Tink the Shetland pony finds happy home at Staunton Country Park after starring in RSPCA festive film

In a real life rags-to-riches story, Tink the Shetland pony was rescued from neglect to become an internet sensation in the animal charity’s heartwarming festive film which racked up more than 190,000 online views.

The plucky pony stars as the lonely horse who dreams of being a reindeer in the festive appeal for Stock the Sleigh for the RSPCA, and has now landed another starring role - as a children’s therapy pony at Staunton Country Park.

She was spotted by the team at the park in Havant, who knew they could offer Tink the perfect home where she would thrive as well as be able to meet her adoring fans.

Lisa Clark, education officer at Staunton Country Park, said: ‘Tink will spend this Christmas settling in properly to her new home and in the new year we’ll start introducing her slowly to learning to become a therapy pony.

‘Given her background being abandoned and rescued and coming through tough times after she was shown love and care, it’s particularly special she is now going to be giving back so much joy to people.’

Jo Storey, the inspector who rescued Tink, added: ‘She was stomach deep in mud in places and it was impossible to walk through the sticky, wet conditions.

‘It’s amazing that her Christmas wish has come true and she’s found such a lovely home.’

The video - called Santa’s Littlest Helper - was made in-house by the RSPCA’s broadcast team and stars staff and friends who gave up their own time for filming.

Hampshire saw 69 abandoned animals reported to the RSPCA’s cruelty line in December last year. Sadly, the charity is already caring for many animals abandoned around the country this festive season.

The RSPCA is urging people to help them care for animals spending the holiday season in its centres and hospitals with its Stock the Sleigh campaign, asking for help providing anything from food, medicine, to a warm blanket, treats and toys.

Visit rspca.org.uk/giftofkindness and watch your virtual gift fill up the sleigh with a grateful wag from Sprout the dog.