WINTER has hit South West Equine Protection (SWEP) hard this year and the charity has launched an emergency appeal.

The pony sanctuary said it is finding it a challenge to keep up with the amount of ponies needing care and is currently full to capacity.

Following a prolonged spell of cold and wet weather, increasing numbers of moorland ponies are arriving at the charity’s yard seeking care and support. They may be emaciated, sick, or have been injured on the moors.

The weather has left SWEP with little grass in the fields, meaning the hay bill has almost doubled, plus the weather has damaged its fences and field shelters.

A spokesperson from SWEP said: ‘We currently have an increased number of ponies with medical issues, causing higher vet bills and long term medication costs. With the increase in ponies at the yard, also comes an increase in running costs, particularly farrier bills.

‘There has always been a need for SWEP to be there for the moorland ponies and this need continues to grow. Despite this difficult time, we will always react to any welfare reports and provide the necessary care for any pony in an emergency situation, but in order to continue to do this, we desperately need your help.’

This is an emergency appeal for funds to help us to provide aid and comfort to the moorland ponies it rescues and supports.

‘We have a small but very dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work very hard to feed and treat the ponies in our care. They also work with the ponies to rehabilitate them so that we can find them a new forever home,’ added the spokesperson.