Elverra Pony Rescue - Sturbridge

08/08/2024

There are many reasons you may be thinking about finding a new home for your horse. This can include high costs, lack of time or recognising that they may need a different environment or management style. 🐴

It is essential that the horse's quality of life is at the centre of any rehoming decision. In some cases, such as older horses, those with complex medical needs or those with specific behavioural needs, rehoming may not be a suitable option. In these cases, euthanasia may be the best way to safeguard a much-loved horse.

As hard as the decision may be, moving yards is stressful and could lead to further health or behavioural issues and there’s no guarantee that the new owner will be able to meet those needs. Therefore, elective euthanasia may ultimately be a kinder option for the horse. 💙

If you need help determining whether your horse is suitable for rehoming or would like to discuss end of life options, you can reach out to our UK advice team on +44 (0)1953 497 238. 📞

06/08/2024

Prep well underway for our rummage sale!

05/08/2024

05/08/2024

Look at these two little cherubs !
Mini and Riley both rehomed to the same wonderful home. Such lucky ponies 🤍🖤

01/08/2024

We, along with Blue Cross UK, are urging owners of healthy horses who are struggling to take care of them and meet their basic needs to consider finding good homes for their horses in the summer months rather than waiting until winter when conditions are harsher. 🐴☀

The recent findings from a Cost of Living Survey have highlighted the financial strain that many horse owners are experiencing. Rehoming in the summer, when the days are longer and weather is better, allows new owners to bond with their horses more effectively rather than the winter which presents the additional challenges of dark, cold nights, increased mud, and the need for more feed and forage if horses are stabled, making horse care more demanding.

We know this isn’t an easy decision for any horse owner to have to make, that’s why we’re here to help you do what’s best for you and your horse.

If you are considering finding a new home for your horse and are looking for tips on responsible rehoming, Blue Cross offer a 'Responsible equine rehoming' advice page here 👉 https://bit.ly/3YoAmKb

If you are in a situation where you are already struggling to provide day-to-day care for your horse, World Horse Welfare offer a 'Help for Horse Owners' support service here 👉 https://bit.ly/3SpXbsY

Please do get in touch if you need support. 💙

01/08/2024

Little update pic of cheeky Charlie 💚

31/07/2024

Trim for Alexa today she was a really good girl 💕
This gorgeous girl is still looking for her forever home 🏠

Alexa (Project) 💛
10yr old Aprox 13.2hh mare.
Alexa is a very flashy welshxarab show pony type. She is highly strung no aggression or nastiness just a bit scatty. Would really benefit from an experienced one to one patient home.
Can be difficult to catch in large open spaces. Does require a stable during winter/shelter.
Experienced home only.

31/07/2024

Rusty doing well in his forever home thanks to his new owner

30/07/2024

Worth a reshare in this heat! 🧊☀️🕶️

25/07/2024

Together we can all improve. I thought I might suggest some simple ways in which I believe the horse world can improve across the board.

1️⃣ - Stop referring to horses as “it” ! Happens all the time from industry professionals to young riders! Why does it matter?! Words have power, words reflect your attitude and your attitude influences your actions! So horses as a sign of respect should be referred to as he / she or by their name.

2️⃣ - We must all continue to improve our understanding of horse behaviour. On social media there is an abundance of innocent ignorance. Music and memes made of horses showing stereotypies like weaving, box walking, head shaking and lip slapping all put to music implying that it is funny…Which is isn’t!
Horses that show these behaviours need help to improve them, equestrians on social media should have the knowledge that these things aren’t funny and most definitely infulencers shouldn’t be getting viral likes and comments for what is ultimately just a lack of actual knowledge of horses!

3️⃣ - All horses must have turnout everyday- no exceptions, no excuses! All horses should have access to graze / roll / have zoomies. It is / should be there right as we all except that looking at videos of battery chickens is cruel so the horse world should stop making excuses and make sure all horses have adequate turnout time. (Only exception is while under veterinary treatment)

4️⃣ - Horses mustn’t be kept alone. They are herd animals they are not designed to live alone. While many horses accept this, it is not good for their mental health and deprives them of one of there greatest pleasures to scratch & groom another horse.

5️⃣ - Children / young riders should not be eligible to wear spurs. It’s not necessary and more training should take the place of a quick fix.

6️⃣ - Those who have the loudest voices aren’t always the ones who have the greatest knowledge! We can all be responsible for being better informed about training and making sure the horse world is an involving improving story. 💕 Emx

22/07/2024

The cutest spotty nose ❤️

20/07/2024

Help always appreciated!

Many of us consider poo picking to be a bit of a ‘necessary evil’ when we own a horse. We remove manure mainly to help manage the worm burden of our horses but did you know that there are several other benefits too?

It improves grazing quality. Piles of manure, if left, will starve the grass underneath of air & light which leaves bald patches of ground. These patches are ideal for ragwort to grow in. The better the pasture, the more difficult it is for ragwort to grow.

- Manure attracts flies so if you remove it, that means less flies hanging around to irritate and bite your horse.

- Manure contains phosphorus and nitrogen which can run off the pasture and into the local watercourse which impacts the balance between aquatic weeds and aquatic life. Composted manure does not present such a problem as the nutrients become more stable during the composting process so are less likely to leach away.

- It helps keep us fit! Walking, bending, stretching is all good exercise for us!

So all that poo picking is definitely worth it – it’s good for our horses, our pasture and us too!

19/07/2024

Get it in your diary’s!
Lots of fantastic items available bargain prices all to fund the ponies in our care-
Hay, feed, bedding and veterinary bills!

18/07/2024

🙏🏼 H A Y A P P E A L 🙏🏼
Our hay stores are running desperately low.
Donations greatly appreciated.
How you can help…

💛Actual bales- we can collect locally.
💛Donate via Eccleshall Saddlery (we can collect from there)
💛PayPal: [email protected]

15/07/2024

It is with greatness that I write this post.
Today we said goodbye to Mr B 🩶
Months of treatment hard work and care could not save him. His Osteoporosis was just to much and we could not keep him pain free any longer.
This has been a really difficult time for the team as he had been doing so so well from the terrible state he arrived in.
May he rest in peace, pain free our beautiful boy.

12/07/2024

09/07/2024

🐴 Ponies looking for homes July 24 🐴

Alexa (Project) 💛
10yr old Aprox 13.2hh mare.
Alexa is a very flashy welshxarab show pony type. She is highly strung no aggression or nastiness just a bit scatty. Would really benefit from an experienced one to one patient home.
Can be difficult to catch in large open spaces. Does require a stable during winter/shelter.
Experienced home only.

Bertie (Project) 💙
Beautiful Bertie is ready for his next adventure
12.2hh coloured cob gelding.
7 years old.
Good to catch, groom, bath, load.
Good with vet and farrier.
Has done a lot of ground work in his previous home - long lining/carrying saddle bags etc.
Very loving pony looking to continue his education ride or drive.
Experienced applicants only to bring out the very best in him.

Kia (Project) 🖤
14hh heavy piebald cob gelding.
Good to catch, groom - does require oral sedation for farrier.
He is a very in your pocket type inquisitive and friendly really enjoys human interaction.
Available to a very experienced home we have been told he was ridden in the past but have not done any assessments under saddle.
He would need restarting.
Walked out in hand (to move field) didn’t bat an eye at traffic very forward and happy in the lead.
He is strong- would not be suitable for children.
Our farrier picked up a locking stifle in his back leg although we have never seen an issue with it. Experienced home only.

Thunder (project) ❤️
12.2hh welsh x traditional min marked coloured 13 year old gelding well built solid chap.
Very strong has been ridden in the past.
Suit small adult/competent teen.
Good to catch, box, trailer, groom, farrier, vet etc
Does have a mild locking stifle that doesn’t seem to cause any issues but due to this a hacking home would be best suited- he’s not going to be a show jumper/dressage star.
Good with traffic.
Requires restricted grazing as very greedy.
Does have mild sweetitch that is managed with a fly rug.
After returning from trial home some issues have been picked up under saddle - happy to discuss these and believe in the correct hands these could be rectified. Only EXPERIENCED riders apply no young children.

Rosie (Project) 💖 DEPOSIT RECEIVED
10yr old cob mare
13hh Aprox black cob mare. 10 years old.
Been ridden Aprox 2yrs ago.
Green but kind wouldn’t take much to bring back into work.
Good to catch, groom, good but hesitant to load.
Turns out in mixed herd.
Worm count and dental recently done.
Passported and chipped.
Will stable but more than happy to live out.
Good for vet and farrier.
Experienced home no novices.

Polly (Companion) 💚
13.2hh grey connie type mare, 20yrs old. Can be tricky to catch but will come for food and once you have her she’s golden. Good to do in all ways :load, farrier, vet, bath, groom etc.
Very good doer.
Wintered out last year no issues but happy to be stabled.

Paddy (Companion) ♥️
20yrs+ 11hh Shetland cross bay gelding. Good to catch. Turns out well in mixed herds. No known health issues. Happy in or out.
Good with vet/farrier loads well.

Ruby (Project/companion) 💕
11.2hh, Native type chestnut mare 8yrs old Aprox.
Ruby has been with us a while and is finally coming out of her shell and showing her personality! Curious and playful little mare but fairly responsive . Perhaps suit someone wanting to pursue working at liberty.
Unfortunately Ruby would not be suitable around children as she can be unpredictable
Can be stubborn to catch in large spaces but very food oriented.
Does require oral sedation for her feet. Experienced home only.

08/07/2024

DEPOSIT RECEIVED
Rosie ❤️
13hh Aprox black cob mare. 10 years old.
Been ridden Aprox 2yrs ago.
Green but kind wouldn’t take much to bring back into work.
Good to catch, groom, good but hesitant to load.
Turns out in mixed herd.
Worm count and dental recently done.
Passported and chipped.
Will stable but more than happy to live out.
Good for vet and farrier.
Experienced home no novices.

08/07/2024

The ragwort is relentless this year!
If anyone has any spare ragwort forks we would be most grateful 🙏

07/07/2024

Many thanks to everyone who supported us yesterday and stopped by for a chat at Walton Hall summer fayre!
We had a great time!
Here’s a shot of Nessie, our wonderful mascot pony waiting for her fans! 💙💛💙

06/07/2024

Bertie 👀 looking for a loving home

06/07/2024

We will be attending this event today!

Its our annual Summer Fayre tomorrow!
Fun for the whole family with many stalls and games to choose from.
Everyone is welcome. We look forward to seeing you 😁

01/07/2024

Dante’s first time in his new bridle 💜

Many thanks to his rehomers for the photo

28/06/2024

🙏Work party required🙏
Do you have a few spare hours this Sunday?
We will be at the field from 10:30am located on the Stone Road next to Fletchers Garden Centre.
We could really use a few hands to help us clear some ragwort!
If you have your own tools (rag folks,gloves) please do bring them along!
Bring your waterproofs or sunscreen depending on weather although it’s looking dry at the moment!🌦️
Any questions feel free to drop us a message 💚

24/06/2024

👀 Looking for a home 🏠
Thunder
12.2hh welsh x traditional min marked coloured 13 year old gelding well built solid chap.
Very strong has been ridden in the past.
Suit small adult/competent teen.
Good to catch, box, trailer, groom, farrier, vet etc
Does have a mild locking stifle that doesn’t seem to cause any issues but due to this a hacking home would be best suited- he’s not going to be a show jumper/dressage star.
Good with traffic.
Requires restricted grazing as very greedy.
Does have mild sweetitch that is managed with a fly rug.
After returning from trial home some issues have been picked up under saddle - happy to discuss these and believe in the correct hands these could be rectified. Only EXPERIENCED riders apply no young children.

21/06/2024

We said goodbye to our dear friend Ollie yesterday
Sheila’s constant companion over the last 12years
A rescue himself who must of thought he’d gone to heaven coming here to run free in and out the water trough batting his eyes for bits of everyone’s lunch!
Rest in peace best boy 💙🐾 we’ll love you forever 💔

20/06/2024

It’s that time of year!
Volunteers always welcome ! 🙏

19/06/2024

All you need to know about degenerative joint disease/arthritis in horses

Read more via link below