The mane attraction

Two very special ponies from Redwings rubbed shoulders with the celebrities in April, when they were invited to join the set of Channel Four’s The New Paul O’Grady Show.

Lulu was rescued as part of a huge group of 72 ponies.

It was a case of the VIPs (Very Important Ponies) meeting the VIPs when Lulu and Samson, two Miniature Shetlands from Redwings Horse Sanctuary, were invited as special guests – alongside impressionist Alistair McGowan and classical singer Katherine Jenkins – on Channel 4’s teatime favourite, The New Paul O’Grady Show.

Lulu and Samson had a very comfortable trip to London in a horse lorry and had a whale of a time, being treated to much fuss and adoration by the crew and animal-loving presenter Paul O’Grady.

Samson was invited to be a ‘mane attraction’ whilst Lulu went along to make sure he had a horsey buddy to keep him company, but everything changed when Lulu was invited on set too!

On stage, Lulu was looked after by training officer, Marion Colman, whilst lucky Samson was held and fussed by Paul himself. It went very well, and the ponies enjoyed the attention from the audience, who had plenty of ooooohs and aaaaahs for the cute pair.

Paul was really pleased to be able to meet Lulu and Samson. “Both ponies were adorable, and their stories were really awful. I hope they find a new home soon,” he said.

Samson, Lulu and training officer, Marion Colman, on set with Paul O’Grady.

“We considered the invitation to go on the show carefully,” explained press officer, Nicola Markwell, who was present during the show, hidden behind the set ready to step in if Samson became worried. “Lulu and Samson loved all the fuss and behaved beautifully. We all really enjoyed meeting everyone, particularly Paul O’Grady who was really interested in their story and the history of Redwings.

“Once the cameras stopped lots of the audience members had questions for us about the ponies and our work, which was brilliant. It was an excellent opportunity to spread the word through television to many people, who may not have heard of us before.”

Redwings has a number of Miniature Shetlands who are looking for homes as companions under the charity’s Guardianship Scheme.

Samson’s story

Samson with his summer coat last year.

Samson was found abandoned with his mother, who had been left tied to a fence by rope that had been cutting into her flesh for some time, causing a nasty wound. Both were hungry and very frightened.

A member of the public found the Shetland mare and the tiny five-month-old foal and contacted the RSPCA, who called in Redwings to assist with the rescue. Once the RSPCA vet had carefully removed the rope, both mother and foal were taken to Redwings Ada Cole Rescue Centre in Essex, where their rehabilitation and treatment began.

Despite appeals by the RSPCA for the owner to come forward, no one claimed the ponies and they were signed over into the permanent care of Redwings. Samson’s mother Delilah has already been re-homed but as Samson was so young when he was rescued he has spent some time with the charity’s specialist handling team first – but this lovely little chap is now ready to find a companion home of his own.

Lulu’s story

Lulu looking happy and healthy.

10-year-old Lulu was rescued in 2004 as part of a huge rescue operation where 72 ponies were removed from land where they had been running wild. The ponies were covered in lice, had worms and untrimmed feet and, as stallions and mares were running together, there were many pregnant mares and foals in the group.

Lulu already had a foal called Bombay when they were rescued, but she was also pregnant and Dhansak arrived shortly after her arrival at Redwings. All three were named after types of Indian food and Lulu is actually called Sagaloo!