When our attention was drawn to Manolo and three other ponies, our breath caught. Although the four, who had supposedly served in a circus for many years, had not even reached the middle of their lives, they were facing the end. Completely neglected and emaciated, they were waiting for their last transport to the slaughterhouse. When we heard about this sad fate, we took them under our protection and first had them medically treated. Now they can all stay with us and will never be in distress again.