THE owner of a sanctuary for abandoned horses and ponies says she urgently needs funding or it will have to close.
Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary in Darr’s Lane, Northchurch, has been running for more than five years.
But it could close if proprietor Carol Houlihan cannot find at least £6,000 by the end of the year.
Maintenance of the venue, which she has run for eight years, costs her around £20,000 per year.
It cares for 20 horse and ponies who have been neglected and abused by their owners. Carol and a team of volunteers help nurse them back into full health.
She has taken in horses that have been shot, beaten, starved and left outside for months in freezing winter snow.
In summer last year, sanctuary volunteers took in a 20-something Shetland pony who they call Billy.
He had been shot by his owner and blinded in one eye – but has now been restored to good health.
Carol said: “Our goal is simple: to treat the horses and ponies with the respect and love they deserve.”
Read the full story in this week’s Gazette.