Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash Welcome Rescued Shetland Ponies as New Redwings Guardians
Television favourites Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have welcomed two rescued miniature Shetland ponies into their family after becoming Redwings Guardians, helping shine a spotlight on equine welfare and the importance of rehoming rescued horses and ponies.
The couple recently completed Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s Guardianship assessment process before welcoming 19-year-old Thumbelina and six-year-old Mermaid to their home. Their journey has been shared with millions of followers on social media, supporting Redwings’ mission to encourage more people to consider offering rescued equines a second chance.
Unlike traditional ownership, Redwings’ Guardianship Scheme enables successful applicants to provide long-term care for rescued horses and ponies while the charity retains ownership. Guardians receive ongoing support from the sanctuary, including regular welfare visits and expert guidance, ensuring every horse or pony always has the security of a lifelong home.
Two Ponies, Two Different Stories
The pair may now be enjoying life in their new surroundings, but both mares have overcome difficult beginnings.
Thumbelina, a 19-year-old skewbald miniature Shetland, was one of around 100 horses and donkeys rescued from the Spindle Farm case in Amersham in 2008. When she arrived at Redwings she was underweight, frightened and showing clear signs of neglect.
Mermaid, a six-year-old piebald miniature Shetland, arrived at Redwings in 2024 after her owner made the difficult decision to seek the charity’s help when they were no longer able to care for her.
Following home checks and assessments, Stacey and Joe visited Redwings’ Ada Cole Visitor Centre in Essex, where they met several rescued ponies, learned more about equine care and the Guardianship Scheme, before Thumbelina and Mermaid were identified as the ideal match thanks to their friendly temperaments.
“We Are Officially Pony Foster Parents”
Announcing the news on Instagram, Stacey introduced the mares to her followers, writing:
“We are officially Pony Foster Parents. Meet Thumbelina and Mermaid. They are two girls who were rescued by the incredible Redwings Horse Sanctuary.”
She explained that the family had prepared dedicated grazing and a dry turnout area for the ponies, while Redwings would continue providing advice and regular support as they settled into their new home.
Stacey also revealed that a close friend from Hopefield Animal Sanctuary would be helping the family as they begin caring for the ponies, adding that rescuing animals is something they “do not take lightly”.
Raising Awareness of Equine Rehoming
Redwings says Stacey and Joe’s involvement will help spread awareness of the charity’s rehoming programme, which enables rescued horses and ponies to enjoy life in carefully selected Guardian homes while remaining under the charity’s lifelong protection.
More than 500 horses and ponies currently live in Guardian homes across the UK, helping Redwings create capacity for more equines requiring rescue and rehabilitation.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary Senior Field Officer Jo Franklin, who carried out the family’s assessment, said it had been a pleasure approving the home for Thumbelina and Mermaid, describing it as “the perfect set-up” for the mares. She added that the charity looks forward to supporting Stacey and Joe as the ponies settle into family life.
For the equestrian community, the story offers an important reminder that rehoming rescued horses and ponies is about far more than providing a field. Successful Guardians commit to meeting each animal’s physical, behavioural and welfare needs, backed by the expertise of organisations such as Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
As Thumbelina and Mermaid begin the next chapter of their lives, their story not only celebrates two ponies finding a loving home but also highlights the vital work charities undertake every day to give rescued equines a brighter future.
