A north-east animal sanctuary is appealing for help with funding the new retirement home for a near-blind horse which has spent most of its life helping others.
In a few weeks, Kinder the pony will be arriving at her new abode at Willows Animal Sanctuary and Animal Assisted Therapy Unit, because her current owner can no longer look after her.
Kinder suffers from a range of sight issues which require medical attention.
The 19-year-old creature suffers from night blindness and is now developing cataracts due to her age.
In her younger years, she was renowned for her services at one of the Riding for the Disabled branches, helping to provide therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities to children and adults with disabilities.
Her gentle nature and placid attitude have made her the ideal horse on which to learn basic horsemanship skills.
But, now her sight is under threat, there is a lack of options for her.
As the sanctuary have experience with blind and partially sighted horses, her owner contacted Willows to ask for assistance.
Now the sanctuary is calling on the public to help with the costs of providing the right environment and support for the animal.
Yard manager Vikky McDonald said: “We’ve been asked to take in a partially sighted horse, and we are appealing urgently for people to help sponsor her monthly costs.
“Her feed costs and veterinary bills along with building her shelter are the main things we need to cover.
“Kinder is going to need a dedicated shelter with a fenced turnout so, in the event of further sight loss, she would have somewhere very familiar that she can live in with a close friend.
“We’re not sure what pony she will be living with as we will have to assess her when she arrives and carefully introduce another quiet horse or pony.
“I haven’t met her yet, but heard a lot about her. She will be arriving in the next couple of weeks.
“This is a big rescue for Willows, so please help if you can to give this lovely girl a much needed and safe retirement.”
To sponsor Kinder, visit www.willowsanimals.com/adoption or to donate towards the creation of her new home, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpforkinder2019