TWO horses found confined to a concrete yard for more than a year have been rescued by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary near Newton Abbot.

The sanctuary was contacted by a concerned owner who, after a change in circumstances, realised that they were struggling to provide adequate care for ‘George’ and ‘Tomahawk.’

The sanctuary has welcomed five rescued animals since the start of the year.

The charity – which offers no shame advice and support to horse owners – said lockdown easing meant they could get their rehoming scheme fully up and running again.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s welfare outreach and advice team found that the Cob and Shetland pony pair had been confined to their yard with just a cattle-shed for shelter. The owner, sadly, understood that they were no longer able to tend to them.

The two horses had various health issues and their routine worming and lice treatments were long-overdue, meaning they were ‘burdened with internal and external parasites’.

The charity agreed with the owner that George’s and Tomahawk’s needs could not be met, so an emergency intervention was taken – bringing great relief to their owner.

The pair arrived at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s welfare and veterinary centre and both have recently completed their quarantine period. The pair now have a sanctuary for life.

Welfare advisor Leah Brock was involved in their rescue. She said: ‘I am pleased the owner had been brave enough to contact us for help and relieved for George and Tomahawk.

‘They have a safe and secure future,’ she added.

The charity is asking for donations to support its daily work to provide lifelong care to horses and ponies like George and Tomahawk at www.mareandfoal.org. Alternatively, people able to rehome a rescue horse or pony on a loan basis are encouraged to find out more about its Sanctuary at Home scheme.