Stacey Solomon has welcomed two rescued ponies, named Mermaid and Thumbelina, into her home as foster animals, a move that follows a similar adoption by her acquaintance Mrs. Hinch, whose real name is Sophie Hinchcliffe. The two social media stars, who were once frequently featured together on each other's platforms, have reportedly experienced a rift in their relationship in recent months.
Solomon announced the arrival of the ponies on Instagram, stating that they were rescued by the Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Thumbelina was reportedly found in a state of neglect, while Mermaid's owner could no longer care for her. Solomon expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to provide them with a home, with the hope they might stay permanently. A dedicated grassy area and a dry shelter have been prepared for the ponies, and the Redwings Horse Sanctuary will provide ongoing guidance. Lianne, from the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, will also assist as an additional caretaker.
This development comes after Mrs. Hinch adopted three alpacas named Roy, Rodney, and Raymond for her Essex farm in 2022. At the time, Mrs. Hinch shared on Instagram how much happiness the animals had brought to her family. Solomon herself has a number of other animals at her home, including dogs Teddy and Peanut, and a flock of ducks.
Sources have suggested that the relationship between Solomon and Mrs. Hinch evolved into one of "frenemies." The pair initially bonded in 2019 when Solomon reportedly offered to help Mrs. Hinch navigate her growing fame. Their friendship appeared to strengthen, with fans noting their similarities and Solomon even including Mrs. Hinch as a bridesmaid at her 2022 wedding to Joe Swash. However, behind the scenes, the competitive nature of the influencer economy is cited as a factor in their estrangement. Both individuals have secured brand deals with major retailers, including Amazon, Tesco, Asda, Home Bargains, and Karcher. This shift has reportedly led to a decrease in their public appearances together, with Mrs. Hinch absent from Solomon's social media posts and wedding photos, and a congratulatory comment from Solomon under one of Mrs. Hinch's pregnancy announcements being deleted. An insider claimed that Solomon viewed the relationship as business, while Hinch believed it to be genuine.