AROUND 500 visitors helped to raise £5,500 at a Monmouth horse hospital’s open day.

Muffin, the smallest foal ever to be born at the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies at St Maughan’s, was among the abandoned and rescued ponies greeting visitors as they were given an insight into the work of the charity.

Visitors also enjoyed games, a falconry display, a dog show and a hog roast at Coxstone on Sunday.

The animal charity, run by Jenny MacGregor, MBE, cares for abandoned horses and ponies and relies on the support of volunteers and donations.

One of its trustees, Sian Lloyd, said: “We are extremely grateful to our wonderful supporters for coming along, especially as it was the Wimbledon final.”

“The weather was glorious and we raised a fantastic amount when it costs such a lot to keep our many horses.”

“We are also very grateful to the Argus for telling Muffin’s story.”