An Ashford man has been banned from keeping horses for life after starving a mare and her foal.

The bones of Nancy, a brown thoroughbred mare, and her foal Rosie, were visible when they were rescued by the RSPCA from a field in Ashford.

The charity prosecuted owner Joe Henderson, 30, of Repton Manor, for offences under section 4 of the animal welfare act.

On Friday, he pleaded guilty to failing to provide an adequate diet for his horse and her lactating foal at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court.

He has now been banned from keeping horses for life.

He also received an 18 month community Order; 200 hours unpaid work; and ordered to pay costs of £2,664.42 plus a £60 victim surcharge.

RSPCA Inspector Rachel Leafe said: “Poor Nancy, who is thought to be around 15 years old, was covered in rain scald and she and her foal Rosie had no shelter or food.

“We were very concerned for both Nancy and her foal as she was so thin, all her bones were visible.

“In particular I was really worried she would be unable to produce enough milk to feed her foal.

“The vet who came out to examine her confirmed she was suffering, and they were signed over to our care.”

The two animals are now looking for new homes, and the RSPCA is appealing to anyone who can provide one to come forward.

Inspector Leafe added: “Thankfully, Nancy and her foal were signed over to our care, and are now looking for new homes.

“Nancy is looking for a companion home only, and she gets on well with other horses.

“Yearling foal Rosie will make approximately 15hh, and she will need an experienced home with someone who has had youngsters before and can bring her on to her full potential.

“She is good to handle but can still be cheeky as she is young.”

To find out more, visit www.rspca.org.uk/homesforhorses