Tiger Lily is blossoming at Hall Farm after being found just in time

Having been rescued in a terrible state, young pony Tiger Lily is flourishing at our Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre and now has a spring in her step after lots of expert care and attention. 

Along with three other ponies, Tiger Lily was rescued from a site in Kent in a critical condition, dangerously weak and underweight. Recalling their rescue, our Field Officer Rebecca Carter says, “I don’t know, if I’m honest, if I actually expected them all to make it.” 

After weeks of expert, compassionate care from our team, working alongside our vets, Tiger Lily and her friends Tinker Bell, Wendy and Mary Darling have taken their first steps on the road to recovery and are now able to enjoy time playing in the field. 

“What’s striking is how much the body condition of these ponies has improved in just two weeks with appropriate nutrition and good care,” says our Director of UK, Malcolm Morley. “I’m amazed at how much weight they’ve put on in such a short time – it’s a really great thing to see.

“What makes us really happy is seeing that they’re no longer the docile little ponies that came in – they’re much more spirited and running about. It’s just wonderful to see them out in the field, especially considering where they’ve come from. Their progress so far has been remarkable.”

The ponies were found on a freezing cold afternoon after concerns for their welfare were reported to the charity. Rebecca says, “As soon as I turned up at the field and saw this group of mainly young cobs, I was immediately concerned. They were very obviously underweight and very quiet, huddled in the corner and not really responsive to my presence at all.”

When she returned with the RSPCA, police and a vet, Rebecca found a metal pen in the corner of the field, with a tarpaulin wrapped around it. “That’s where I came across Tiger Lily. She was shut in there on her own, in disgusting conditions,” explains Rebecca. “She was very thin and her coat was completely matted with faeces. She was absolutely terrified when I lifted up the tarpaulin and when I went in, she was trying to get away, backing into a corner.”

Now, after their first few weeks in the charity’s care, along with gentle and patient handling, the ponies look very different already. Tiger Lily in particular is enjoying playing in the field at Hall Farm. 

Rebecca comments, “It’s wonderful to see that these ponies have not only survived, but are clearly flourishing. It’s a really lovely part of my job that sadly I don’t always get to see, due to the severity of the cases we come across on a daily basis. Any time something positive like this happens, it makes it all worthwhile.” 

The story of the four friends has touched hearts far and wide, and Rebecca adds, “I find it really overwhelming how many people have seen their story and how many comments and well wishes there are for them, as well as the incredible donations which will go towards supporting not only their care but also all the other horses out there who need our help.” 

Rehabilitation is at the very heart of our work and the Hall Farm team will continue to carefully support Tiger Lily, Tinker Bell, Wendy and Mary Darling on their long journey to recovery. To keep up to date with their story, sign up for our e-newsletter.