Two “emaciated” ponies have undergone a magnificent transformation after six months in care.

The RSPCA was called to reports, by a dog walker, of two horses loose on a disused Bradford golf course in May this year.

Officers from the animal welfare charity expected a cat-and-mouse chase to round up the ponies, but they were shocked to see the condition of the pair.

RSPCA Inspector, Nikki Cheetham said: “I was expecting the rescue to be really difficult but, as soon as we arrived at the course in Bradford it was clear these ponies wouldn’t be giving us the run-around.”

She added: “Both of the ponies were severely underweight and incredibly weak, and the little bay had extreme rainscald all over his body. It was the worst I’d ever seen in a horse.”

The little bay was later to be known as “Brave”.

Rainscald is caused when horses are left out in the open with no shelter or rug to protect them for prolonged periods of time.

If left untreated it can become painful and lead to serious secondary skin infections.

RSPCA equine rehoming coordinator Jacqui Wilson said: “Brave was such a strong and brave little pony that it seemed like an obvious name.

“He was Brave by name and Brave by nature.”

The two ponies were taken under the care of the RSPCA to be treated and rehabilitated, which is when the pair were given their names - Brave and Fergus.

Fergus (pictured just behind Brave in the top photo) was in a slightly better condition and has since been rehomed, but the charity has never been able to trace the original owner of the two horses.

Stable workers at the RSPCA’s private boarding yards worked for months to ensure Brave’s ailments were looked after - particularly the poor condition of his skin and coat due to the rainscald.

Brave had three shoes on overgrown feet and scarring on his withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades), when he first arrived.

Now, his look has been transformed and the RSPCA wants to find Brave his forever home, just in time for Christmas.

Insp Cheetham said: “Brave looks amazing. When I first saw his transformation I felt really emotional - it’s incredible to see the difference in him.”

Mrs Wilson said: “Brave is a wonderful pony. He’s a pleasure to handle, has a lovely temperament and is easy to catch in the field. It would be such a wonderful end to his story to find him a loving new home in time for Christmas.”

This comes at a time when the RSPCA are caring for more horses than ever before.

Last year, the charity had 868 in their care, a large increase from 608 in 2016 and 526 in 2015.

The figure looks set to be even higher this year, as the RSPCA already had 895 horses in its care by the end of October.