A CRTICALLY ill pony that was abandoned by travellers has been rescued, thanks to residents who kick-started a social media campaign to find her a new home.

Singer Michelle Bewley, from Hedgerley, spearheaded a campaign to find the pony veterinary treatment and a new home, using social media in a bid to reach residents.

The pony, that she christened ‘Bonny’, was found severely ill in Grays Field, which is rented out by Stoke Park.

Mrs Bewley said: “Not many people could help. The pony was very sick with ringworm and a very contagious equine disease. Most stable-owners backed off out of fear their own horses would become infected.”

“Every horse charity we called were full to the brim with dumped gypsy ponies.”

Eventually, Stoke Park managed to find a charity willing to help: the horse charity SAFE (Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines). Alison, a trustee of SAFE from Reading, said: “The pony very obviously needed help. We had a horse box arranged to take her away, and a vet attended to assess her illness. She was taken to a national equine hospital for treatment.”

Additionally, Stoke Park offered to make a donation towards Bonny’s medical fees.

Michelle said that Bonny had a ‘good prognosis.’

“All the community have been amazing. Many people brought carrots and water to Bonny’s field. Facebook was so useful, the Ivers and Farnham community groups really pitched in and spread the message wide.”

Bonny will be taken in by The Horse Trust after she recovers. The Horse Trust, based in Princes Risborough, provides a sanctuary for horses, ponies and donkeys who have suffered from neglect.

This is the second abandoned pony found near Farnham recently. The first was found in a field off Blackpond Lane, Farnham Royal, which was left behind by travellers. It was also treated for disease, and successfully rehomed by a local resident.

Mrs Bewley said is raising money for SAFE by busking on the streets of local villages, in addition to setting up a fundraising page, which can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michellebewley