A shocking discovery...
In May 2025, HorseWorld welcomed two very special new arrivals: Ethel, a 20-year-old mare, and her new-born foal, Gloria. Their story began on Gelligaer and Merthyr Common in South Wales - an area where herds of ponies roam freely.
Gelligaer and Merthyr Common is land where registered Commoners hold historic grazing rights for livestock such as horses, sheep, and cattle. But it is also home to many semi-feral, unowned and abandoned ponies. These horses live with minimal human interaction, breeding freely and often far beyond what the land can sustain. When horse populations outgrow the available grazing, the result is suffering. Many animals face starvation, malnutrition, abandonment, and health problems linked to overbreeding. Sadly, foals are often born without any consideration for their welfare or their future.
A mare in crisis...
Ethel was already well known to welfare officers from the RSPCA. In 2024, she had given birth to a particularly large foal and, like many mares in similar circumstances, she struggled to regain her condition afterwards. The RSPCA stepped in and weaned the foal in January 2025 to give her body a chance to recover. Sadly, her health did not improve. When welfare teams returned in May with a vet to reassess her long-term wellbeing, they were shocked to find that Ethel had given birth again just days earlier. Against all odds, she had delivered a small but determined filly - little Gloria.
A multi-agency rescue operation...
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the RSPCA, other equine charities, and HorseWorld worked together to remove both Ethel and her foal from the common. Mother and baby were transported safely to HorseWorld, where our team were on stand-by to provide the round-the-clock support they so desperately needed.
Despite being weak and underweight, Ethel’s first instinct was still to protect and nurture her foal. This remarkable display of maternal love is something we see time and again in rescue work - even when mares are suffering themselves, their priority is always their young.
Thriving at HorseWorld...
Once in our care, both Ethel and Gloria began to recover. The calm, secure environment of our sanctuary gave them the chance to rest, regain strength, and flourish. Gloria quickly showed her playful nature, while Ethel, despite her age, blossomed with gentle handling and proper nutrition.
In 2025 alone, HorseWorld has already provided safety to five mares, who were either pregnant on arrival or had a foal at foot, many from similar semi-feral backgrounds. Each rescue highlights the ongoing crisis of overbreeding, where foals are born unwanted and mares are pushed to the limits of survival.
A new chapter...
Sadly, during Ethel’s first winter at HorseWorld, she began to lose body condition, and due to her old age and ongoing health challenges, the kindest decision was made to let her go peacefully. Ethel gave everything to her foal, Gloria, and was able to see her safely weaned shortly before her passing - a true testament to her strength and devotion as a mother. Gloria has adapted well following the loss of her mum and is now being lovingly nannied within the mare and foal herd. She is making great progress with her handling, and growing braver and more confident by the day.
