Pony rescued after collapsing undergoes transformation

A video widely circulated in 2019 showed a horse on its side in The Range car park in Queensferry and caused "high feelings" among members of the public. 

The animal which was in front of a cart, next to a caravan, was seen rearing up and then collapsing on its side.

The horse, who was named Gary, was taken in by Ark Angels animal rescue, situated near Chester. 

Kelly Roberts, from Bradley, in Wrexham, runs Ark Angels. She said that Gary, now known as Lucky Star, arrived underweight and wearing horseshoes. 

"Horses aren't usually shoed until they're a few years old," Kelly said. "He was in a bad way when he came to us. He was only nine months old, and should be in a field at that age, not attached to a cart.

"He had a wound on his head and was clearly traumatised and very anxious. He wouldn't trust anyone for months."

Horseshoes can weaken the hooves and cause lameness as young horses aren't fully physically developed. 

Lucky Star's horseshoes being removed in 2019. (Image: Ark Angels)

Four years down the line, and Lucky Star's life has completely transformed. 

Kelly, who is currently on the Greek island of Rhodes helping animals affected by wildfires there, said: "He is a completely different horse now. His personality has come out and he's just the loveliest horse you could ever wish to care for. 

"We're even able to ride him now, and he's shown so much potential that we thinking of entering him into eventing, such as showjumping."

At the time Lucky Star was taken in by Ark Angels, the rescue launched a fundraising appeal to help with the costs of his round-the-clock care. And members of the public raised over £2,000 towards his vet bills. 

"I can't thank everyone enough for what they did for Lucky Star," Kelly said. 

"As well as thanking people for their financial donations, it means the world that people put their faith in us to care for him. Thank you to everyone who believed in us."