RACEHORSE Fraser was just skin and bone, covered in muck and infested with lice and ticks when he arrived at the Horses and Ponies Protection Association farm.

The victim of a cruel owner, the once proud animal's spirit was broken and he was too exhausted and frightened to even eat.

Staff nursed him day and night. The tender loving care won through and now he's another the happy resident at the charity's home Shores Farm - coincidentally an anagram of horses - Briercliffe, near Burnley, where rescued animals have 80 acres in which to roam.

The charity's president is TV personality Lord John Oaksey, and Lady Linda McCartney was among the patrons of the charity.

The affinity between celebrities and animals has also led to other patrons pledging their support including actor Eric Richard, better known as Sgt Bob Cryer from The Bill, Likely Lad James Bolam, comedians Russ Abbott and Spike Milligan, actress Liza Goddard and Coronation Street star Betty Driver.

Over its 61 year history, the charity has helped thousands of horses, ponies and donkeys with one of the most harrowing cases being the rescue of 16 former racehorses saved from a Gisburn farm last year. They were found up to their bellies in their own muck and infested with lice and ticks. Their owner jailed for cruelty but the horses all survived thanks to loving care from the charity's staff. Fraser was so poorly farm manager Muriel Brynes said he refused to eat. Now he is on the road to recovery, although he is lame and can never be ridden again. Five of the horses now have new homes.

The charity also has a farm in Gwent and its head offices are at Burnley Wharf where a museum was recently opened.

Muriel said: "It seems an ideal thing to get a child a pony but it can be very dangerous in the wrong hands and horses and ponies take a lot of looking after. People think that because people are more aware there is not as much cruelty going on but that is not necessarily true.

"We can get a call at any time of the day or night and find ourselves called out to anywhere in England and Wales to rescue animals."

There are seven full-time staff and a trainee at the farm, looking after 71 horses.

Many of animals will live out their days at Briercliffe but if it is right for the horse then the charity will try to rehome.

One of the latest success stories is Bobbertie, who recently moved to a new home in Clitheroe. She came to the farm four years ago along with five other rescues from Harrogate.

The mare was pregnant, had been beaten, was very nervous and had not had water for a long time. It took four years to win back her confidence. She has now gone to be a companion for another horse. Muriel said: "We never sell our horses. Some go out on loan to approved homes to be ridden and some compete. Others become companions.

"We also run an adoption scheme where people can adopt a horse or pony for £10 and they will receive a newsletter, badge, certificate and photograph. They can also book an appointment with their horse to groom it and take it for walks."

One of the characters on the farm is Charlie who is reputed to be the largest horse in the country at 19.1 hands high. The majestic shire was born in 1984 and was accepted by HAPPA when his breeder closed his stud farm. Another is donkey Pilgrim, who was orphaned at birth and had to be bottle reared by Muriel. She slept in the office with him to keep up the feeds and even potty trained him.

The horses have all mod cons in the 58 stables with a solarium to ease stiffness and aching muscles.

Outside, there is a large arena and a horse walker which can exercise four animals at once.

Muriel said: "When we first rescue the animal you get upset at how they have been treated, then you get angry but resign yourself to the fact that we are in a position to try to do something about it.

"We have a room in the visitor centre where we do talks for different groups because by teaching people about horses hopefully we can prevent cruelty in the future."

Shores Hey Farm is open every day except Monday and Thursday from 1pm to 4pm and visitors are always welcome.

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