LAST week Hungry Horse Outside, a large equine rescue based in Co Longford, visited a site in Co Monaghan following a complaint made by a member of the public concerned about the well-being of a Shetland pony.

Upon arrival at the site, the team discovered an elderly Shetland pony (approximately 18 years old), later named Marty, in appalling condition – his hooves were grossly neglected and overgrown. It became apparent that he would need to be removed immediately to receive urgent treatment.