A stunning pony rescued from the horrors of a Buckinghamshire farm 10 years ago is being launched as a Norfolk horse sanctuary's adoption star.
From Easter, appaloosa pony Cookie – known for his adorably spotty coat – will be available to sponsor through Redwings' popular Adoption Scheme.
Cookie, who lives at the charity's Aylsham visitor centre, will officially be launched onto the scheme with a special party on Good Friday, from 11.30am. Visitors will have the chance to meet Cookie during a parade and watch him enjoy a special cake.
This handsome chap has been specially chosen to join the scheme in honour of the 10-year anniversary of the rescue and in celebration of the remarkable recoveries made by its survivors.
More than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were saved from unthinkable neglect uncovered at Spindle Farm in Amersham in January 2008.
The animals were discovered living in horrifying conditions with barely any food, water or basic vet care. More than 30 dead horses were also found in the stables with the other animals.
Redwings played an instrumental role in bringing the stricken equines to safety and, over the years, offered 60 horses and donkeys from the rescue - including Cookie - a safe forever home at the sanctuary, as well as six foals born to rescued mares.
Thanks to the dedication of Redwings' vets and care teams, 58 survivors are still enjoying happy and healthy lives today, either within the sanctuary or in loving Guardian homes.
Cookie's introduction to the scheme is one of a series of activities and events being planned by Redwings this year to mark the rescue's landmark anniversary and to help raise funds towards the care of the survivors for the next decade.
Lynn Cutress, Redwings' chief executive, said: 'Despite his terrifying past ordeal, Cookie is such a friendly chap with a big heart, which makes him not just the perfect candidate for our adoption scheme, but also a wonderful symbol of an animal's ability to forgive and love again.'
To find out more and to adopt Cookie, call 01508 481000 or visit www.redwings.org.uk/adopt
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