This is a routine part of their care, but it is also one of the most important for these residents.

Ponies and donkeys don’t show pain in obvious ways. Dental problems build slowly — sharp edges, overcrowding, gaps between teeth — and over time, they begin to affect how an animal eats, how they maintain their weight, and how comfortable they are day to day.

Some of our oldest residents, like Rosie and Hebe, are now well into their later years. Good dental health is key to helping them continue eating properly and maintaining their condition.

Others carry the lasting effects of years before they were safe. Mabel and George both require ongoing corrective dental work — the kind that needs to be managed over time, not resolved in a single treatment.

Sammy and Hannah have diastemas, gaps between their teeth where food can become trapped. Without regular care, these can lead to infection and discomfort. Their treatment involves careful management to keep those gaps clear and free from build up.

These two Mini Shetlands face other challenges. They have the same number of teeth as a full-sized pony, but in a much smaller mouth. This can lead to overcrowding, making regular dental work essential to prevent issues from developing.

At the end of this month, each of our residents will be sedated, examined, and treated as needed. Our vet Hannah has been managing our residents’ dentals for over 10 years and knows exactly what they need individually and their treatment plans.

A routine dental, including sedation and rasping, costs £60 a resident, with additional work required for those needing corrective treatment.

We would love to be able to raise funds of £750.00 to cover at least the essentials to help cover this essential work.

Dental pain often goes unseen. Animals continue to eat, but more slowly, more carefully.

It is in those small changes that problems begin to show.

This work ensures that none of our residents are living with that kind of discomfort, and that the effects of their past are not carried into the life they have now.

If you would like to support this work, you can donate via our JustGiving page.

We are grateful for every penny raised towards their treatment.