World Horse Welfare is celebrating the birthday of one of their ponies that came into their care in an extremely poor condition with a special event for the public.   ” Opel, a skewbald Shetland pony, arrived at our Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset in January this year in an emaciated condition, barely able to stand with several wounds and pressure sores as a result of collapsing for a long period of time.  Opel was also covered in lice and riddled with worms but after lots of care from staff at the farm, she has made a remarkable recovery.    Opel still has a great deal of rehabilitation ahead of her but it was agreed that a special ‘Opel Open Afternoon’ on Saturday 19 May 2012 would be a fantastic way to celebrate her transformation to date as well as her third birthday.  There will be lots of activities during the afternoon for the whole family including: – children’s party games, Opel-grooming sessions, birthday card making, yard tours, plus there will be a selection of refreshments available.    Claire Phillips is Centre Manager at Glenda Spooner Farm and says: “Opel has become a real firm favourite with all of us here at the farm so we thought what better way to celebrate than to hold an event where members of the public can come and meet her.    “When she arrived it was touch and go for the first three days and staff here nursed her around the clock, administering medication and keeping her  company as she was far too weak to be around other ponies.   On the third  day however, Opel started to look a bit brighter and even started to call to the staff, asking where her next meal was!  Since then she has made steady progress and is proving herself to be a real character.  The prognosis for her long term future is good and she should make a full recovery, going on to lead a normal life.”    The Opel Open Afternoon is being held between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 19 May.  For more information please contact Glenda Spooner Farm on 01935 841442.    After successful completion of her rehabilitation, Opel will one day be ready for rehoming.  To see all of the horses we currently have ready for rehoming at Glenda Spooner Farm as well as our other three UK Rescue and Rehoming Centres please visit www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehoming<http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehoming> “