An elderly and partially blind pony could die this winter thanks to arsonists who set fire to the animal's barn home.
Saskian, who is 31 years old, blind in one eye and suffers from heart problems, faces the winter without shelter along with her stablemates, Sonny aged 30, and Rosie, 11.
Their newly-built barn home in a field off St Michael's Road, Thorpe, was provided by their owner Jane Rudland of Kirby Road, Great Holland.
Destroyed - Jane Rudland with pony Saskian at the scene of the blaze which destroyed the animal's home Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON
She was on holiday last week when the 48ft by 24ft barn, with 390 bales of hay, was set alight and destroyed.
The meadow hay inside the barn was bought especially for Saskian, who also suffers from breathing problems.
Mrs Rudland said: "I feel totally and utterly choked. They say it's kids who have done it and if children know the consequences of their actions then perhaps they won't do it again."
Saskian, Sonny, and Rosie, were being looked after in Walton as they need constant attention due to their age while she was on holiday.
Mrs Rudland added: "Saskian will have to winter out, which I think will probably kill her. I've made enquiries about places for them to stay but everywhere is full."
Published Tuesday November 5, 2002
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