Ponies from common enjoying ‘brighter future’ thanks to joint welfare efforts

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Three horse welfare charities have come together to rehome ponies living on Gelligaer and Merthyr commons.

According to RSPCA, there are currently 250 ‘semi-feral’ ponies living on the commons, the majority of which are unowned.

In November 2024, the RSPCA, alongside Redwings and World Horse Welfare, teamed-up and completed a two-day welfare operation in the area.

Helped by staff from Donkey Sanctuary, British Horse Society, Blue Cross, HorseWorld and Bransby Horses, the charities removed 30 ponies from the common to try and ease the burden on the land before the winter.

The ponies have all been offered homes at the charities, with the ultimate aim of finding them private homes via a rehoming scheme.

Roxane Kirton, head equine vet for the RSPCA, said: “This operation forms part of a wider strategic project, working alongside Redwings, World Horse Welfare and the Commoners Association, on a long-term herd management plan that can be overseen and implemented locally, and aims to reduce the numbers of ponies to a sustainable level in a way that supports good equine welfare.

“This will include cataloguing all the residents and removing those ponies who have a high chance of a good life in a private home.”

Huw Williams, chairman of the Gelligaer and Merthyr Commoners Association, said: “The Commoners Association is eager to work towards creating a sustainable future for the ponies on the common.

“We are pleased to be working with the equine charities on this project, which is aimed at establishing a healthy, thriving, herd of ponies on the common.”