For over 10 years, my little sanctuary has been a beacon of hope for Ireland's most vulnerable ponies. Since 2014, I've rescued 44 abandoned and abused ponies, giving them the love, care, and second chances they deserved. Most have found wonderful forever homes, but 9 precious souls still call my sanctuary home – and now we’re all facing an uncertain future. 
 
My Story 
 
When I started this journey in 2014 at age 64, I never imagined it would become my life's most meaningful work. What began as a mission to save one abandoned pony has grown into something beautiful that's defined my last decade. Each rescue has its own story – from a neglected foal found wandering the roadsides to 4 elderly Shetland ponies discarded when they were no longer useful. Every single one has taught me about resilience, forgiveness, and the incredible capacity for healing when shown genuine love and care. 
 
At 74, I've spent the past 11 years nursing sick ponies back to health, showing terrified ponies that they no longer have anything to be afraid of and celebrating when they find their forever homes. It's been the most rewarding decade of my life., 
 
These aren't just ponies to me – they're family. I know their personalities, their quirks, their favorite treats. There's Macdonald,the gentle cob who came here as an orphan foal in 2016 only a week old and had to be handreared, now the minder of all the smaller ponies. 21 year old Ernie who arrived 4 years ago barely able to walk, crippled with laminitis, and who still requires ongoing care and medication. Misty, a Kerry Bog Pony who came her 2 years ago shaking with fear and who now accepts grooming. Lorenzo the Shetland who came here 5 years ago, so tiny he was transported in the back of a jeep. He’d been found pulling a cart carrying 5 teenage boys. He was only 3 months old.Each one represents hope – proof that with patience and compassion, even the most broken spirits can heal. 
 
Why I Need Your Help NOW 
 
My landlord has given me notice to vacate by August 15th. While I could potentially fight this through the Rents Board (which would give me perhaps 6 more months), I’ve been fighting this battle for the past 6 years and I can't put myself through any more. My ponies have already endured enough upheaval in their lives – and at my age, I need to focus on securing their future, not fighting lengthy legal battles. 
 
I've found the perfect property – a chance to purchase a share that would give me permanent security. What makes this opportunity even more special is that another established sanctuary has offered to share their land with me. This means not only will my ponies have a forever home, but I'll finally have help caring for them after a decade of doing this alone. Most importantly, it ensures that when I'm no longer here, my ponies will continue to be loved and cared for by people who understand their needs. 
 
This partnership represents everything I've dreamed of – security, support, and a lasting legacy for the ponies I've devoted my life to saving. 
 
The Numbers 
 
- **Target:** €100,000 to secure my share in the property 

- **Raised so far:** €22,000 (thanks to incredible supporters like you!) 

- **Still needed:** €78,000 

- **Time remaining:** Just weeks until my quit date. Possibly another 6 months after that. 
 
Every euro brings me closer to safety. Every donation, no matter the size, is a vote of confidence in what I'm doing and a lifeline for the ponies who depend on me. 
 
What Your Donation Means 
 
- **€10** - Provides a week's worth of hay for 2 ponies with laminitis 

- **€30** - Covers routine hoof trimming for one pony 

- **€50** - pays for one bale of haylage which feeds them for a week 

- **€100** - Contributes to essential supplements 

- **€500** - Makes a significant impact toward my property goal 

- **Any amount** - Shows my ponies that people care about their future 
 
My Promise 
 
This sanctuary has always been run with complete transparency and dedication. Every euro donated goes directly toward the ponies' care and this critical property purchase. I've successfully rescued and rehomed 44 ponies over the past decade – a track record that speaks to my commitment and effectiveness. 
 
If I reach my goal, I'm not just securing a property – I'm creating a permanent safe haven where rescued ponies can heal, thrive, and find their forever homes. With the support of my partner sanctuary, the cycle of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming will continue for years to come, even beyond my lifetime. This isn't just about saving my sanctuary – it's about creating a lasting legacy that will help countless more ponies in the future. 
 
Time is Running Out 
 
I started this fundraiser a few years ago but paused when no suitable property was available. Now I have the perfect opportunity – not just land, but a partnership with experienced sanctuary operators who share my passion for rescue ponies. The clock is ticking though. August 15th isn't just a date on the calendar – it's the difference between security and uncertainty for 9 innocent ponies who have already suffered too much. 
 
Please, if you've ever loved an animal, if you believe in second chances, if you want to be part of something that truly makes a difference – help me today. This is more than a rescue operation – it's about creating a sanctuary that will save ponies for generations. Share my story. Every voice matters. Every euro counts. Every day brings me closer to my deadline. 
 
These ponies have waited long enough for their happy ending. With your help, I can give it to them – and ensure no rescue pony will ever face uncertainty again. 
 
**Thank you for believing in me and in the power of compassion that lasts beyond a lifetime.** 
 
--- 
 
*Updates will be posted regularly as I progress toward my goal. Thank you for being part of my journey.* 
 
<a href="https://puttinginthemagic.ie/target=_blankrel=noreferrer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://puttinginthemagic.ie/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://puttinginthemagic.ie/</a></a> 
 
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/francesshetlandtarget=_blankrel=noreferrer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/francesshetland" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/francesshetland</a></a> 
 
I shall 
 
Gather up 
 
All the lost souls 
 
That wander this earth 
 
All the ones that are alone 
 
All the ones that are broken 
 
All the ones that never really fitted in 
 
I shall gather them all up 
 
And together we shall 
 
Find our home 
 
~ 
 
Athey Thompson

Mary Flannery

Lynn White

Anonymous

Martin O'Neill

Niek Vaders

Sue Kelly

Petronella McLoughlin

Margaret O’Keeffe

Muriel Lloyd-Lavery

Clodagh Meade

Claire Connelly

Lisa Marie Duggan

Nora O Sullivan

Gillian Moulder

Josephine Siobhan Carty

Help save Putting in the Magic Pony Sanctuary

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