The horses rescued from a farm in Aberdeenshire are thriving after undergoing rehabilitation at World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm.

Owner sentenced

Twenty five horses were taken into the charity's care after the high profile investigation involving 65-year-old Valerie Pritchard of Cuminestown, Turriff, which began in May 2009. 

On Tuesday 10 January Pritchard was sentenced at Banff Sheriff Court where she was given a lifetime ban from keeping animals and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

The rescued horses have been undergoing extensive treatment and rehabilitation at Belwade Farm in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire as many were emaciated and had poor health and conformation due to indiscriminate breeding.

Due to the expertise, care and hard work of staff at Belwade Farm, the majority have now been rehomed where some are being used as ridden ponies, companions, and some may be brought on to be driven.

Some of the other horses from the case have taken longer in their rehabilitation due to a lack of confidence or their extremely poor condition. Belwade Farm Assistant Manager Caroline Heard said: “The horses involved in the Pritchard case experienced some terrible conditions and arrived at Belwade Farm in an awful state. They had such a horrible start in life it has been really pleasing to see their recovery and development and it is rewarding to see how we can make such a positive difference.”

Jim Bob

Jim Bob (left), a chestnut gelding pony, was extremely shy when he was first brought into WHW's care as a yearling. After successful rehabilitation, he turned into quite a character and was recently rehomed as a youngster for handling. Even though he is three years old, it was felt that due to his poor start that he would benefit from extra time before beginning work.

He was rehomed in October last year by Chloe McCutcheon, who says: “It was love at first sight for me with Jim Bob. He has such a huge presence and one of the strongest characters I have ever seen in a horse. It is my intention to get him out to some shows this spring; I think he will turn heads with his movement and gorgeous flaxen mane.”

Bryony

Bryony was in a very poor condition on arrival. She was lame because of her bad feet and she had hard lumps in her muscles especially around her girth area. She was terrified when having her head collar put on and it took a long time to get her confidence. But once she learned to trust the staff at Belwade Farm she turned into a very sweet and affectionate mare who loves having cuddles. She was rehomed as a companion in April 2010 and went to a lovely home in Torphins, Aberdeenshire, with another rehomed horse, Ariel.

Spencer

Spencer was in the poorest condition of all of the horses involved in the case. After he arrived at Belwade Farm he had to be put on a drip and kept in intensive care as he was so malnourished and dehydrated. It was thought he wouldn’t survive the night but his condition did improve and during his time with us Spencer has grown six inches in height at the wither and he has nearly doubled his body weight. Unfortunately, Spencer has been left with poor conformation and coordination so at this stage it is looking unlikely he will be able to support a rider. However, he is a very happy chap and has a good sense of humour.

Four others are now ready for rehoming, Hebe, Peggy Sue, Atom and Woody, who would all make lovely companions. All four arrived to Belwade Farm underweight and covered in lice.

Eileen Gillen who is Centre Manager at Belwade Farm said: “The horses from the Pritchard case have responded really well since being in our care and it’s amazing how well they have come on in both their physical condition as well as their personalities.“It’s really important to rehome the horses into loving new homes so they can lead happy lives, but it also allows us to bring in more needy horses as we never know when we might get our next big case.”