By Lisa Ramsden
A FERAL pony, born in the Mournes last year, had to be rescued on Thursday night after getting trapped in a hole.
The yearling, who is now in the care of Equine Halfway House Pony Rescue and Refuge, was brought to safety through the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service, who worked alongside local equestrian vet, Mr Sean Rooney, and Equine Halfway House’s founder Katryna Gamble and her son, Tiarnan.
The pony had managed to get himself into a deep trench and was unable to make his way out. The rescue took place on land close to the Bloody Bridge, south of Newcastle.
Once the call for help was made, the Large Animal Rescue Team, which is based at Newcastle Fire Station, responded alongside colleagues from Kilkeel.
The pony, who was subsequently named ‘Simba’, is one of a herd that roams between Slieve Donard mountain and the Bloody Bridge river.
The ponies’ plight first came to the fore following the widespread blaze that engulfed huge swathes of Slieve Donard and adjoining slopes in April 2021.
On that occasion, a major incident was declared by the NI Fire and Rescue Service.
Since then, Equine Halfway House has been bringing as many of these ponies as possible off the hills and to safety, where they undergo rehabilitation, medical attention and, if suitable, the animals can find safe and loving homes.
This herd started out as a few abandoned ponies, who have gone on to breed each year. At present, Katryna estimates there are at least 40 living on land between Slieve Donard and towards Glasdrumman, on terrain which is not suitable for them as they are not wild, in the true sense.
Mrs Gamble said she is indebted to the NIFRS crews and Mr Rooney for their patience and professionalism.
She also paid tribute to her son for his initial interactions with the pony and local resident, Mr Frank Harper, for his assistance.
“Once well sedated, the teams worked carefully to ensure the pony was safely secured and were able to bring him out of the hole.
“We managed to get him into the horsebox and transport him back to our yard whilst still under sedation, so overall that part of the process was as stress-free as possible.
“Even though he has only ever lived on the mountainside, Simba is coping really well with his new surroundings.
“He has quickly realised he is now in a safe place,” she explained.
