Martin Clunes adopts two ponies

Friday, 1 April 2011 15:04

Animal Friends has heard today that Martin Clunes has adopted two ponies from the RSPCA after he responded to the Amersham horses rehoming appeal, one of the biggest appeals in RSPCA history. The appeal received widespread media attention which caught the eye of the actor and his wife, Philippa. Being experienced horse owners they were keen to provide the permanent, loving homes these horses needed and also have the knowledge and understanding of how to improve the lives of these ponies with the proper care and attention.

After visiting the residents at a private boarding facility and passing the necessary checks, Martin and Philippa took home mini Shetland pony Oliver and New Forest pony Connor. The ponies they rehomed were not part of the Amersham rescue but they had come into RSPCA care after being signed over to the charity by their owner during an investigation into their neglect. They had not had the best start in life and were in a poor condition so were nursed back to health before staff searched for new owners.

As they are both young ponies, it will be around two years until they can be ridden. The Clunes family intend to keep Oliver as a companion for their other Shetlands whilst they plan to have Connor as a riding pony for their daughter Emily.

The Amersham rehoming appeal was a huge success and the RSPCA was inundated enquiries from more than 1,500 people interested in rehoming a horse. All the 37 Amersham horses, as well as 80 others in RSPCA care, found loving new homes.

Animal Friends is delighted to see Martin Clunes showing his love for horse and pony kind, proving he was the best candidate for the presidency of the BHS. We love to see stories where animals without the best start in life can be rehomed and given a second chance and thoroughly recommend that anyone who is considering giving a home to a horse or pony to first look into rehoming a rescue or abandoned animal that needs a loving home.