Welcome to The Shetland Pony Welfare Trust

Registered Charity 1093364

Dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Shetland Ponies and their sometimes much larger companions

The Shetland Pony Welfare Trust, a small registered charity based in Cambridgeshire dedicated to supporting Shetland ponies and their sometimes much larger companions in need. Our goals include relieving suffering, providing shelter for ponies whose owners can no longer care for them, rehabilitating and re-homing ponies through our foster care/adoption program Educating the public about Shetland ponies' history, breeding, care, and ownership. We greatly appreciate any support you can offer.

Why we sometimes have to rescue Shetland ponies

Shetland ponies, because of their small size, are often bought by people with little knowledge of proper pony care. They are given unsuitable food, which can lead to bad behaviours like biting. They are allowed to graze in overly large fields, causing obesity and laminitis, a potentially fatal condition. They are purchased as companions for bigger horses, but conflicts can arise, leading to bullying and intimidation. They are sometimes bred without care, with colts left ungelded and sold cheaply. Shetland ponies are frequently abandoned in fields or left at horse sales.

Over indulgence by owners who give them treats can result in aggressive behaviour. They are occasionally exported abroad, enduring long trips without food or water, only to be slaughtered upon arrival. They are sometimes found tethered on roadside in hot weather without water or transported in vans due to their small size.

The Shetland Pony Welfare Trust was created to give these special ponies a fresh start. It relies completely on its trustees, volunteers, and public donations. Every penny raised goes toward caring for the rescue ponies at the sanctuary, which is currently home to over 30 ponies.

Hi my name is Mini Milton

Here I am out meeting my friends in the community . Check out my video in the community section

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Our work in the community

Supporting Shetland ponies and their companions in need.

Rescue and Rehabilitation

Providing shelter and care for Shetland ponies whose owners can no longer support them.

Education, awareness, and well-being.

Explore The Shetland Pony Welfare Trust's Equine-Assisted Wellbeing Foundation to learn more about our workshops. Click here to find out more

Teaching people about the history of Shetland ponies, how to care for them, and the importance of responsible ownership.

Shetland Pony Welfare Trust rescued Pony Mini Milton

On tour in the village

During the Covid-19 lockdown Mini Milton the rescued pony went out to visit and cheer up the elderly residents in her community . Mini Milton was the only survivor when herself and eleven other ponies ended up on the railway line . Sadly her friends did not survive . Mini Milton ran off and went into hiding only to return six weeks later. She was rescued by the Shetland Pony Welfare Trust who have trained her as a therapy pony . She regularly visits the elderly in the village where she lives . In 2020 she undertook lockdown visits bringing a smile to lots of local residents at a time when many were feeling very isolated and lonely . A little pony who touches the hearts of so many people .

Please consider supporting me by making a small donation .Lots of Love Mini Milton x

Find our more about our Equine Assisted Wellbeing workshops . Meet and greet a Shetland Pony and walking with Shetlands Click Here to find out more

Ponies come to us for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes their owners pass away or can no longer care for them. Unfortunately, some are abandoned or discovered in awful conditions without adequate food or care.

We always try to help both owners and ponies whenever we can.

Many of the ponies that come to us are not suitable for rehoming and stay at the Sanctuary for the rest of their lives. Some are trained as therapy ponies, while others join our Adoption program.

We are a small charity that depends on our trustees, volunteers, and public donations. We do not receive any government funding. Your support is crucial and will help us continue assisting more people and ponies.

Please consider a small Donation

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