Pony charity Hoofprints Miniature Haven may have found new home in Walesby Forest Outdoor Activity Centre

Things are looking up for a pony rescue charity that has been desperately looking for a new long-term home.

Hoofprints Miniature Haven is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates miniature ponies. The charity also provides therapy and education to the public through the ponies.

Trustee Barbara Mills, who moved to Newark a year ago, contacted the Advertiser in September about the struggle she was facing trying to find a new home that was suitable for more than 20 ponies.

The premises that Barbara had planning to use proved unsuitable for Charity Commission requirements.

Barbara said it had taken a long time to gain its charity status, so following the rules was essential.

The story was brought to the attention of Guy Laurie, chief executive of Walesby Forest Outdoor Activity Centre, who offered to help.

The centre is a not-for-profit organisation that welcomes children to take part in outdoor educational activities in a 250-acre woodland setting.

Guy said there was a lot of space available and having the ponies would be good for the children coming to the camp.

“It’s always nice to help out other charitable organisation, and the children will be able to see and learn from the ponies.

“The children will learn from the ponies, and that is exactly what we are about here ­— learning and personal development.”

Barbara said she was excited and relieved that the ponies might finally have a new, long-term home.

“It has taken us a year now to find somewhere suitable,” she said.

She had feared some ponies would have to be put down if a new home was not found.

The charity has been chosen to benefit from the Tesco Bag Of Help scheme in November and December.

The Balderton and Ollerton Tesco stores will be giving money to the project raised through charging of carrier bags in its stores.

Barbara said it would help buy a horse trailer and a disabled carriage, which would give more people the opportunity to take part in activities with the ponies.

Barbara is also struggling to find a hay supplier this winter due poor weather affecting the shortage of hay.

If you can help out, contact Barbara on hoofprintsminiaturehaven@gmail.com.