If these heart-warming snaps of rescue ponies strutting their stuff in the show ring doesn’t give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings we don’t know what will.
Equifest, held at the East Of England show ground from 8 — 12 August, hosted its annual rescue pony class, and the World Horse Welfare (WHW) went with a strong contingency of gorgeous steeds from their Penny Farm base, who all stole the hearts of the spectators and judges alike.
Take a look at these six photos of rescue ponies from the WHW competing at Equifest:
1. Frodo
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Winner of the in-hand traditional rescue class and ridden traditional/native rescue class. He was shown by groom, Nicolle Walmsley.
2. Archie
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Archie won overall rescue best condition with re-homer, Lisa Stone.
3. Pixie
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Shown by groom Mandy Davidson, Pixie came 2nd in the in-hand one-, two- and three-year-old rescue class and 10th in the in-hand traditional/native rescue class.
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4. Tornado
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Tornado won the in-hand one-, two- and three-year-old rescue class and came fifth in the in-hand traditional/native rescue class. He was shown by yard supervisor, Karen Wright.
5. Tor
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Welsh section A Tor was well placed in the lead rein class with his rehomer Carla Wraith at the bridle and his young jockey Jessica Wraith in the saddle.
6. Frodo, Nellie, Pixie and Tornado
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The World Horse Welfare dream team pose for a group shot.
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
