A PONY left with extensive facial burns in a suspected acid attack is beginning a new life after undergoing pioneering treatment in Ryedale.

Eight-month-old cob filly Cinders was found dumped in Derbyshire, in April, with burns and tissue damage from her eyes to her nose caused by what is believed to have been a deliberate attack with a corrosive substance.

Cinders was taken to the Rainbow Equine Hospital, in Old Malton, where she was the first horse in the world with burn injuries to be treated with a dressing made from Tilapia fish skin.

A Californian vet came to perform the surgery, along with specialists at the hospital, after more than £18,000 was donated on a JustGiving website set up to help fund the medication and intensive nursing required to treat Cinders. After recuperating locally, Cinders underwent a final check at the hospital last week before going to her new home.

Vet David Rendle said: “Cinders has made a very good recovery. She has some scarring, which has caused some minor distortion around her muzzle and eyelids, but this doesn’t trouble her in any way. She is always bright, happy and is extremely cheeky. She loves human, equine, canine and ovine company and seems to have no issues around new people despite all she has been through. She has put on weight and has no long term effects from her ordeal.

“There is a fairytale ending. She will have a very comfortable life at a beautiful country house in North Yorkshire where she will be cared for by some amazing people who are well known to the team at Rainbow.”