Alone, abandoned and severely neglected, Sweatpea the pony was so ill it was touch and go whether she would survive.

She had been found wandering around Enstone but is now on the road to recovery after being nursed back to health by a pet charity.

Now the search is on for new owners who can provide love and support to a pony that has been through so much pain and suffering.

The grey mare was rescued by Thames Valley Horsewatch after she was spotted roaming the streets of the West Oxfordshire village.

She was so terrified, a vet had to use a dart gun to sedate her before she could be captured and taken to the Burford-based Blue Cross, who arranged for expert veterinary care.

Nicknamed Sweetpea by those caring for her, the pony spent four days in intensive care on a drip with severe neck injuries, a sore eye, acute sunburn on her nose and cuts above the eyes and hip.

Joe Harter, manager of the Blue Cross's equine centre, said it was feared she would not survive her injuries, but she is now making excellent progress.

He said: "Thankfully the problems with Sweetpea's neck have stabilised, her wounds have healed and she is starting to gain weight. We are turning her out in a small paddock to graze during the day and she seems much more relaxed.

"The grooms are working hard to help her regain trust in humans and her confidence is growing daily."

He said Sweetpea probably came from a good home as she is comfortable in a stable and used to being handled and groomed.

But he added: "It's so sad that she fell on such hard times recently."

The Blue Cross is looking for a permanent home for Sweetpea once she has made a full recovery.

Her neck injury means that she can never be ridden. Mr Harter said: "She will need to be handled in a quiet and understanding way by someone with plenty of patience and kindness so that she can continue to build her trust in people."

Sweatpea's rescuers, Thames Valley Horsewatch, are a self-funding voluntary organisation dedicated to crime prevention in the equine world.

Anyone who can provide a home for Sweetpea should call the Burford Equine centre on 01993 822454, email equine@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk