A HARDWORKING charity in Monmouth received a much-needed Christmas boost last Sunday (6th December) after a successful open day.

The Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies in St Maughans raised more than £6,000 on the day. The money will be used to continue care for the horses and ponies at the farm, as well as the hundreds more that need help to get through the winter, having been abandoned and neglected on mid-Wales commons and grassland.

Horses such as the little grey pony pictured, who was rescued by the centre just two days before the open day.

The charity appealed on the day for help naming the new addition, and received pages of suggestions. The winning name however is Bauble, and the centre is now appealing for the person who suggested this name, to come forward and claim a prize.

The open day allowed visitors the chance to meet lots of the horses and ponies helped and rescued by the charity, as well as enjoying Christmas refreshments, games, and stalls of locally-made crafts.

Staff have been particularly moved by the donation of individually wrapped parcels for each of the horses on the farm. Pictured below right with staff members Joe and Emma, the parcels are addressed simply from ‘Hayley’, but the team would love Hayley to come forward so they can thank her personally.

Charity Chairwomen Jenny MacGregor said: “Thank you to everybody for coming and supporting us. This money is essential for helping the poor animals that need us, especially at this time of year.”

The next open day will be held next summer.

Look out for SWHP on ITV in the coming weeks, as the charity features in a documentary currently being made about welfare in Wales.

Find out more by visiting the website www.swhp.co.uk or calling 01600 750233.