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Success Stories
THE RESCUE OF STELLA:
A STORY OF HOPE AND HEALING
Stella's story began in the shadows, hidden from the kindness and care every horse deserves. It was another rescue organisation in the area that first alerted us to her desperate situation — one that required immediate action. Stella was being cruelly beaten by children, who tried to force her to move despite her fragile state. Emaciated and painfully unsound, she was barely able to walk. Very little is known about Stella's past or how she came to endure such suffering. When we saw her, it was clear her body was broken in more ways than one.
Her once beautiful mane and tail had been cut so short they barely resembled hair, and a stark white marking had been cruelly painted onto her face, disguising her true self. When the time came to rescue her, we had to physically lift Stella into the horsebox — her weakness was so profound she could not move on her own. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, we gently unloaded her at the stable door. Without a sound, Stella lay down — a silent, trusting gesture that seemed to say she finally understood: she was safe. Since that day, Stella's journey has been one of slow but steady healing. Every day, she regains strength and confidence, reminding us all of the power of patience, compassion, and second chances.
CHARLIE'S RESCUE:
FROM ISOLATION TO BELONGING
Charlie's journey to The Gem Project Sanctuary began as an emergency surrender. He had been living alone on a farm, with no companions except a few geese. Severely underweight and covered from head to tail in bot eggs, Charlie was in a fragile and painful state. His feet were in poor condition, and he was unsound, struggling to move comfortably. When we arrived to bring Charlie home, we carefully loaded him into the horsebox, ready to give him a chance at a better life. The moment he stepped off the truck and called out — only to hear the eager responses of other horses — was deeply moving for everyone present.
For the first time in a long while, Charlie realized he was not alone. It was a beautiful, unforgettable moment — a powerful reminder of the healing that companionship and kindness can bring. Charlie's rehabilitation began with thorough deworming, and due to the severity of his bot egg infestation, we had to clip his coat to help treat him effectively. From there, with patience, care, and love, Charlie started his path to recovery — a journey toward health, happiness, and belonging.
PEACHES & CREAM:
A JOURNEY FROM NEGLECT TO HOPE
Peaches & Cream's story began in a backyard in our area, where she was being ridden by a grown man and forced to pull a cart — all while still very young. When she came to our attention, it was clear she was carrying the physical marks of her hardship. Wounds from the harness scarred her chest, and severe sores had developed on the sides of her mouth from being ridden in harsh wire. Though underweight, Peaches was not emaciated, but the toll of her mistreatment was unmistakable. Once Peaches arrived at the sanctuary, her recovery began in earnest. With gentle care and proper nutrition, her wounds started to heal, and she blossomed into a beautiful pony.
We were shocked and heartbroken when a dental examination revealed she was just over two years old — far too young to have endured so much — and that she had permanent scar damage to her tongue from previous abuse. Despite her painful past, Peaches has the sweetest personality. She adores people, loves cuddles, and always welcomes treats with bright eyes and a gentle spirit. During her recovery, we also discovered a growth on the inside of her back leg, diagnosed as a sarcoid — a type of skin cancer. At first, we hoped to leave it alone as long as it didn't grow. Unfortunately, its location meant Peaches often bumped it with her other leg, causing it to enlarge and requiring treatment.
Thanks to her courage and resilience, Peaches faced her treatment bravely, and today she continues her journey toward health, happiness, and a bright future — one full of love and care.