HORSEOWNERS are being asked to help an overstretched charity by fostering an animal.

The RSPCA currently has more than 500 horses and ponies in its care and more being rescued every week, many being looked after at the charity’s Felledge Equine Centre, near Chester-le-Street.

It relies on volunteers to provide a temporary home for abandoned or mistreated animals and is appealing for more carers to provide a foster home in February.

RSPCA equine rehoming officer Jacqueline Wilson said: “We are desperately seeking foster homes for over thirty young horses here in the north of England, and would like to see as many of those into caring temporary homes as possible by the time March is here”.

Pauline Bell has been fostering ponies from the RSPCA for four years at her yard in Crook, County Durham where the former teacher is currently taking care of Kamali, who was born in RSPCA care, and Hercules, abandoned with a jaw injury when young.

She said: “It truly is the most rewarding thing to see the ponies blossom. I have always taken them in pairs as youngsters, and they have always been so sweet and full of character.

“It is very hard to see them go when they are a little older and ready to be rehomed, but I really enjoy hearing updates on how they are getting on - being ridden by children, going to riding camps or happily hacking out. It’s the life they really deserve and I’m happy that I can provide them with a loving home to start them off on their journey”.

To find out more, please contact Lisa Paulin on 0300 123 0724 or Jacqui Wilson on 07825158255 or visit www.rspca.org.uk/stablefuture