A FOUR-week old foal is romping around the fields and getting to know the herd at Dartmoor Pony Training Centre in Moretonhampstead. Rona (pictured), the first to be born at DPTC, was a complete surprise to the centre's volunteers as her father had been gelded! Rona's mother, Bonnie, was destined to be a temporary resident at the centre, following the death of her owner, but ended up staying there to give birth. Bonnie came to the DPTC in June 2007 with Rona's father, the gelding named Clyde. The volunteers soon realised Bonnie was in foal and decided it was best not to re-home her — it then transpired Clyde had been gelded not long before both ponies arrived at the centre. Kathryn Hulland, DPTC's fundraising officer, said: 'For a first-time mum, Bonnie is proving to be exceptional and takes great care of the youngster. Rona is a bit of a surprise because her father upon arrival at the centre was gelded. 'Clyde has since gone to a wonderful home with another of their ponies. Bonnie will be re-homed after Rona has been weaned.' Rona was named after the organisation, 'Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship', based near Totnes. When she is older Rona will move to the centre to work alongside the existing team of professionals and horses. The organisation works with young people in foster care, a local youth offending team and a pupil referral unit. It is due to their quiet but sensitive temperaments that Dartmoor Hill Ponies are perfect for this type of work. The DPTC is a not for profit organisation which relies solely on donation. As part of their fundraising they run a sponsorship scheme and Rona is one of the new additions who can be sponsored. For £15 a month anyone can sponsor Rona and will receive a sponsor pack, which includes a certificate, description of Rona and a photo. For more information contact DPTC on 01364 654609 or e- mail [email protected]">[email protected] visit http://www.dptc.org.uk">www.dptc.org.uk
