Mother and son ponies are reunited in Matlock

Micky, a skewbald cob gelding, was originally on loan from the Blue Cross charity as a riding pony. But his behaviour became erratic when he was saddled and his borrower asked the charity to take him back.

Sally Marley-Ward, horse welfare co-ordinator at Blue Cross, said: “We couldn’t take Micky back to the centre as the country was going into lockdown.”

Coincidentally, another horse welfare co-ordinator at the charity mentioned to Melanie Leicester, who had Micky’s mother on loan, that the gelding was looking for a new home.

"Melanie immediately said that she would love to take him on as a companion and reunite mother and son,” said Sally. “It’s the perfect home for him given that he is no longer suitable as a riding pony. The pair are blissfully happy together and make striking field ornaments with their matching looks!”

Melanie added: “It’s so lovely to see them both together and you can really see a true bond between them. Both Micky and Loreal look happy to be in each other’s company again.”

Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets for more than 120 years. Thousands of pets are helped by the charity every month, through veterinary care, expert behaviour help or finding them loving homes. Blue Cross also offer education for pet owners plus bereavement support for those who have lost their pet companion.

To find out more about the charity or to make a donation towards pet care visit www.bluecross.org.uk.