A PONY has been nursed back to health after being rescued by an animal charity.

Snowy was discovered with a severe lice infestation which was causing extreme irritation to his skin after a member of the public contacted the Horse and Pony Protection Association (HAPPA).

A veterinary surgeon who initially attended to the 30-year-old pony said that she had never seen a lice condition as bad before.

HAPPA welfare officer Janine Ashworth initially offered Snowy's owner advice on how to rid him of the problem by clipping his coat and treating the lice.

But when Janine revisited Snowy she found that no treatment had taken place and asked the owner to sign the pony over to the charity.

Snowy was taken to HAPPA's Shores Hey Rescue Centre in Briercliffe where he was found to be literally crawling with lice.

Staff wore gloves to thoroughly bath Snowy and treat his lice to offer him some relief and the next day he was clipped, hogged and treated again.

Rescue Centre Manager, Julie Jackson said he was a real pleasure to treat.

She said: "Throughout this treatment he stood like a real trooper, just as though he knew that we were trying to help him. Although he now looks a little bit strange due to his full clip, he is now lice and itch free.

"He is such a happy and friendly pony, even after all he has been through and I'm pleased that he can now look forward to happier times at Shores Hey Farm."

Janine said that elderly horses needed more care than younger animals and people had to be aware of the commitment they were making.

She said: "Snowy is 30 years old and I urge anyone with an elderly horse to visit it regularly and monitor its health and wellbeing at all times.

"Elderly animals take as much care, probably more, than young horses and although it's admirable to keep your horse after retirement, you do need to spend the time and money necessary to keep him happy and healthy.

"If you are not prepared to undertake this commitment then it may be kinder to put him to sleep."