Benny finds love

A RATHER sad donkey called Benny arrived at Bransby Horses just over a year ago, following the death of his field companion.

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Much like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s donkey – who lives with a pony - Benny had lived with a horse for many years and so found it hard to form a pair bond with his own species. After Benny had still not found his match within the Bransby Horses’ donkey herds, everyone crossed their fingers he might find a match through the charity’s rehoming scheme.

In less than a week Benny had had over 20 applications from people keen to offer him a foster home with another equine he might want to pair with.

The applications were reviewed, with Benny having the final say on who would get to take him home. Benny has been living with his new family now for just over a month and has paired with a lovely horse called Bernadette (pictured together below left).

Despite Bernadette being much bigger than Benny the pair are now inseparable and enjoying life within a small herd consisting of two horses and a pony.

Bransby Horses Rehoming Manager

Rosanna Hart said: “It seems Benny has found his family again and we couldn’t be more pleased for him. We rehome lots of ponies and horses but we rarely rehome our donkeys as their needs are often quite complex. In this case however, Benny’s needs were able to be met by the foster applicant and we wish them both well as they begin their new life together.”

Donkeys like to live in a herd and pair with one other individual – this behaviour is so instinctive that when one of the pair dies it can adversely affect the health of the remaining animal.

Benny is now under the charity’s Perfect Partner Rehoming Scheme which offers some of their rescued animals the chance to enjoy life in a carefully selected loan home, freeing up time and space for the rescue and rehabilitation of others.

To find out more about Bransby Horses’ work or to sponsor one of its equine residents visit BransbyHorses.co.uk and click on ‘How to Help’.