Pets&Wildlife
Solo enjoys some pampering from Roxan a
HAPPY EVER AFTER
n Director Kelly Larki
Two decades of caring for ponies and people are at the heart of this Cheshire sanctuary, where there’s no such thing as too much pampering or relaxation
I
f you’ve spent any time in Cheshire you’ll have noticed it’s a pretty horsey place. There are reputedly more equine vets here than anywhere else in Britain. But to the west, tucked behind Helsby Hill in the village of Alvanley, is somewhere extraordinary even for these parts, a haven for horses and horse-lovers alike. Spirit of the Herd is a sanctuary with a difference. As Kelly Larkin, one of its three directors explains: “It’s about ponies helping people helping ponies.” The not-for-profit organisation was founded 20 years ago by Valerie Kear and has been in its present location for the past six. Its four-legged residents are all rescues from situations of neglect or abuse, or simply from owners who could no longer look after them.
From fearful to friendly
Along with her colleagues, all of whom give their time voluntarily, Kelly helps to rehabilitate the animals they rehome. Through patiently building up trust they’ve transformed previously fearful ponies such as Romeo, who had issues with his legs being touched, to the point where they’re totally relaxed at being handled, even by visitors. The handsome piebald is now a firm favourite at the sanctuary’s wellness sessions, which can be booked by anyone who’d like to relax in the calming company of the ponies, grooming, stroking or just chatting to them. According to Kelly, these hour-long sessions are particularly beneficial for adults and children with complex needs, Birthday girl Roxana lacking in confidence or suffering 90 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022
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from stress and anxiety. The funds raised from these regular events help towards the considerable expense of caring for the sanctuary’s 23 charges, which are comprised of three separate herds: the retirements, the heavy-set cobs and the miniature Shetlands.
Little legends
Due to their size and sociable nature, the Shetlands are often the stars of the sanctuary’s pony pamper sessions. Young visitors can groom, plait and decorate the manes and tails of the ponies, who far from minding, sometimes relax so much they fall asleep! It “Shetlands makes for the perfect family are the stars outing or, in eight-yearold Roxana’s case, a special of the pamper birthday treat. “It was so much sessions. Far fun meeting Solo and the from minding, other ponies. I can’t wait to they sometimes come back again,” she said. relax so much The sanctuary has big plans for the future and they fall asleep!” hopes in time to become a community hub, where people can drop in throughout the day. Set amid wonderful countryside and just a stone’s throw from the 34-mile Sandstone Trail, it’s certainly ideally placed to offer an equine oasis away from everyday life. Spirit of the Herd is at The Ridgeway, Alvanley WA6 6XQ. To book a pony pamper, wellness session or enquire about volunteering opportunities, drop a Facebook message to @spiritoftheherd or email spiritoftheherd53@gmail.com
