A pony who was abandoned and left in severe pain due to overgrown hooves is recovering after being rescued.

Tilly, the 19-year-old Shetland cross pony, could barely walk due to the pain caused by her severely overgrown hooves.

She was discovered on land near Coalhouse Fort, in Tilbury, in February looking in obvious discomfort.

A concerned member of the public reported Tilly to fellow animal charity, Remus Horse Sanctuary, who called Redwings Sanctuary for support.

Upon seeing the desperate condition of her feet, Redwings Senior Field Officer Jo Franklin worked with the RSPCA to remove Tilly as quickly as possible.

Police, alongside a vet, attended and seized Tilly, and she was transported to a vet’s surgery for treatment. After an extensive hoof trim, she was able to move around much more comfortably.

With sadly no trace of her owner to be found, Redwings, a sanctuary in Harlow, offered Tilly a new forever home.

Jo Franklin said: “Tilly had one of the worst cases of overgrown hooves I’ve seen. It was obvious she was in severe discomfort and I’d like to thank the member of the public who took the time to report their concerns which ultimately led to her rescue.

“Frustratingly, there was no reason for Tilly’s hooves to have got into such a desperate state. Simple, regular foot trims would have ensured her hooves stayed in good condition and she would not have suffered like she did.

"This rescue was a great example of animal welfare organisations coming together to help a pony in desperate need and now, Tilly has a safe home where she’ll receive all the care she needs.”

RSPCA Inspector Mitchell Smith, said: "I am so pleased to hear that Tilly has found a forever home at Redwings. When she was found her hooves were in a terrible condition and in urgent need of attention.

“Thankfully, the care of everyone involved means she is now able to live out the rest of her life in comfort and I am sure she will have lots of admirers at her new home.”

Everyone is welcome to meet Tilly and her new friends at Redwings Ada Cole, in Epping Road, Roydon, Nazeing, Essex, EN9 2DH, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am to 4pm – and entry is free.