A Shetland pony who still bears the scars of her past is happy and healthy after benefitting from a year of specialist sanctuary care at Redwings.
Little Marjorie was rescued by police in December 2023 when she was spotted loose and roaming close to a busy area of Harlow in Essex. Despite their efforts, her owner couldn’t be found.
She was very nervous, had injuries from improper tethering – the scars from which she still bears today – and a painful mouth caused by problems with her teeth.
After being taken by police to a ‘holding yard’, where she received immediate veterinary care and attention, Redwings was approached to offer her a long-term home and she arrived at the charity’s reception centre last January.
Photographs of Marjorie are available to download here.
Jo Franklin, Redwings Senior Field Officer and Ada Cole Centre Manager, said: “Marjorie needed somewhere she could recover from her injuries and receive the on-going dental care she needed, and with our amazing in-house Horse Hospital here at Redwings, we knew we could help.
“Two other Shetlands, Matty and Tiny, had also just arrived, and the three of them became fast friends. After quarantine, they settled into the daily routines of life at Redwings Ada Cole together.
“Over the weeks, Marjorie became used to being checked and cared for each day and, when she was vaccinated for equine flu and tetanus, she showed signs that she was overcoming her nerves around people, which was amazing to see.”
During a check in September, staff spotted discharge coming from Marjorie’s nose. Tests showed that it was not the result of infectious disease, so the cause needed closer investigation.
Nicky Jarvis, Head of Veterinary and Care at Redwings, said: “An X-ray and dental examination revealed that Marjorie’s problem teeth were the likely source of a sinus infection, and she needed treatment as soon as possible.
“At our Horse Hospital, a diseased tooth was extracted from the back of her jaw and over the following weeks regular treatment from our wonderful vet nursing team also helped to clear the infection from Marjorie’s sinus.
“Marjorie was relaxed about the whole experience and has made a good recovery from treatment.”
Marjorie has started 2025 happy and healthy, back with her friends at Redwings Ada Cole, thanks to the specialist sanctuary care provided by Redwings and donations from the charity’s supporters, which make it all possible. Marjorie’s story is the focus of Redwings latest fundraising campaign, and you can make a contribution to her care, and others like her, here.
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