Stacey Solomon and Joe Swashre home ponies from RedwingsHorse Sanctuary

TV stars Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have recently rehomed miniature Shetlands Thumbelina and Mermaid from Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The couple reached out to the charity as they were looking to rehome rescued ponies to join their family. Redwings' rehoming team carried out its usual process of home checks and assessments before inviting Stacey and Joe to visit the charity's Ada Cole Centre in Essex. There, they met some of the rescued ponies, spent time with the team, and learned more about pony care and the charity's rehoming process.

Nineteen-year-old skewbald miniature Shetland Thumbelina and six-year-old piebald miniature Shetland Mermaid were chosen as the perfect fit for the family thanks to their friendly natures.

Both mares have rescue stories of their own. Thumbelina was one of 100 horses and donkeys rescued from Spindle Farm in Amersham in 2008. She arrived at Redwings underweight and extremely nervous, with her spine and ribs clearly visible beneath her dirty, matted coat. Mermaid came to Redwings in 2024 after her owner asked the charity for help because they could no longer care for her.

Stacey shared the news on Instagram, saying:

"We are delighted to be pony foster parents! We feel so grateful to be able to offer them a home and hope they are very happy with us. With the help of our friend Lianne from Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, who will help with their care and be their extra pony mum, we are so excited to learn everything we need to be the very best pony parents! I can't even describe how incredible it feels to be able to do this and make seven-year-old me's dreams come true. Welcome to the family, Mermaid and Thumbelina. We love you so much already!"

Redwings' rehoming programme, known as the Redwings Guardianship Scheme, has now successfully rehomed more than 500 horses and ponies. As Redwings Guardians, Stacey and Joe are responsible for the ponies' everyday care and wellbeing, while Redwings retains ownership. This gives Guardians the reassurance that, if circumstances ever change, the ponies will always have a home to return to at the sanctuary.

Redwings Senior Field Officer Jo Franklin, who carries out rehoming assessments for the charity, said:

"Rehoming is a vital area of our work, helping us make capacity for more rescued horses and donkeys that need us, while easing the pressure on our sanctuary care. We are so pleased to support Stacey and Joe as they begin the wonderful journey of rehoming rescued horses. It was our pleasure to approve this home for Mermaid and Thumbelina, as it is the perfect set-up for them. As with all our Guardians, we will carry out regular home visits and support them every step of the way. We look forward to hearing more as the ponies settle into their lovely new home."

Find out more about supporting Redwings and how you can rehome a rescued horse or pony at www.redwings.org.uk