Parkgate Pony Sanctuary pays tribute to Dandy

Apr 9 2008 by Matt Hurst, Neston News

PARKGATE Pony Sanctuary has lost its very first resident, Dandy the Shetland Pony – and founders want your help to create a fitting memorial.

The 30-year-old was a regular on the school fairs’ circuit and this year was the first Palm Sunday when he didn’t attend a church service.

Alongside his ceaseless charity work, Dandhad an impressive portfolio of dramatic performances, appearing in Cinderella at the Floral Pavillion three times and gracing the same stage as the Hillbark Players and Midsummer Actors.

Parkgate Pony Sanctuary founder member Corinne Bamford said: “Even though he was a Shetland he had a big character and was very mischievous.

“He used to grab you by the knee so you went down and then just take off to eat some grass.”

Dandy came to the sanctuary when he was only 18-months old. He then spent his life delighting disabled riders and children.

Parkgate wants to create a suitable memorial to his life and recognise the contribution he made to the sanctuary’s success.

Corinne said: “We want to tidy up the front and make a nice garden there with flowers.

“We could make a noticeboard for the public to see what events are coming up and it would be really nice to put a little stone figure of a horse there, in memory of Dandy.

“He was the start of Parkgate Pony Sanctuary.”

Dandy eventually succumbed to colic after undergoing a series of operations at Leahurst, leaving behind a £3,000 veterinary bill.

Parkgate events co-ordinator, Janis Coulson added: “Anybody who knew him, loved him.

“He was with us a long time, a lot of people knew him so it would be great if they could help us with remembering him.”

l If you would like to contribute, call Janis on 07773 149205