Satanic cult blamed for ritualistic killing of Dartmoor foal which was horrifically mutilated in centre of ring of fire during full moon

By STUART WOLEDGE

Sickening: The body of this two-month-old foal was found horrifically mutilated and there are fears it is the work of Satanists

A Satanic cult has been blamed for the sickening death of a pony, which was found horrifically mutilated and laying in the remnants of a ring of fire after full moon.
Police are investigating after the young male had its genitals, right ear and tongue sliced off, and eyes gouged out. It is thought the animal may have been alive when the atrocities were committed.
Its belly was hacked open and the young pony also had traces of white paint on one of its legs, suggesting it was killed as part of a bizarre ceremony.

Cult: The foal was found surrounded by patches of burnt grass, suggesting candles had been lit during the ritual. It also had white paint of one of its legs

It was also surrounded by circular patches of burnt moorland, which experts believe were left by a ring of torches or candles.
The two-month old pony seemed to have been dragged into a clearing and placed at the foot of a slope to face the previous night’s full moon.
It was found on Tuesday morning by a horse rider at Yennadon Down, a remote, area of Devon National Park.

Easy target: Experts believe ponies have become so used to humans they are vulnerable to this sort of attack. Pictured here, the foal's mother

Animal welfare officers are investigating and police have appealed to the public to be extra vigilant.
Horse carers believe the butchery was part of an evil occult or Pagan ceremony by Devil worshippers.
Dartmoor’s Livestock Protection Officer Karla McKechnie said: 'We do get strange things happening from time to time, normally when its a full moon.
'I’ve come across strange circles in the ground, boulders used as altars, that sort of thing, but thankfully animal mutilations are rare.

Remote: The dead foal was found in Yennadon Down by a rider on Tuesday. An investigation into its grisly end is underway

'I suspect its witches or devil worshippers but it’s always hard to get to the bottom of it.
'My main concern is how someone has been able to walk up to a foal and kill it in the middle of the night.I’m almost certain more than one person was involved.'
South West Equine Protection's Jenny Thornton believed Dartmoor ponies had become so used to being fed by humans they were now easy targets.
She said: 'I’ve seen plenty of dead animals but this was horrendous.

source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2377782/Satanic-cult-blamed-ritualistic-killing-Dartmoor-foal-horrifically-mutilated-centre-ring-moon.html
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So how DO you get a cardigan on a pony? Sow-JUMPERS combine Shetlands' favourite exports

By VICTORIA ALLEN

Shetland ponies and Fair Isle knitwear are beloved across the world, so why not combine the two? These two cosy-looking mares have been dressed in button-down Fair Isle jumpers to promote the Year of Natural Scotland

They are the two things Shetland is most famous for – so it’s perhaps surprising no one had the idea before.
Shetland ponies and Fair Isle knitwear are beloved across the world, so why not combine the two?
The result is two cosy-looking mares dressed in button-down Fair Isle jumpers to promote the Year of Natural Scotland.

The ponies, named Fivla of Finnister and Millhouse Vitamin, were bang on trend, following Victoria Beckham and Rihanna who have also stepped out in Fair Isle designs

The ponies, named Fivla of Finnister and Millhouse Vitamin, were bang on trend, following Victoria Beckham and Rihanna who have also stepped out in Fair Isle designs.
However, sadly the ponies got their jumpers rather a lot more muddy and had to take them off for washing.
Jo Tonkinson, co-owner of Thordale Shetland Driving Centre, which provided the ponies, said: ‘It was quite simple – we sent the ponies’ measurements to the knitter, who sent back two jumpers.

The jumpers were made by Shetland designer Doreen Brown ¿ a little longer in length and shorter in the arm than she is used to. They are hand-knitted using wool from native Shetland sheep

‘We just had to put their two front legs in and they buttoned under the stomach.
‘It was perhaps an odd request, to get the ponies in Fair Isle, and a bit silly, but they were perfectly happy. Hopefully these pictures will make people smile.’
The jumpers were made by Shetland designer Doreen Brown – a little longer in length and shorter in the arm than she is used to. They are hand-knitted using wool from native Shetland sheep.
Fivla and Millhouse are used to wearing harnesses so were completely comfortable in their new clothes.

Fivla and Millhouse are used to wearing harnesses so were completely comfortable in their new clothes

Ponies from Thordale have previously starred in Norwegian drama series Himmelbla and in a travel series with comedian Paul Merton.
The photo shoot was dreamed up by tourist board Visit Scotland to launch 2013 as the Year of Natural Scotland.
Events taking place this year include Up Helly Aa on Shetland, which is Europe’ s largest Viking fire festival.

That will be followed by illuminated woodland trails for next month’s Snowdrops by Starlight at Cambo Estate in Fife and family treasure hunts on horseback during the Wild Spring Festival in Dumfries and Galloway this March and April.
The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival comes in May, followed by the 173rd Royal Highland Show in June.
Bear Grylls is hosting his first Survival Academy in the Scottish Highlands this year, the Cairngorms national park turns ten years old and visitors can stargaze at the UK’s first Dark Sky Park in Dumfries and Galloway.

source: dailymail

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Pony survives shocking neglect after being found collapsed on a riverbank lying next to a grave dug by his callous owners

By ALEX WARD

On 'death's door': Severn-Up the pony was found collapsed and left to die on a riverbank beside a dug grave

A pony has survived after being found collapsed on a riverbank next to a grave dug by his callous owners.
The foal named Severn-Up was on the water’s edge of the River Severn near Avonmouth on ‘death’s door’ next to the hole, which rescuers believe was intended for his body.
Since his terrible ordeal, the horse has made a full recovery and is celebrating his second birthday.

Fragile foal: The horse was thought to be four or five months-old and weighed just 22 stone when horse rescue workers found him

When HorseWorld, a horse rescue and rehabilitation charity, rescued Severn-Up he was believed to be four or five months-old and weighed just 22 stone.
Joanne Vaughan from HorseWorld said: ‘Severn-Up was rescued just in time.
‘He was found lying helplessly on the wet ground, cold, weak and covered in mud.

'Confident little chap': Severn-Up has since made a full recovery and is celebrating his second birthday (pictured with Amy Williams) after HorseWorld came to his rescue

‘He was literally at death’s door, a grave had been dug next to where he lay, ready for him to be pushed into when he eventually died.
‘He was just about able to stand if the grooms helped him to his feet, but he would soon collapse again.
‘He didn’t get to celebrate his first birthday as he didn’t enjoy human company after the way he had been treated but he is now a rather confident little chap who will wait at the gate to see us.’
He was had been fed a little at a time so as not to overload his tiny, shrunken stomach.

'Would've died painfully': The pony was fed a little at a time so as not to overload his tiny, shrunken stomach during his recovery

Abandoned on waste ground, on the riverbank, Ms Vaughan said he ‘would undoubtedly have died painfully’ had the charity not taken swift action.
HorseWorld cares primarily for horses, ponies and donkeys. They rescue, rehabilitate and rehome up to 100 animals a year that have been abandoned, neglected or ill-treated.
The Bristol-based charity began as a campaign to save the lives of working horses who were being rapidly replaced by motorised vehicles in industry in 1952.
They are funded entirely through public donations.

source: dailymail

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He's a one-snack pony! Magic is hooked on Pot Noodles after eating owner's meal... and his favourite is chicken and mushroom

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Stable diet: Four-year-old Magic with owner Zoe, and a selection of his favourite snacks

A pony has a developed a penchant for pot noodles after gobbling down his owner’s dinner.
Four-year-old Magic was happily munching hay in his stables in Margate, Kent, when he noticed owner Zoe Foulis had left her chicken and mushroom Pot Noodle lying on the ground to cool down.
The hungry horse slurped up the snack before Zoe could get a look in.
Part-time pet shop assistant Zoe, 20, says Magic’s favourite flavour was chicken and mushroom - closely followed by the spicy Bombay Bad Boy, beef and tomato and sweet and sour flavours.

Trot noodle: The pony's favourite flavours are chicken and mushroom, sweet and sour and Bombay bad boy

She says Magic loves nothing more than washing the snack down with orange juice, but hates tomatoes and shortbread.
'He loved the Pot Noodle - he even eats if from the fork.
'He’ll eat and drink most things - crisps, orange juice and tea from a carton.
'He’s a real character. He’s extremely friendly and playful.'
Magic is just one member of animal-mad Zoe's menagerie, which includes 120 rabbits, 40 guinea pigs and two oddly named zebra mice.

source: dailymail

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Match of the neigh: Pony shows off his impressive footballing skills including passing, dribbling and shooting

By DANIEL MILLER

Hoof it up the park: Football-mad pony Gray loves nothing more than a quick kickabout

Move over Wayne Rooney, this young foal's got an eye for goal, and he can't half hoof it up the park.
Football-obsessed pony Gray isn't bothered bout gymkhanas or galloping through the fields. All he wants is to get out in his paddock for a kickabout.
Like a four-legged Pele, he canters around with the ball seemingly glued to his hooves, dazzling onlookers with his impressive touch.

Nice dribble: Gray, a Bashkir-type pony, has put in hours of practice around the paddock to perfect his skills

Shifting from side to side through the snow Gray, a Bashkir-type pony, appears to have mastered passing, dribbling and shooting after putting in hours of practice.
And at full time he can't resist celebrating his first class performance with owner Anna Popova by giving her a sloppy lick across her face.
The funny moment was captured by keen snapper Olga Itina after photographing Anna riding five-year-old Gray at her home in Volokolamsk, Russia.

Nice touch: Gray proves he's no one-trick pony having mastered passing, shooting, dribbling and heading

WAG: Gray celebrates another goal by giving owner Anna Popova a big sloppy lick across her face

She said: 'It's just like watching a real football match when Gray chases the ball - he is really happy, enjoys the action and gets stuck in.
'I have never seen a horse playing with a ball before so was amazed to see how comfortable he was with it.
'Gray can do almost anything when he has a ball at his feet and is always in control of it. 'He is very fond of Anna. They are really close and have a great relationship.'

source: dailymail

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Plague of the pet horses: Bailiffs move in on town where people keep ponies in front gardens

By LOUISE BOYLE

Trapped: A pet pony is kept in a front garden in fear of being seized by bailiffs after a council crackdown in Tipton

Horse lovers are battling their local council over the long-standing tradition of keeping horses tethered on public land near their homes.

Sandwell Council has been employing bailiffs to remove stray horses and charging owners who want them back in Tipton in the West Midlands.

The council has defended its measures, saying it is in the interest of public safety. The local authority estimated there are up to 60 horses grazing or left untethered in Tipton and up to ten roaming free.


Horse owner Steve Bradwich stands next to his horse, one of many horses tethered on land that may be seized by bailiffs

Several horses have been spotted in a park, which includes a children's play area and is a popular spot with parents and toddlers.

Bailiffs have been issuing enforcement notices to owners which gives people 24 hours to remove their animals or face having them impounded.

Horse owners have defended the tradition and are set to protest against the council by staging a ‘horse drive’.


Tradition: Horse lovers in Tipton are battling the council over the local practice of keeping their horses tethered on public land near their homes

Locals claim the practice has been passed down through the generations.

It is believed to have begun in the age of the canal when many local men used their horses to tow barges through the Black Country, an area of heavy industry.


My lovely horse: Owner Steve Bradwich stands next to his horse, one of many horses tethered on land that may be seized by bailiffs


Hungry horses: The council has been rounding up the animals in Tipton after they said that many are grazing illegally

source: dailymail

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And in the arrivals lounge... foal for pony who shot to fame trying to board train

By CHRIS PARSONS

New arrival: Ruby and her new owner Michelle Crowther pose with the mare's new foal

She was the mare who became a worldwide sensation after trying to board a train, as well as walking into a hospital and a pub.

But now Ruby, who was taken into care amid fears for her health, has had her own new arrival after giving birth to a bay and white foal.

The mare shot to fame when her previous owner, Irish traveller Joe Purcell, was captured on CCTV leading his horse on to a train platform in Wrexham in May.


Happy and healthy: The as-yet unnamed foal playfully gallops around her new surroundings in Wrexham

Now Ruby has a new owner after the RSPCA took her into care and, two weeks ago, the mare gave birth to a beautiful skewbald - or white, brown and black - colt.

Her owner, housewife Michelle Crowther, 43, said the youngster has yet to be given a name and added: 'At the moment he's really shy but it's Ruby's fault because she's very protective and keeps pushing him behind her and making noises as if to say "Be careful" but he's very attentive and well behaved.'

'He’s really pretty with a lot of white on him and has an interesting quirk in that one set of eyelashes are black and the other set are white.


Caught on camera: The pony is led on to a train in Wrexham, Wales

'She’s a really, really good mother. She looks after him really well and has got him all organised. Ruby’s quite firm and bustling with him, but kind.

'She’s got him completely under control.'

Mother-of-three Michelle has not decided what to do with the colt but will keep the new arrival for the time being with husband Richard, 45, and the couple's three children at their home in Wrexham.


Unwell: A pregnant Ruby with her previous owner, traveller Joe Purcell

source: dailymail

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That's a pony and trapped! Unfortunate animal has to be cut free after getting trapped inside tractor tyre

By WIL LONGBOTTOM

Stop horsing about: Smila the pony got herself trapped inside a tractor tyre after apparent slipping over and falling into it while grazing in Limmer, Germany

A horse lover was left with a wheel emergency on her hands - after her pony Smila got trapped inside a huge tractor tyre.

Marlene Schmidt, 30, from Limmer, Germany, believes the horse had been trying to graze on fresh grass under the tyre when she slipped and fell head first into it.

The unfortunate animal was left trapped inside the tyre with one of her hind legs poking out and her head pushed into the ground.


This is getting a little tyred now: Firefighters used mechanical cutting equipment to free the terrified animal


Firefighters had to use hydraulic cutting equipment - normally used to rescue people from the wreckage of car crashes - to eventually free the terrified pony.

Fortunately, Smila was unhurt in the incident, apart from a few dents to her pride.

Ms Schmidt said: 'She's very playful and often gets into scrapes.

'But I am just happy that nothing worse happened.'


Why the long face? Smila bounds to her feet after her indignant ordeal as the tyre is finally cut in two

source: dailymail

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Gypsy gang 'deliberately drowned' elderly pony in lake in front of horrified families

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Killers: The gang deliberately drowned a pony by pushing it into Hawkley Lake, in Pinewood Park, near Yateley in Hampshire, until it was completely submerged


Police are hunting a gang of thugs who deliberately drowned a pony by pushing it into a lake.

Horrified onlookers spotted the group of 12 men and boys forcing the two-year-old animal and its trap into the 8ft-deep water.

Officers are also investigating reports the yobs used sticks to beat the piebald cob pony as it tried desperately to haul itself out of Hawley Lake, near Farnborough, Hampshire.


Crime scene: The RSPCA and Hampshire Police have launched a joint investigation into the incident


They also tried to push in two other ponies, also attached to their traps.

A horrified 21-year-old walker trying to rescue the first pony was kicked in the head and knocked unconscious by the panicking animal.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Frimley Park Hospital but has since been discharged.


Hauled out: Army Divers and Hampshire Fire and Rescue recovered the pony's body from the lake


Unable to clamber out, the pony tried to swim to the other side but was dragged down by the wooden trap and drowned on Saturday afternoon.

The body was removed from the lake by Hampshire Fire Service firefighters with the help of Ministry of Defence divers, who use the lake, in a three-hour operation.


source: dailymail

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Miniature pony owner launches desperate appeal to raise £6,000 for lifesaving surgery on Falabella's twisted legs

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Desperate plea: Minxy's owner Joanne Morris, 29, is asking for animal lovers to help her pay for the £6,000 surgery on her pony's twisted legs


A rare miniature pony born prematurely with twisted legs is facing death unless his owner can raise £6,000 to pay for lifesaving surgery.

Cute mini Minxy, a Falabella pony, was born just ten weeks ago at stables in St Blazey, Cornwall.

Owner Joanne Morris, from Truro, spent two weeks living in her car so she could provide round the clock care to the sick animal at her parents' stables.


Best friends: The pony, weighing just 13.5kg, has become best friends with five-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Chloe


She moved the pint sized pony, which is claimed to be the smallest male pony in the world at 17.6 inches tall, to her home to continue caring for him.

Joanne, 29, said: 'He needed feeding every half hour and couldn't stand to suckle from his mother.

'He was around six weeks premature and not fully formed. His legs were severely twisted.'

Around £1,600 has already been spent on vets' bills splinting Minxy's legs to help straighten them and wrapping them in bandages every day.

'His front legs have become a lot stronger but his back legs will need pinning. He needs a scan which costs £800 a leg plus around £4,000 to operate.'


Tiny horse: Minxy, standing at 17.6 inches tall is not much bigger than a two litre bottle of Coca Cola
Joanne continued: 'Without these operations he would not survive.


'Even though he is able to walk with the aid of splints, they are causing pressure sores and if they were to get infected could kill him.

'He is such a strong willed little fella - we want to give him the chance of a normal life.'

Falabellas born with such deformities are often put down because of the cost of correcting their deformities but Joanne has launched an appeal to save Minxy.


Poor pony: Miniature pony Minxy desperately needs lifesaving surgery on his twisted legs and his owner has launched an appeal to raise £6,000 for it


During his short life so far, the pony, weighing just 13.5kg, has also become best friends with five-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Chloe.

The pair have become inseparable since Minx was born and Chloe ‘mothers’ the pony by licking him clean.

Joanne is hoping that these adorable pictures will pull on the heartstrings of animal lovers, who will donate funds to help her cause.

source : dailymail

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Pony Express! Rail passenger is turned away after trying to board a train with his HORSE

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Seat for one... pony please: The man and his animal are captured on CCTV at Wrexham Generalis ticket office requesting to pay the creature's fare


When this passenger tried to buy a ticket for his pony at the rail station, staff must have thought the man was clearly horsing around.

However, when it became apparent the man was deadly serious, they told him the answer was an unequivocal 'neigh'.

The commuter arrived at the station in North Wales and tried to buy a ticket for himself and the animal for the 7.02pm service from Wrexham to Holyhead

Despite being told that large animals were not allowed in the carriages, he put the pony into a lift and took it down to the platform.


Going down? When the man was refused a ticket for his pony, he bundled it into the lift to take it on to the platform


It is not known why he wanted to transport the animal on the train.

The man eventually left the station - with his pony - when he was not allowed to board the service.

Arriva Trains Wales has released CCTV of the incident, which took place last Saturday.


Mind the gap: Staff were stunned when the man led his pony on to the platform ready to board the train


A spokeswoman said: 'We allows dogs and small animals to travel on board trains.

'All animals, except dogs, must be conveyed within a fully-enclosed basket or pet carrier with dimensions not exceeding 85cm x 60cm x 60cm.

'Large animals, including horses and ponies, which may pose a risk to the general public, are not permitted to travel.'


source: dailymail

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My little ugly pony: Maddison, six, in bid to raise £4,000 for operation on disfigured foal

By Mailonline Reporter

Best friend: Maddison Biddlecombe didn't want Diego to be put down just because he has a disfigured face


A six-year-old girl is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for an operation on her beloved foal after he was born with a rare condition which left his face disfigured.

Little Maddison Biddlecombe fell in love with Diego despite his peculiar appearance and begged her family not to have him put down.

Despite being advised by other horse owners to have Diego put to sleep, Maddison's mother, 33-year-old Janey Biddlecombe, refused.

She is now hoping to raise money for an operation by an equine dentist which is set to cost £4,000.

Diego was born on May 12 with Wry Nose Syndrome which caused him to have a bent nose and undershot jaw.

Despite initial difficulties he has learnt to suckle from his mother and is happy, healthy and growing well.

Maddison, said: 'Diego is my best friend and I don't care what he looks like, to me his face makes him special.


Growing well: Diego has learned to suckle from his mother despite being born with Wry Nose Syndrome which caused him to have a bent nose and undershot jaw


'He's so lovely. We have a lot of fun playing games and he likes to chase me around the field.

'I love him lots and he gives me kisses and cuddles.

'People shouldn't say he should be put down because of what he looks like, it doesn't matter to me.

'My friends really like him too and we have so much fun feeding him. He's the best horse ever.'

Mrs Biddlecombe, who keeps her horses in Southampton, Hants, sought advice online from others on the New Forest Equine Directory forum and was shocked by some responses.

She said: 'I asked for help and advice but some people have been unkind and told me to put him to sleep.

'Maybe it's an easy way out but not for me. I don't agree with putting him to sleep just because he looks different.

'It was a struggle the day after he was born but he's come on leaps and bounds and is doing fantastically.

'Maddison adores Diego and has formed a great bond with him. They have even been found cuddled up together asleep in the field in the sun. He certainly knows he's loved.

'He's a fighter and I am willing to do everything and anything for him - whatever it takes to make sure he has a happy, normal life.

'When he's bombing around the field he's so happy and there's no way I could put him down - not unless he's suffering, but not just because he looks different.'

Mrs Biddlecombe, of Poole, Dorset, said her mother had been a great help as Diego is kept in her field.

She said the RSPCA were happy with Diego but accepted that the colt could have problems when he starts grazing.

She said she hoped any difficulties could be cured by surgery and the family would be devastated if they had to have him put down.

Mrs Biddlecombe added: 'We would be heartbroken but we will do all we can for him and let him know he was loved and cuddled and kissed.'

Wry Nose Syndrome causes the upper and lower jaw of a horse to grow to one side.

source: dailymail

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Spotted! The polka dot pony that's roaming Dartmoor

By Daily Mail Reporter

Dotty about Spotty: The newborn foal - real name Pongo - has been spotted on running about Dartmoor


Animal-lovers are going dotty for this rare foal because it looks like a Dalmatian dog.

The newborn is has white fur and is covered in hundreds of dark polka dots - even though his mother is an all-brown Dartmoor pony.

The foal, nicknamed Spotty, has been compared by walkers to the Dalmatian breed of dog and even zebras because of its unusual colouring.

He was first spotted on cliff tops at Wembury Point in Devon.

The land is owned by the National Trust and the week-old pony was born to a mother who normally grazes wild on nearby Dartmoor.

Local warden Lorna Sheriff said: 'On Easter Monday an amazing foal with white fur and black spots was born on the cliff.

'We've nicknamed him Spotty. He looks just like a large Dalmatian. It's very unusual to see a pony with his colourings.

'Most of the Dartmoor ponies we have out grazing are a lovely chocolate brown or cream colour


Join the dots: The foal, nicknamed Spotty, pictured with his mother, a Dartmoor pony. He is a crossbreed of a Dartmoor pony and British Spotted pony


'He'll be going back to Dartmoor on Friday to join the rest of the herd until he is a little older to come back and graze here.'

Dartmoor ponies roam free on the moor but are moved to Wembury Point to help manage the landscape by keeping scrub down and allowing native wild plants and flowers to thrive
The foal was born last week but his owners say his real name is Pongo. His mother is a Dartmoor pony but his father is a British Spotted pony.

They come in several colour types including 'blanket' where the animal has a plain base coat with a white spotted blanket over its quarters and back.

There is also 'snowflake' where the creature has white spots on a dark base coat. Others are called 'few spot' and have hardly any spots at all.

Pongo is a 'leopard spot' because he has coloured spots on a white base coat.

Spotted ponies were once wild in the UK and the coat pattern was a natural camouflage as they roamed the heaths and forests of ancient Britain.

Stone Age man painted pictures of the spotted horses on cave walls and they appeared in many ancient manuscripts and drawings.

During Roman times important officers were given spotted horses as a sign of power. There are currently around 170 spotted horses born in Britain every year


source: dailymail

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