A CHARITY stallion show is being organised to raise money for ponies rescued from the meat man in Europe.
The 11 horses and ponies, including foals and pregnant mares, were destined for an Italian slaughterhouse and arrived in three lots at the Animals’ Refuge near Carlisle where they now live. Alf’s Fund was set up to support the rescued ponies and a stallion parade has been organised for the evening of March 13 to raise cash for their ongoing care. Alf, a draught youngster who was among those rescued, has already found a loan home. Four of the mares are due to foal imminently and the youngsters will have useful lives as loan ponies. “They will be broken in and they will have loan homes but will never leave our ownership,” said Heather McLean, director of the refuge at Wetheral Shields, which has 50 horses and ponies including two retired pit ponies. “Alf is with a member of our staff and he has fallen on all four hooves.” The stallion parade is the first event to market the centenary of the National Equine (and Smaller Animals) Defence League, which runs the refuge.
Entry to the stallion parade is &pound10 per horse and those taking part will be featured in a brochure which will be available to the public on the night.