As the RSPCA struggles to cope with the numbers of horses needing help, two plucky equines and their owners are planning a 100 mile trek to raise money for Felledge Equine Centre.

A miniature Shetland pony called Scotch, and Barley the donkey will take their owners Tiggy Bays-Griffiths and Chelsey Bailey on a sponsored trek around East Anglia. 

The seven day challenge will begin in Needham Market and end at the Equifest show at the Peterborough Showground on 14th August, when the weary foursome will parade around the show arena before having a well-earned rest.

Tiggy was inspired to undertake the challenge after she rehomed Scotch from RSPCA Felledge in 2012.  He was one of 15 ponies found dumped by a railway line.  Sadly, one of the ponies was killed by a train and another two had to be put to sleep due to their injuries.  

Tiggy was so impressed with how Scotch had been cared for at Felledge that she wanted to do something to help the RSPCA rehome more horses and raise awareness of the horse crisis in the country.

Chelsey then joined in the plans with her donkey Barley and both owners sought veterinary advice before embarking on trekking training.  Full vet checks will be carried out before and during the challenge and the route has been designed to pass near to veterinary surgeries.

Tiggy added:  “We have spoken to the Endurance Society for advice on a training plan and the Donkey Sanctuary agree that this promotes the message of exercise being important for donkey health.  We also have two back up animals, just in case Barley or Scotch aren’t quite up to the trek.”

You can support Scotch and Barley's Funamble by donating online or texting ‘RSPCA1’ followed by £3 to 70111(texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).

You can follow Scotch and Barley's Funamble adventures on Facebook.

The RSPCA has more than 800 horses in its care and desperately needs new homes for them. Find out about rehoming a rescue horse.  

Along with other equine welfare charities we estimate that about 6,500 horses are at risk across England and Wales due to rising feed prices and a market in which horses can be sold for as little as £5.  Most of these are fly grazed by irresponsible owners or even abandoned and left to breed indiscriminately.