16/07/2026
Today, Emma and I were absolutely heartbroken to discover what someone had done to our kind and gentle Monty.
At some point, one or more people poured beer all over him. His coat was sticky, discoloured and bleached in places. We tried to give him a bath, but instead of the pony who usually enjoys being washed, we found a frightened horse who flinched every time the water touched him. It took us nearly an hour to help him feel safe enough to let us near him.
In the end, we couldn't bathe him. The only thing we could do was gently work through his coat with wet brushes, taking things at his pace.
Beer isn't harmless. The sugars and other ingredients can strip the natural oils from a horse's coat, leaving it dry, damaged and uncomfortable. For horses that live outdoors, those natural oils are important for protecting their skin and coat from the weather.
What hurts even more is the emotional impact. Monty is a trained therapeutic pony who spends his days helping children and adults who need a safe, calm and trusting relationship. Today, it was our turn to help him rebuild that trust.
We are devastated that someone thought this was acceptable.
This incident has been reported to the police. If anyone witnessed anything suspicious or has any information, however small it may seem, please get in touch with us or contact the police quoting the Crime Reference Number 3030 16/07/2026.
Please remember that these are not just horses in a field. They are much-loved animals, and for many people they are a lifeline.
EDIT:
Thank you to everyone who has reached out and supported Monty and The Wild Mane Project.
The good news is that today Monty was much more himself. He had a bath and then immediately rolled in the dirt, which felt like a very good sign.
What happened to Monty was wrong. It doesn't reflect the values we teach every day.
We believe people can learn. We believe people can change. At The Wild Mane Project, we believe in teaching, not shaming. We believe in teaching those values to everyone. Respect Yourself. Respect Others. Respect Animals. Respect Nature. Respect Equipment.
Whatever your age, your past or your circumstances, they're values for life.
Thank you again for standing with Monty and with The Wild Mane Project. 🐴🌳
