It’s hard to imagine the level of ignorance — or downright cruelty — which would result in letting a pony’s feet to grow into curlicue horns. It’s likely his feet hadn’t been trimmed in a decade. That’s right, 10 years.

Poly and a horse, now named Everest, were kept out of sight from the public until their owner turned them into the Animaux en Péril sanctuary in Belgium. They were found severely emaciated and standing in nearly two feet of manure. Poly weighed only 154 pounds — a far cry from the 450 pounds of a normal Shetland pony.

Once there, Poly and Everest were bathed and body clipped, then Poly’s hooves were treated by a farrier, who had to saw through the overgrown horn. Just the weight of the hooves was enough to cause the pony distress.

Although Poly’s feet are much better, he may never overcome the damage that was done to his joints.

Poly and his friend Everest were extremely lucky to have found refuge. Please consider making a donation to the sanctuary.