majority of which are unowned. In November 2024, the RSPCA, alongside Redwings and World Horse Welfare, teamed up and completed a two-day welfare operation in the area. Helped by staff from Donkey Sanctuary, British Horse Society, Blue Cross, HorseWorld, and Bransby Horses, the charities removed 30 ponies from the common to try and ease the burden on the land before the winter. The ponies have all been offered homes at the charities, with the ultimate aim of finding them private homes via a rehoming scheme. Roxane Kirton, head equine vet for the RSPCA, said: “This operation forms part of a wider strategic project, working alongside Redwings, World Horse Welfare, and the Commoners Association, on a long-term herd management plan that can be overseen and implemented locally, and aims to reduce the numbers of ponies to a sustainable level in a way that supports good equine welfare. This will include cataloguing all the residents and removing those ponies who have a high chance of a good life in a private home.” Huw Williams, chairman of the Gelligaer and Merthyr Commoners Association, said: “The Commoners Association is eager to work towards creating a sustainable future for the ponies on the common. We are pleased to be working with the equine charities on this project, which is aimed at establishing a healthy, thriving herd of ponies on the common.” Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today. RSPCA Cymru

In November 2024, three horse welfare charities—RSPCA, Redwings, and World Horse Welfare—collaborated to address the issue of approximately 250 semi-feral ponies living on Gelligaer and Merthyr commons. The operation, supported by various equine organizations, successfully removed 30 ponies to alleviate the strain on the land as winter approached. These ponies have been offered homes through the charities, with the goal of finding them private placements via a rehoming scheme.

Roxane Kirton, head equine vet for the RSPCA, emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategic project aimed at sustainable herd management. The plan includes cataloging the ponies and prioritizing the removal of those most likely to thrive in private homes. This approach seeks to ensure the welfare of the ponies while managing their population effectively.

Huw Williams, chairman of the Gelligaer and Merthyr Commoners Association, expressed the association’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for the ponies. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with equine charities to establish a healthy and thriving herd on the commons.

Source:
caerphilly.observer
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Title: Experience the Joy of Animal Interaction at Jostens Petting Zoo in Kennewick, WA

KENNEWICK, Wash.- Jostens Petting Zoo offers a unique experience for animal lovers of all ages. Visitors can expect to interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, horses, pigs, bunnies, and chickens according to Ashley Josten, the owner of the Petting Zoo.

"When you come in, we give you a big ole’ cup of feed…These guys will be in here because they’ll jump on you, but you’ll get to feed them all out of your hand," Josten said.

Josten explained that the petting zoo is a hobby farm, where all the animals are rescues. "Basically, it’s a farm that you, you know, have pleasure in doing," she said. "All of ours are rescues, so we’re just trying to give them the best life."

The zoo features miniature horses, including Teddy and Itty Bitty, who are popular with visitors. "This one loves to be walked, loves a good treat," Josten said about Itty Bitty. "She’s a little bit skittish, but the moment you brush her, she is in love."

The pigs at the zoo also have distinct personalities. "This is Agnes. She’s the mama pig. She’s super chill. She loves kids…And then we got Gingy over here. She is sassy, full of personality, like she’s a firecracker," Josten said about some of her pigs.

Josten’s Petting Zoo is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the spring. In the summer, the zoo will also be open on weekdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $8 per person, with children two and under admitted for free. Visitors receive a 16-ounce cup of feed to interact with the animals, with additional cups available for $2 each.

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Title: Rescuing Nearly 90 Morgan Horses: A Journey of Rehabilitation and Hope

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