Appeal set up for Laurel and her beloved pony Rosie together

A fundraising campaign to help an 11-year-old girl hold onto her beloved pony Rosie after she tragically lost her dad following a road traffic collision on Boxing Day has been launched with more than a thousand pounds raised in just a few days.

Laurel’s loving dad Douglas (Dougie) Noble passed away following injuries he sustained in a road traffic collision at Wetwang on Boxing Day whilst travelling on his motorcycle.

Dougie shared his daughter’s passion for her pony Rosie and took care of all the costs and hard work associated with keeping a horse.

But following Dougie’s tragic death, Laurel faced the uncertainty of potentially losing her pony.

To make a donation to support Laurel to continue to care
for her pony, please visit https://gofund.me/ce7d81d26

Livery yard owner and former owner of the Tack Shed in Driffield, Natalie Ibbitson-Garvey, stepped in to help the family by providing free livery and daily care for Rosie at her yard at Park Farm Stables, and has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for ongoing costs associated with keeping a pony such as vet bills, dentist appointments, food etc.

Natalie said she couldn’t see Laurel lose her dad and then her pony and said she knows how important horses can be to their owner especially in times of sadness and tragedy.

“Laurel’s dad Dougie meant the world to her and was also the reason she could have her pony,” she said.

“Dougie was the ‘horsey parent’; he mucked out and paid for her livery; he took Laurel to competitions and for days at the beach, and paid for vet bills and feet trimming.

“Unfortunately, with her dad gone, she had no way of keeping her pony. At just 11 years old, her world was falling apart.

“I couldn’t stand to see a girl lose her dad and then her pony. I am lucky enough to own a livery yard close to where they live, Park Farm Stables, and know what horses mean to us.

“I have offered to have Rosie livery here free of charge. Her stable, turnout and day-to-day care is completely taken care of.

“Farrier Paul Raw has also very kindly offered to trim her feet for free too.

“Laurel and her family are relieved that Rosie is safe and happy and is being looked after and it is one less thing for them to worry about at this difficult time.”

Natalie launched the GoFundMe page last week and at the time of going to print the total raised had reached more than £1,000.

“I am raising money to put aside for any vet bills, dentist appointments, feed etc, so I can pop it into a ‘Rosie Pony’ account, so her needs are totally taken care of.

“Laurel can then come to Rosie whenever she wants to with no worries and that will be a huge comfort to her.

“I know people in the horse world will understand just how important horses are to us, especially in times of sadness and tragedy.

“I am sure Rosie will help Laurel get through this difficult time.”