Onlookers were astonished to see a rather unusual commuter waiting patiently at a bus stop near Bristol ’s busy city centre on Monday 28th October. A small, grey Shetland pony stallion had been abandoned, tied to the bus stop on the bustling street. Now rescued by equine welfare charity, HorseWorld, the staff have named the pony Buster.

”When we arrived, the 34-inch grey pony was being tormented by children,” said HorseWorld’s Equine Husbandry Manager, Joanne Vaughan. “We untied him, loaded him up and brought him back to our welfare department. The vet has estimated him to be about 21-years-old so he’s no spring chicken and most of his front teeth are missing. He’s not underweight but we have no idea when he last had a vaccination, wormer, hoof trim, dental check and the list goes on. He’s been tested for various diseases and has now started a program of rehabilitation that caters for all of his needs. Buster has also been castrated. With the number of horses the rescue charities are trying to squeeze in at the moment, we certainly don’t want to be bringing any more into the world!”

Buster will remain at the charity’s welfare department until his rehabilitation is complete and when he is ready, HorseWorld staff hope to rehome him to a loving home as part of their loan scheme.

To find out more about HorseWorld, please visit www.horseworld.org.uk