As the Foot and Mouth disease epidemic tightened its grip around the countryside, Cornwall's MAFF officials (now DEFRA) issued notices requiring commoners to remove stock from unfenced areas of commonland that had direct access to neighbouring farms.
These notices included the removal of ponies, which although not susceptible to FMD, could aid its spread by carrying the virus on their hooves or coats. Commoners quickly removed their stock, either to their farms or areas of securely fenced commonland.

However, within a few days of stock removal 10 ponies appeared on a council owned common adjacent to several valuable farms. The spring grass was still several weeks away and the hungry ponies wandered off the common in search of food. In several instances the ponies strayed around, and even onto neighbouring farms. With no-one claiming ownership of the ponies MAFF had little option but to arrange for the destruction of these ponies. However, fortunately for the ponies, MAFF contacted SWEP to see if they could offer an alternative.

Despite obvious difficulties (movement restrictions etc.) SWEP were able to find accommodation for the ponies which consisted of 6 young fillies and 2 mares with their yearling colts. Several of the ponies were in very poor condition - all had very heavy lice and worm burdens, 1 was lame and 2 had serious rain scald. Sadly one of the mares died within 24 hours of coming into SWEPs care. However, following careful feeding, de-lousing and worming treatment (no easy task with 10 very wild ponies !) the remaining ponies have recovered well.
Shortly after adopting this group of ponies, SWEP received another call from MAFF. A stallion, a colt and a gelding had appeared in a field - once again no owners could be traced. As a consequence, SWEP agreed to take these animals rather than see them destroyed.
After being halter trained and receiving basic handling training all were rehomed on SWEP's loan scheme, and are doing well and are assured of a happy and secure future.
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Sunny
Sunny, an ex-racehorse, had been placed on loan by his owner. However, the loan home proved unsuitable and he was taken into SWEP's care suffering dental problems and malnutrition. He had suffered a broken tooth and as a result was unable to eat properly. Malnutrition had caused his hair to fall out around his eyelids, nose and mouth.He also had a deep laceration to his leg.
By the way... Sunny was originally named 'Lucky', but given the circumstances before SWEP took him into care, the name seemed inappropriate and a name change was in order !
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Chance
Taken in as a six week old foal - we learned that the mare had died 3 weeks previously - he was surviving on Dartmoor on his own. Very weak and dehydrated, he was only days away from death. We started veterinary treatment immediately.

The foal was so weak he could hardly walk. He was covered in bite and kick marks - the other mares would not let him suckle. He also had very bad rain scald and sunburn on his muzzle.
Pictured on the far right above, Chance was well on the way to recovery at 4 months old. The second photo shows him rehomed and with a new role in life - working in a riding stables where he receives expert attention and plenty of affection from young riders. Back

Ginny
Ginger, as she was known at first, was amongst thirteen ponies removed from Bodmin Moor by MAFF during the Foot "&" Mouth crisis. Rather than see these animals destroyed, SWEP agreed to take them in.
Despite being malnourished herself, Ginger was still feeding her yearling foal at foot. Her winter coat disguised the fact that she was in very poor condition. The first step was to wean the foal, and then administer wormers so that Ginger could make the best use of food she was now receiving.
She was turned out with a newcomer - a yearling colt. The colt's mother had died within 24 hours of arriving, and being able to place him with a mother just separated from her own colt helped to reduce the anxiety felt by both. Their spirits were soon lifted and they developed a strong bond.
Ginger was initially very wary of humans, but months of gentle handling saw her confidence and trust develop beyond recognition. At last she was ready to move on.
Unfortunately, changing circumstances meant that Ginger did not stay in her first home, but after a few weeks in foster care, she was ready to go to her new home - a riding stable where she is now the centre of attention !

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