A FUNDRAISING appeal to raise money to look after a group of much-loved ponies has smashed its target

Almost £1,400 has been raised for the Seton Sands Field Community Ponies in a matter of days.

Vet costs have rocketed through the summer to look after the seven ponies, including one who got some nasty scratches on his ‘undercarriage’ – after scratching his bum!

Mags Reid set up the online fundraising appeal to raise funds to look after the animals.

She said: “This has been a particularly hard year for us with the loss of Shona Robertson Brash’s best boy Paddy and Big Jack’s best girl Lauren within a week of each other back in February – both requiring vet attendance/post-mortems.

“Additionally, Big Jack, our ex-racehorse, has been a particular worry since then and has presented with various injuries to legs and undercarriage – resulting in the Dick Vet Equine (DVE) vets being regular visitors to the field – or on the other end of the phone with advice.

“Added to that we’ve had two ponies with laminitis and one with colic – so vet costs rocketed. Shona funds all of the field running costs herself (quite an extensive list) – although from time-to-time generous folks will contribute.

“However this year has been exceptional and too much for one person – so a fundraiser was discussed with a couple of close pals and the GoFundMe campaign thought to be the best way to help out with costs.”

Port Seton resident Mags described the response from people online as “completely overwhelming”.

She added: “It has made us all feel truly humbled, thankful and very grateful to our friends and wee community – who have been so generous and supportive to Shona and our pony pals during this strange time.”

The ponies live on a stretch of land between the popular Sandy Walk and Seton Sands Holiday Park.

The money raised will go towards covering the various veterinary bills.

Mags said: “It looks like all funding will go towards Jack’s vet bill.

“We’ll post receipts so that supporters can see how their pounds have been spent.

“His latest escapade we believe to have been caused by his itchy bum-scratching on some overhanging branches from the Sandy Walk – resulting in the branches springing up and goring his undercarriage as he was moving away – leaving embedded splinters.

“Although the initial wounds didn’t appear significant, we sent pics to DVE and they attended to check and dress the area. The wound which subsequently abscessed – required his being admitted to DVE hospital for surgical removal of debris and lancing/draining of abscess plus seven days post-operative care.”

To support the fundraising appeal, go to www.gofundme.com/f/seton-sands-field-community-ponies