A NEW home is being sought for a pony born to a mare which was rescued en route to a slaughterhouse in Europe.

Hopscotch, a six-year-old 12hh bay mare, was born on a boat carrying hundreds of horses and ponies to Italy for slaughter. Along with her mother, the foal was discovered and rescued by welfare workers when the boat docked briefly at Ostend.

The pair were placed in a good temporary home in Luxembourg, where they were well looked after for three years.

When this home was no longer able to keep Hopscotch, contact was made with a welfare society in this country as her mother was a Welsh pony and she looked like an English show pony.

Hopscotch (pictured above) has had two good homes in North Yorkshire, but now seeks pastures new.

A temporary home would need safe grazing, a warm stable and a companion. The pony would be ideal for local showing and pony club activities, especially for a rider aged eight to 12 years, or younger on a lead rein.

Anyone who can help or would like more information should contact Pat on 01287 660444 or Claire on 07884 276031.