Spencer Animal Sanctuary

Meet Our Residents

Kellinda Moonshine 1999 registered Welsh Sec A

Literally minutes away from being shot, due to behavioural problems, Kellinda Moonshine, known as ‘Poppy’ used to charge at people with no warning, leaving her owner unable to cope. Taking on this 2 year old Poppy was the start of my ‘rescuing’ animals.

One uneventful week went by when Poppy decided to show her ‘true’ colours, running at me and knocking me down. I was advised by a friend to carry a ‘cap’ gun to startle her if needed, so for the next few weeks, I wandered around her paddock armed to the teeth with the toy gun!! In fact this tactic worked and Poppy realised that I was not there to harm her. Poppy has a tendency to laminitis, so in the summer her grazing is restricted. Although she appears strong-willed in familiar surroundings, she is quite insecure when away from them.

Mr Lumpy Bumpy 1998 part thoroughbred

Sweet LB was born with two very unusual hernias and a scar on his offside. The vet came immediately and LB went through weeks of elastoplast belly bands being applied, to try and reduce the hernias and promote closure to the muscle wall. As this was of little effect, LB underwent major surgery to insert a mesh in the larger hernia, again with poor results.

At 3 years old I did ride him and he completed a sponsored ride, however I had to stop riding him as my legs would touch his hernias, potentially causing further problems. Due to his weak abdominal wall he is not allowed to get too fat, so he is on restricted grazing during the summer. LB looks big and clumsy but loves human contact and affection, standing for hours being groomed or cuddled.

Glendale Pepperpot 2002 New Forest

‘Pepper’ was born in the New Forest and there were plans to sell him at 6 months old. Yet, whilst still with his mother, he suddenly lost weight, becoming too unwell to be sold. At this time he had no name. I took him on to see if I could get him fit and thanks to his growing response to food, he soon earned himself his name! Pepper by then had won me over, making it impossible to let him go. Remaining rather small and slim for a New Forest pony, he was broken in to riding summer 2006 and although still green and a subdued character, he really enjoys all the attention.

Isabellas Folly 2001 unregistered New Forest

While actively looking for a horse for a friend, I learnt about Folly, a 2year old totally wild mare. She had lived all her young life in the forest and was extremely nervous and very ‘quick’. Taking her on, time has passed and although much better, she is still apprehensive, especially of men and ropes, needing constant reassurance. She has had a saddle and bridle on, but still she does not like things around her head. Being a sweet, smart looking mare, she does want to please once you have gained her trust.

Glendale Sunny Jim 2004 New Forest

Sunny was born in the New Forest with an umbilical hernia requiring treatment. With assistance from the agister and friends, he was rounded up with his mother and half sister and, via The Barn Equine Surgery, where he had a belly band put on, joined the rest of our increasing family.

The band was kept on for a few weeks, resolving the hernia problem. His mother and sister then returned to the Forest but Sunny Jim stayed on as a delightful permanent resident.

Nipper 1997 unregistered Shetland

Affectionately known as “little hippo” due to his size, Nipper had a rather unstable life after the death of his original owner. He suffers from a condition called sweet itch, requiring daily care from Spring to Autumn to ensure that he does not rub all his hair off. On coming to me he had open wounds along his back with no mane nor top tail hairs, but constant care has allowed his condition to be kept at bay and now has a full ‘head of hair’!. Although broken in to ride, he has been known to buck the rider, however this possible reaction might be due to a saddle being worn on a sore back, but he has never done this with me.

He is an independent cheeky chappy, and albeit he should be on a diet, he walks through electric fencing, taking his mates with him!! It is not unusual to find him in a different part of the field in the morning, grazing happily. Because of his past, he is wary of strangers, but food usually wins him round!!

Glendale Beachnut 2004 New Forest

Poor Beachnut lost his mother when he was only 3 months old and simply could not have survived in the wild. He arrived terrified and confused, a lonely soul, so I put him in with Sunny Jim and family where he thrived. He has since grown in confidence, yet he can still be wary of strangers. He too has a talent for jumping electric fences like his incorrigible friend Nipper!!!

Molly 2004 Partbred New Forest

When I first saw Molly she appeared to be very cute, however this was deceiving! Being a mule she can stand on her hind legs and 'box' viciously like a kangaroo!!

She arrived to us and made instant friends with the donkeys who are as strong willed as she is. One day she had an accident, injuring her leg, which required intensive veterinary and nursing support but she is a brave fighter. She is an independent lady, blatantly choosing her friends and enemies and can be as stubborn as her namesake!!!

Cinders 10 years+ donkey

I heard about a donkey in Shropshire, who was in an emaciated state and could not eat because her bottom jaw protrudes which causes her teeth to overgrow and she had had no dental treatment. Due to her deformity she looked so ugly and forlorn, I had to buy her (yes, I paid money for her!). After immediate veterinary care she was also diagnosed to have a hoof infection causing her to lose three quarters of her hoof. She has since remarkably recovered after great teamwork between farrier and vet, and I rode her on a sponsored ride for the Tsunami appeal.

She has developed her own unique character and can pull many expressions due to her longer lower lip. She is a typical donkey – if she does not want to do something she won’t! – yet give her an apple and you have a friend for life.

Hercules 2002 Jack donkey

While surfing the Internet I found a website, and to cut a long story short, with my dad’s help, I ended up rescuing a donkey from France. He was destined to end up as salami. Initially he would not get off the lorry, he only understood French! However he soon realised that the grass was greener!

Although slim and needing delousing he would not let himself be caught in the field but he soon settled in. Now the most placid of donkeys, he is the first to come over for cuddles.

Orchid & Coco Anglo-Nubian Goats

These two goats have had a reputation for chasing any children or adults they took their fancy to! Initially they did use to butt people walking in the field but now they are much better. Orchid is the more affectionate one, while Coco is aloof, however if food is involved they both love the attention.

Eric 2005-2006 (RIP) Sheep

Eric was born with a deformed neck after being squashed in the womb. He could not suckle so was bottle fed. When the lambs had to go to market he was given a reprieve as my sister ‘volunteered’ me to take him on. His breathing was a continuous struggle because if he lifted his head high he would constrict his trachea (windpipe).

He would follow me around like a dog while I was feeding the other animals and although his life was short he left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Through him I have learnt that sheep also have individual characters and he has gone to his shepherd! God Bless Him!

Lily Sheep

Lily, who arrived soon after Eric, was initially a pet, and then she was put in a flock where she had many lambs. As the whole flock was going to market I was asked whether I could take her. She is a bit arthritic and overweight, but seems quite happy in the field with the goats and donkeys. Not sheepish at all!!!

Click on Apache to sponsor SAS

Click on Barney to explore residents