Two Shetlands who were so neglected they could barely walk when they were rescued have recovered so well, they will be able to meet supporters next month.

Jewels and her daughter Ariel were taken in by HorseWorld in January, after the charity was contacted by the RSPCA. Both had severely overgrown hooves, “making walking almost impossible”.

“X-rays revealed both ponies had chronic laminitis, with significant rotation of the pedal bone in all four feet,” a HorseWorld spokesperson said. “The damage had developed over a prolonged period and was causing extreme pain.”

The charity’s equine welfare advisor Meg Challinor was among those who responded to the emergency call.

“When the call and initial photos came in from the RSPCA, I knew we had to act fast,” she said.

“Within 40 minutes we were onsite with the emergency vet. I knew immediately they had been suffering for a long time.

“Their hooves had grown so badly that the bones inside their feet had shifted. Their joints had begun to collapse. Every single step they took was clearly absolutely agonising. They needed to be removed immediately.”

Both ponies were underweight and Jewels had a deep indentation on her face where a headcollar had been left on for a long period of time.

When they arrived at HorseWorld, the charity’s teams assessed the pair.

“Despite the severity of their condition, the ponies quickly revealed bright, curious personalities and a strong will to recover,” the spokesperson said.

“Today, Ariel and Jewels are making excellent progress thanks to ongoing specialist veterinary care, expert farriery, careful management and round-the-clock support from HorseWorld’s welfare team.

“The pair are now looking forward to a future that once seemed impossible and will be among the horses and ponies meeting visitors at HorseWorld’s annual Horse Fest Open Day on Saturday, 25 July.”

Visitors will be able to meet other horses and ponies, watch demonstrations and take part in activities, as well as learning more about the charity.

“While Ariel and Jewels’ story has a happy ending, HorseWorld warns that they are far from an isolated case,” the spokesperson said, adding that the number of calls to the charity about equines in crisis is increasing, as costs continue to rise.

“Ariel and Jewels are just two of many horses who urgently need help each year,” said Ms Challinor. “Cases like theirs remind us why it is so important that we can act immediately when concerns are reported. Every horse deserves the chance of a safe, healthy future.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘A gentleman from day one’: 30-year-old horse left to starve gets his second chance

‘Equine-assisted learning can be as mainstream as maths or English for neurodivergent children’: charity speaks out ahead of Government’s school reforms

‘She knew she was loved’: farewell to 18.2hh Shire mare who touched countless lives, nine years after her rescue

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The story of a 30-year-old part-thoroughbred who had suffered “prolonged starvation” and was in desperate need of help is “far from unique”, a welfare charity has warned.

The elderly gelding had a body condition score of 0 and his future was uncertain when HorseWorld took him in last August. He is now “healthy, content and thriving”.

A spokesperson for the charity said the RSPCA got in touch about the horse, who has been named Clyde.

“Following a veterinary assessment, the horse was seized on welfare grounds and transported to HorseWorld for urgent care,” she said.

“He had a body condition score of 0 and was severely emaciated, with ribs, hips and spine clearly visible. He was dehydrated, had very few teeth, no suitable food available and severely overgrown, damaged hooves. Further veterinary investigations confirmed there was no underlying disease; his condition was the result of prolonged starvation.

“On arrival, Clyde’s recovery was far from certain. Because reintroducing food too quickly after extreme starvation can be fatal, HorseWorld’s team worked closely with veterinary specialists to implement a carefully controlled rehabilitation programme.”

A veterinary assessment indicated that despite his poor condition, Clyde had a good chance of recovering to enjoy life.

Horse World equine welfare advisor Meg Challinor said: “It was heartbreaking to see Clyde’s condition when we arrived on site following an urgent call from the RSPCA. Even after everything he had been through, he was a gentleman from day one and quickly won the team over.

“Rehabilitating a horse with a body condition score of 0 is really challenging. After a careful vet assessment, we believed Clyde could recover and enjoy a good life, so our team were determined to give him every chance. With expert care and careful dietary management, he has made an incredible recovery.”

Clyde was introduced to other horses as he recovered, including 33-year-old Fagan.

“The pair quickly formed a close friendship, helping Clyde settle into his new life surrounded by safety, care and companionship,” the spokesperson said.

“Now aged 31, Clyde is almost unrecognisable from the horse who first arrived. He is healthy, content and thriving within the herd and will remain at HorseWorld for the rest of his life, where his needs can be carefully managed as he grows older.”

But Clyde is just one of what the charity said is an increasing number of horses “suffering neglect, abandonment and welfare crises”.

“During 2025, HorseWorld investigated welfare concerns relating to more than 700 horses, highlighting the growing pressures facing equine welfare organisations,” the spokesperson said, adding that many of those who arrive at the charity are in a similar condition to Clyde, needing urgent vet treatment and ongoing specialist care.

Charity chief executive Jo Coombs said: “Clyde’s story shows just how critical it is that we can act quickly when a horse is in danger. Without immediate intervention, he would not have survived.

“Sadly, Clyde is not an isolated case. We are seeing more horses arriving in poor condition and more requests for help than ever before. The welfare challenges facing horses today are growing, and charities like HorseWorld are increasingly being asked to step in when owners can no longer cope. Our emergency response fund enables us to respond immediately when those calls come in, but we can only do that with public support.”

Donate to the emergency fund

Clyde’s care has cost over £1,100 so far but every rescue needs significant funds.

HorseWorld is urging supporters to donate to its emergency fund so “when the next urgent call comes, it can continue to provide immediate sanctuary, expert care and a second chance to horses in desperate need”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also enjoy reading: 

‘She knew she was loved’: farewell to 18.2hh Shire mare who touched countless lives, nine years after her rescue

Foal who called to his dead friend during rescue now has the ‘happy ending everyone hoped for’

‘A very delicate rescue’ of pony found completely stuck inside tractor tyre

‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’: 31-year-old horse rescued after three hours upside-down in ditch

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An equine charity has called on policymakers to consider alternative learning provisions such as equine-assisted interventions more in its plans to better support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In February the Government published its “every child achieving and thriving” white paper, setting out reforms to schools and SEND systems.

Among the plans, the Government is consulting on changes to improve outcomes for children with SEND, including “early, fair support, with shared accountabilities across local partners”. The proposals include investing in SEND training for education staff, making the mainstream education system “more inclusive” and new specialist provision packages.

Bristol-based HorseWorld has been delivering its Discovery programme – focusing on part-time, therapeutic skills-based interventions that complement mainstream education – for 18 years and in response to the Government’s paper, the charity held a round-table event with local stakeholders. This included schools and alternative learning providers, local authorities, parents and MPs, to explore how reforms might work.

Among the discussions, it covered the way specialist part-time alternative provisions such as equine-assisted learning can contribute “to early intervention, inclusion and prevention of escalation”.

HorseWorld has now published a report setting out the “vital role” part-time alternative learning providers can play in “preventing needs from escalating and helping young people re-engage with education”. The report, which includes recommendations for national Government and at local level, highlights that “earlier, more flexible intervention can lead to better outcomes – for individual children and the system as a whole”.

The Government paper has a broad focus on mainstream education and HorseWorld chief executive Jo Coombs – a parent of two SEND children – told H&H she believes there is a need for equine-assisted learning providers to get involved in the consultation.

“This is the time for the horse world and others in equine-assisted learning to say what we do is, and can be, as mainstream as maths and English for neurodivergent children and children with SEND,” she said.

“There are some good things in the white paper, but there are some things that can be built upon and bits for concern. We really hope to start conversations, one around part-time provisions supporting mainstream rather than being an alternative to it. We’re not an alternative to school, we’re specialists working with schools – and that’s really important because I don’t think the white paper addresses this.

“We are also championing equine-assisted and the role of horses as teachers, which is not for every child, but for the children it is for, it can have such a quick impact.”

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, who was at the round-table event, said: “There is an urgent need to reform the SEND system, and parents are rightly concerned about how the funding announced by the Government will translate into real change within schools that are already overstretched and under-resourced.

“What came up time and again was the importance of creative subjects for children with SEND, particularly neurodiverse children. Creative subjects are not an optional extra; for many children with SEND they are where confidence is built and talents are discovered. If the Government is serious about inclusion, it must protect a broad and creative curriculum.”

H&H asked the Department for Education for a comment on HorseWorld’s report and recommendations. A spokesperson said:

“Our reforms are resetting the way we view inclusion to create an education system fit for every child no matter their needs or background, including through providing schools with direct funding to make changes that prioritise inclusion and ensuring trained specialists are available within every community.

“For children with the most complex needs we are guaranteeing specialist provision packages – expert-designed plans with full legal protections, setting out exactly what each child requires, from specialist teaching and therapies to communication devices.”

The Government consultation closes on 18 May.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Horses reach young people in a way nothing else does’: Carl Hester backs campaign for new equine therapy centre

Equine therapy: how horses can help with stress, anxiety, and trauma

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A Shire mare who was abandoned to face a bleak future but went on to “touch countless lives” as an ambassador for rescued horses has died after nine years in her second-chance home.

Welfare charity HorseWorld said 11-year-old Lolly – “one of its most treasured residents” – had enjoyed a comfortable and content life since she was taken in by the charity in 2017. But her health deteriorated and “the difficult but kindest decision was made to let her go peacefully”.

“Lolly was a firm favourite with visitors and staff alike, often stealing the show at HorseWorld’s open days,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “A true gentle giant, she adored human company and patiently waited for cuddles and ear scratches, becoming a powerful ambassador for rescued horses and the difference long-term care can make.”

Lolly was one of 19 Shires abandoned in Worcestershire and rescued in November 2017 in a major, multi-agency mission, and one of three taken in by Horse World. The spokesperson told H&H she was the most malnourished of the group as she had been so submissive, she was pushed away from food.

“Lolly came to HorseWorld as a vulnerable young horse, and it has been a true privilege to witness her journey of recovery and growth – and boy, did she grow!” said the charity’s head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister. “Over the years, I’ve seen her touch countless lives, from the dedicated grooms who cared for her every day and delighted in her antics to colleagues who found calm and comfort in her presence, and supporters who recognised her rare combination of strength and gentleness.

“Whether soaking up attention or simply standing quietly beside someone who needed her, Lolly had an extraordinary way of making people feel at ease. She certainly knew she was loved and never shied away from the limelight. More recently, she shared that same quiet magic with the young people on our Discovery courses, reminding me time and again of the power of gentleness freely chosen.”

Lolly’s long-term health issues including balance issues, a chronic skin condition that caused swelling and a persistent infection beneath her feather. In 2020, she underwent surgery to remove a troublesome tooth, funded by HorseWorld supporters.

“Thanks to the ongoing care and dedication of the charity’s welfare team and veterinary partners, Lolly was kept comfortable and content for many years,” the spokesperson said, adding that her condition had deteriorated recently, so the team had to make the call for her.

Ms Hollister added: “Lolly is going to be sorely missed by so many, but I take great comfort in the many happy, content years we were lucky enough to share with her.

“There are still so many horses like Lolly waiting for rescue. Honouring her legacy means continuing to be there for horses who need years of care, compassion and commitment.”

The other two Shires taken in at the time by HorseWorld were Florin, who was elderly and has since died, and Dime, who was rehabilitated and has found a home with Wessex Working Horses.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

19 Shire horses abandoned to face a ‘bleak winter’

'Why was such a low value placed on these beautiful animals?’

Operation to remove painful tooth in rescued Shire goes ahead thanks to supporters

HorseWorld equine welfare manager Sarah Hollister said Lolly behaved like a ‘super-sized superstar’ for the proceedure

Foal who called to his dead friend during rescue now has the ‘happy ending everyone hoped for’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A foal who wrung rescuers’ hearts by calling to his dead friend as he was saved from a flooded field by HorseWorld has got “the happy ending everyone hoped for”.

H&H reported on Soul, who was rescued in December 2023, aged about seven months, and went on to become the face of the charity’s Christmas campaign a year later.

He has now been rehomed with his best friend Trigger, another youngster taken into HorseWorld’s care.

“In the depths of winter 2023, a single phone call set in motion a rescue that would heartbreakingly expose the reality of equine neglect and ultimately showcase the life-changing effect of animal welfare charities working together to save lives,” a HorseWorld spokesperson said.

“A member of the public had discovered a dead, emaciated pony lying in a flooded field and immediately contacted the RSPCA. When officers arrived, they found another young pony still alive nearby, painfully thin, weak and fighting to survive. With time running out, the RSPCA called HorseWorld for urgent help.”

The spokesperson said Soul, named to “reflect the quiet strength he had shown against the odds”, was rescued on a very wet day, and that it was clear how hungry he was. But he appeared used to human handling, walking calmly on to the trailer – but calling to his friend, who was lying dead nearby.

The ponies’ owner was prosecuted and Soul started his rehabilitation at HorseWorld.

“Rather than dwelling on the trauma these ponies had suffered, our focus had to be on helping Soul heal both physically and emotionally,” said the charity’s head of equine welfare, Sarah Hollister. “He was still just a baby.”

The pony was the face of HorseWorld’s “Soul’s stable of stars” campaign a year later, celebrating the lives of people’s two- and four-legged loved ones, including Soul’s friend.

“Now, two years on, Soul’s story has the happy ending everyone hoped for,” the spokesperson said. “Fully rehabilitated and thriving, Soul has been rehomed alongside his best friend Trigger; another young rescue pony who grew up with him during their recovery at HorseWorld. Together, the inseparable pair settled into their new home, where they spent Christmas safe, loved and finally at peace.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Starving foal who called to his dead friend as he was rescued becomes media star

‘He was like a war horse’: stallion suspended on tree for days makes miraculous recovery

‘He never stopped trying’: horse bought skinny and weak for £1 is happy and healthy in new home

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An equine welfare charity has cancelled an open day on Saturday (9 August) that could have raised a much-needed £20,000 and implemented a lockdown owing to an infection outbreak – as it states “safety comes first”.

Today (7 August) Bristol-based HorseWorld reported an outbreak of streptococcus zooepidemicus, known as strep zoo. The charity said around 10% of its 110 residents are currently affected and its team is “prioritising welfare and disease control in line with veterinary guidance”.

HorseWorld chief executive Jo Coombs said that strep zoo can cause serious infections like pneumonia, particularly in young or immune-compromised horses.

“While strep zoo isn’t as serious as strangles for a normal horse, many of the rescued horses at HorseWorld are immunocompromised, so at a higher risk,” she said.

“Safety comes first – of our horses and our supporters – and so, while it is heartbreaking to do so, in line with veterinary guidance we have taken the tough decision to cancel our open day. And because so many horses in our herd are at higher risk and there is strangles in the local area, we have taken the additional step of locking our site down to all but essential staff and suppliers.”

Ms Coombs added that HorseWorld’s open day is an essential part of the charity’s fundraising programme and had been expected to raise £20,000.

“We are monitoring the situation and hope to be able to open our gates again soon. In the meantime, we will be launching a virtual fundraising appeal to ensure that the charity can continue to provide the highest levels of care for our rescued horses,” she said.

“Our fundraising appeal will feature videos, vet chats and behind-the-scenes footage, to give everyone the opportunity to experience our HorseWorld site and work virtually. We hope this will encourage people to donate to the appeal, helping us support the increased number of horses we are currently caring for on site because other centres are full. A high number of these are abandoned, neglected mares and foals, who are most at risk.”

• Donations can be made to the virtual open day at: https://www.horseworld.org.uk/lockdown

Ms Coombs said HorseWorld is also suffering from a lack of grass and increasing cost of feed owing to the dry weather.

“Now with extra veterinary costs associated with this outbreak, the situation is critical. Antibiotics alone will be around £100 per affected horse,” she said.

“We hope that our friends, supporters, open day visitors and even people who are finding out about us for the first time will support our appeal at this challenging time. Every contribution, no matter the size, will directly support the daily care of horses that have already suffered – and who now need the help more than ever.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Weight loss, enrichment and more – science backs up benefits of track systems for horses

Horses ‘restore boy’s faith in human kindness’ – and save his life

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new study has provided evidence and backed up previous thinking on the benefits of track systems for equine weight management.

HorseWorld and Hartpury University have published a peer-reviewed paper in scientific journal Animals looking at the impact of different grazing strategies on managing equine obesity.

The work was carried out at HorseWorld in Bristol, where 19 horses, “all susceptible to excessive weight gain”, were observed either on a track or on a traditional paddock, both designed to restrict grass intake. Welfare indicators including hoof health, bodyweight, body condition score and behavioural measures were monitored.

The key findings were that between July and September the horses kept on the track lost an average of 3.4% of their initial bodyweight, compared to those on the paddock, who gained an average of 1.5% of their bodyweight. The body condition score (BCS) did not show significant changes between the groups, suggesting that BCS “may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle equine bodyweight changes”.

The researchers concluded that the study found “clear evidence that horses susceptible to gaining weight in the summer can be managed effectively utilising track grazing systems; reducing bodyweight during a summer season while maintaining hoof health and general welfare”.

HorseWorld head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister told H&H HorseWorld has been using track systems since 2013.

“Anecdotally we know that track systems are good for helping horses with weight management and we’ve seen positive results in our horses, but we wanted to get some evidence to tie in with our strategy of using evidence-based methods,” she said, adding that no negative behaviours were observed from the horses on the track system during the study.

“It’s not just about weight loss, tracks can be used to provide environmental enrichment, too. Instead of a small square paddock, when you make a longer track you can spread their food and resources out so they’ve got to go and look for it and move around.”

Ms Hollister hopes that by having evidence to back up what has previously been thought about tracks, more people will be open to trying them.

“Equine obesity is probably the biggest problem in the equine world in the UK, and the secondary issues that being obese for a long time can create can have a lifelong negative impact and can even be life-threatening,” she said.

“The results show that there are benefits from a track and some horses thrive on it. While it isn’t going to suit everybody’s set-up, if it can improve your horse’s wellbeing, it’s worth giving it a go.”

Hartpury University senior lecturer Lorna Cameron, who worked on the project, told H&H the work was about “answering the questions that need to be answered”.

“To be able to answer questions the industry wants answered is a really important thing in equine welfare research at the moment,” she said.

“There are lots of people interested in utilising a track system, but the evidence has been thin on the ground, probably because of how much it would cost to set up a track system as a controlled experiment, so we felt lucky that HorseWorld asked us to collaborate on this.”

Ms Cameron added that what works for one horse may not work for another, and said it is important to take advice from professionals such as the vet and farrier.

“It’s very much about the individual horse, no one thing works for every horse, but our findings suggest that track grazing systems can effectively help manage bodyweight in horses prone to obesity, while maintaining their health and welfare,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Track living: the alternative horsey set-up

Are our eyes playing tricks on us? Different backgrounds can make horses seem fatter

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The life of a young man called Charlie has been saved, and his future changed thanks to a rescued horse called Alfie, his “best friend”.

Alfie is one of the equine participants in welfare charity HorseWorld’s Discovery programme, which involves rescued horses and vulnerable young people.

During children’s mental health week (3-9 February), the Bristol charity is “shining a light on the transformative power of horses in supporting young people’s mental well-being”.

“For 12-year-old Charlie, this unique programme has been nothing short of life-saving,” a HorseWorld spokesperson said. “After being out of school for three years due to the challenges of autism and ADHD, Charlie was struggling with his mental health and had even felt suicidal. But that all changed when he began attending Discovery sessions at HorseWorld in January 2024.”

Charlie’s mother Rachel said the programme had “given him his life back”.

“He was really poorly from lots of trauma and unmet SEND needs in school. He had been failed time and time again by adults and therapists, but since coming here, he’s gained confidence, a purpose, and a reason to be alive. He has developed an absolute love for horses and animals, and he’s formed a great bond with Kayleigh and the other facilitators. It has restored his faith in human kindness.”

Charlie has a particularly close relationship with Archie, the spokesperson said.

“Archie is my best friend,” said Charlie. “He understands people, I think. And he loves hugs.

“At first, I was a bit scared of horses, but then I found a love for them. One day, I let go of Archie’s lead rope, and he just followed me without me calling him. It was amazing!”

Charlie is now preparing to move to an independent specialist school, which Rachel had never thought would be possible.

“There is a farm at his new school, and everything he has learned at HorseWorld will help him settle in,” she said. “This programme has completely changed his future.”

Some 300 young people take part in the Discovery programme every year. The aim is to provide a “safe, non-judgmental space where they can develop confidence, build relationships, and improve their mental well-being”.

“The programme is particularly vital for those struggling with social, emotional, and mental health challenges or at risk of exclusion,” the spokesperson said.

Kayleigh Sivier, a Discovery facilitator who has worked closely with Charlie, was recently nominated by him for a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) superstar award, for education professionals who make a profound difference.

“I nominated Kayleigh because she is one of the kindest and funniest people I know,” Charlie said. “She helps me feel confident, independent, and she believes in me.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

A lifeline in the pandemic: how horses have been a saviour over the past year *H&H Plus*

‘I’d be selling drugs otherwise’: teenager tells MPs how RDA volunteering ‘saved him’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two rescue ponies have been given a second chance at a happy life after finding a home in time for Christmas.

Pretzel and Peanut were rescued as part of a multi-agency operation involving 25 ponies from Gelligaer Common, in Wales, in July 2023.

HorseWorld, who took Pretzel and Peanut in, said the pair were “completely unhandled, terrified of humans, and in terrible condition”.

“This group of ponies really was one of the most challenging our team have dealt with,” said HorseWorld’s head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister.

“The ponies were so scared of people; they would literally try to climb the walls to get away from you. Sometimes we doubted if we’d ever be able to get them happy with even the gentlest of human touch.”

Pretzel and Peanut lived in a field close to the charity’s rehab yard where they could become accustomed to “comings and goings”, and feel more comfortable with “normal life”. With time and careful training sessions, they became trusting of the HorseWorld grooms.

In November this year two-year-old Pretzel and three-year-old Peanut were rehomed together to start their “new chapter”.

“This story is the epitome of what HorseWorld is all about. We believe every horse deserves a second chance at a happy life,” said Jo Coombs, HorseWorld chief executive.

“There were times when the future of these ponies was in doubt, but our horse-centred rehabilitation and retraining programme and the skills, expertise, patience and dedication of our teams means Peanut and Pretzel are now facing a future even brighter than we could have hoped.

“We wish them and their new family a very happy Christmas.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

As 2024 comes to an end, equine welfare charity HorseWorld has shone the light on one of its successful rehoming cases, who went on to wow in the show ring this year with her young rider.

Aura was taken in by HorseWorld in 2020 following one of the biggest multi-agency operations in the UK ever, involving 130 neglected horses and ponies rescued from “appalling conditions”.

A HorseWorld spokesperson said Aura was very nervous, severely underweight and suffering from a worm burden and lice infestation. But thanks to expert care from the charity’s team she went on to make a full recovery.

“During her rehabilitation the team identified that the sweet-natured Aura could be suited to work with vulnerable young people as an equine-assisted learning horse, so they started her training to help children cope with social, mental and emotional challenges,” said the spokesperson.

“At the same time they started looking for a suitable foster home where Aura would reach her full potential and help a young person to reach theirs too.”

This home was found with Elizabeth Hembrow and her daughter Coco.

“Since she came to live with us, Aura and Coco have formed a beautiful bond and an everlasting friendship,” said Elizabeth.

“Coco suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and struggles with mainstream education. Aura helps her cope and face life’s challenges.”

Coco and Aura have attended Pony Club rallies, competed in dressage and enjoyed fun rides and gallops across the Mendips “where they love unwinding together”.

This summer they “wowed the crowds and judges” at the Royal Bath and West Show (30 May-1 June).

“Going to the Royal Bath and West show was a big step up for Coco and Aura. The show had a real buzz about it and I was very nervous for them both but every time I checked in with Coco to see how she was feeling she just said ‘I’m fine Mum, I know Aura is the best pony here and I trust her 100%’. She was incredible and I am so proud of them both,” said Elizabeth.

“Aura has stolen our hearts. She is simply perfect and we couldn’t love her any more or imagine life without her.”

HorseWorld chief executive Jo Coombs said the charity loves seeing its rescued horses and ponies thriving in new homes.

“We’re thrilled that Aura has found her perfect home with Coco and that the pair are so successfully flying the flag for HorseWorld rescued horses and others around the UK,” she said.

“We feel an enormous amount of pride in the work we do at HorseWorld seeing these horses, who often have a very sad past, flourish in their new homes.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

He loves it’: neglected yearling rescued by RSPCA wins prestigious eventing title 10 years later

‘He’s a bit famous’ – rescue pony steps in to help young rider take national title

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The cost-of-living crisis and owners struggling to cope continue to be major concerns for equine welfare charities, which have been helping “desperate” owners and taking in large groups of horses this year.

Although some living costs have steadied in 2024, and inflation in November was 2.6% compared to 10.7% in November 2022, families around the UK continue to face high bills and financial pressures.

World Horse Welfare reported a 44% increase in welfare cases involving owners having more than 10 horses, up from 109 in 2023 to 157 in 2024. Cases involving owners with more than 50 horses have doubled.

“This is significant because not only do these rescues fill up the centres, they put pressure on the field officer team too,” a World Horse Welfare spokesperson told H&H, adding that the charity has had to invest in more equipment such as trailers and pens to accommodate these cases.

Word Horse Welfare launched its Help for Horse Owners initiative in February with the aim of preventing serious welfare cases by providing early intervention.

“We have lost count of the people we have helped when they have nowhere else to turn and are often at their lowest ebb,” said World Horse Welfare chief field officer Claire Gordon, adding that those the charity has helped usually say they wished they had known about the initiative sooner.

“We hope by highlighting this, we can reach more of the people who are struggling now, so they know a channel exists to seek help from, without judgement.”

By the end of November Redwings had taken in 98 equines, compared to 96 in 2023 – but the charity’s rehoming figures continue to decline. It rehomed 88 equines to guardian homes – who can be returned to the charity at any time – down from 101 in 2023.

“Rehoming has taken a worrying downturn with horses who would have had lots of interest in the past receiving limited interest despite our best efforts,” Redwings chief executive Lynn Cutress told H&H.

“We presume that this is yet another result of the cost-of-living crisis, which as a charity with over 2,000 equines to look after is affecting us in every way.”

Looking at the larger picture the RSPCA reported an overall decline in the past 10 years in reports of cruelty to and neglect of equines. But the number of equines taken in since 2014 “shows a less steady picture” – peaking at more than 900 in 2014, and again in 2017. The charity reported a “continuous drop” in this number between 2019 and 2021, but said the number has risen again since 2022.

“The cost-of-living crisis may explain the rising numbers of abandonments and horses taken into care in the past few years, and it is worrying that we have seen an increase in abandonments in 2022 and 2023 – although abandonments are still less than half what they were 10 years ago,” said RSPCA horse welfare expert Mark Kennedy.

“But our research suggests that there is a growing epidemic of poor welfare in the equine population of England and Wales. Often issues may not meet the legal threshold for us to take action under current animal welfare law. But it does mean that many horses may be surviving rather than thriving – and that should concern all of us.”

South Bristol-based HorseWorld reported a 143% increase in reports made to the charity from 40 in 2014 to 97 in 2024; from members of the public, other charities, landowners, and police.

“In many calls we’ve had from owners, especially in the last 12 months, we’ve heard how they have been struggling to make ends meet for some time,” said HorseWorld’s head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister.

“It’s rarely one thing which has caused them to reach out. We’ve repeatedly heard from owners for whom the rising costs of everyday life have had a massive impact on what was already a very tight budget. It just takes one thing to go wrong, or for one unforeseen cost or illness, and they’re desperate.”

The charity also reported that the total equines it estimates “are potentially at risk” in its area has increased by 38%, from 156 in 2014 to 216 in 2024.

“Since 2014 we have been involved in a number of cases involving very large numbers at one site. For example, in 2021 we saw an exceptional peak of identifying over 600 equines being potentially at risk; caused by one case involving over 300 ponies, two cases involving over 70, as well as a number of other large groups,” said Ms Hollister.

HAPPA chief executive Sarah Arthur said the type of help needed by owners has changed.

“Reports of cruelty and neglect are still being reported, however cries for help from owners trying to do the right thing are more prevalent. We are seeing an increase of owners reaching out for help due to financial and medical difficulties. Intervention is needed by way of advice and or a sign over to ensure that the welfare of the equine is not compromised,” she said.

Ms Arthur added that when the Control of Horses Act came into force in 2015 there was an overall drop in abandonment cases; prior to 2018 approximately 40% of the equines taken in annually by the charity were classed as abandonment cases. Between 2018 and 2022 this decreased to less than 5%, but in recent years 20% of HAPPA’s intake figure is attributed to abandonment.

“The change in the demographic certainly seems to be a response to the cost-of-living crisis. Demand for HAPPA’s services remains consistent, the type of help needed is changing, and intake and rehoming figures remain balanced. Will this be a trend that continues, only time will tell,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

New service launched for owners struggling to care for their horses

‘Worrying picture’ as owners go without food to feed their horses

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Five ponies rescued “malnourished and frightened” are now safe and well – although a foal born to one of them after they were saved could not survive the neglect her dam had suffered.

H&H reported last month that HorseWorld had taken in the ponies, but was unable to reveal details owing to a possible prosecution. The investigation has now concluded, as no owner could be traced, so the welfare charity can now share the ponies’ story.

Pretzel, Peanut, Pumpkin, Peaches and Plum, as they are now named, were among 25 Welsh ponies seized from Gelligaer Common in MerthyrTydfil, Wales.

“The ponies were completely unhandled, terrified of humans and in terrible condition,” a HorseWorld spokesman said. “There was not enough grazing on the common to sustain them. HorseWorld collaborated with multiple welfare charities to remove the ponies from this desperate situation and bring five of them to safety at HorseWorld.”

Plum was heavily pregnant at the time of her rescue and her filly, Damson, did not live.

“Sadly, the foal only survived 24 hours despite the best possible veterinary care,” the spokesman said. “The neglect her mother had suffered during pregnancy was just too much.”

HorseWorld head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister said that the other ponies are doing well, expected to make a full recovery and have started gentle rehabilitation work.

“This is a long slow process, which is never rushed – it takes as long as it takes,” she said. “The welfare of the horses, their comfort and happiness is paramount.

“It could take years for these ponies to be fully trained and ready to embark on a new life ahead of them. This might be looking for a home on our rehoming scheme, it could be taking part in our HorseWorld Discovery courses. If the HorseWorld team’s opinion is that neither is an option, they will remain at HorseWorld living with a herd in the fields here.

“Whatever lies ahead, once a horse or pony comes into HorseWorld’s care we guarantee they have a home for life. These ponies will never know neglect, mistreatment or starvation ever again. They are safe for the rest of their lives.”

You might also be interested in:

‘A pitiful sight’: terrified, malnourished and pregnant ponies abandoned

‘I thought my heart would burst’: horse left to die on roadside stuns on show debut

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Five terrified, malnourished ponies have been taken into charity care, as the number of horses in desperate need “seems to be increasing faster than we can rescue them”.

HorseWorld has taken in the group, one of whom appears to be heavily pregnant, who it is believed would not have survived without intervention.

A spokesman for the equine welfare charity said its involvement came after an urgent call to help with a major rescue operation.

“The economic crisis has had a huge impact on the number of horses in need and HorseWorld, like many other charities, was already at capacity,” the spokesman said. “Despite the pressure this placed on finances and resources, the charity couldn’t turn away from horses who were in desperate need of help.

“After a long journey to the rescue site, they were greeted with the pitiful sight of animals that had clearly been dealt a very cruel hand in life.”

HorseWorld’s head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister said the ponies were abandoned, unhandled and terrified of humans.

“They wouldn’t have survived much longer without help,” she said. “In a situation like this the equine skills of our team are really tested but with plenty of patience and kindness they were able to coax the frightened, bewildered ponies into the lorry and transport them to the safety of HorseWorld.”

The ponies are likely to be the subject of a prosecution, so HorseWorld is unable to go into any details of their identity or location until the court case has concluded.

“Our veterinary team have begun treating these rescued ponies which will be continued over the summer and it will take years of rehabilitation in the safe surroundings of HorseWorld to reach a stage where they might be suitable to find a loving home on our rehoming scheme,” Ms Hollister said. “All this will place a financial pressure on HorseWorld so we’ve launched an appeal in the hope that our kind supporters may be able to help. The number of horses and ponies finding themselves in desperate need seems to be increasing faster than we can rescue them.”

The spokesman added that the mare who appears to be pregnant is terrified of humans, making it difficult to examine her properly, but the group of five could very soon be six.

HorseWorld’s fundraising and engagement coordinator Amy Williams added: “It’s incredibly difficult to raise the sizeable funds needed for a rescue like this when we are prevented from telling you all the details while the court case is incomplete but as soon as we can, we will publish updates on their progress.

“Any amount you can give to help us meet these unexpected and substantial costs would make a real difference and help to give these ponies a chance of a much brighter future.”

You might also be interested in:

Elderly gelding found with horrific wounds caused by his own rug *warning: distressing image*

“Every step he took would have caused the rug to move across his open, infected wounds. He’s clearly been in

‘It’s a myth horse owners are well-off’: ‘shocking’ welfare case shows current reality

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A police horse whose career was cut short owing to a neurological condition has been welcomed by a charity, with hopes of finding him a non-ridden home in the future.

Clover joined South Wales Police as a five-year-old in 2021 and showed “all the attributes to have a fantastic career”. But when it became apparent something “wasn’t quite right” with the way he was walking, the force sought veterinary advice.

Clover was diagnosed with wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical vertebrae stenotic myelopathy. Wobbler syndrome is associated with a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck that leads to compression or the spinal cord. This can lead to neurological abnormalities, including ataxia.

It was decided that Clover was “no longer able to cope with the physical demands” of being a police horse, and he was retired to HorseWorld in Bristol.

“We’re pleased to welcome Clover. He’s a gentleman and a credit to the training he received with South Wales Police,” said Sarah Hollister, HorseWorld’s head of equine welfare.

“He’s settled in really well and has even found himself a ‘girlfriend’. He has been assessed by our vets, and other than the neurological condition which brought about his early retirement, he’s very happy and healthy.”

Sarah added that Clover will be given time to continue settling in and the team will get to know his character, before deciding “what his next chapter may be”.

“He has such a sweet nature, we’re hoping he could be rehomed as a non-ridden companion on our loan scheme and enjoy life as part of a loving family,” she said.

HorseWorld is also home to Lolly, a 17.1hh Shire mare with similar with neurological problems to Clover’s. She was taken in by the charity in 2017.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to offer a home to horses like these.” said Sarah. “In this current climate, it’s hard for horses of this size to find a good home when they cannot be ridden.

“They are costly pets and there aren’t many people who are happy to take on a responsibility like that. Here they are safe, loved and are valued members of the HorseWorld family. Their individual needs will be met and we can guarantee they’ll never know cruelty or neglect for the rest of their lives.”

Lolly arrived with Dime and elderly mare Florin as part of a multi-agency operation, when a herd of 27 Shires was abandoned by their breeder. Dime has since found a home, and Florin “lived to a good age”, but had since died. Lolly will soon be available on HorseWorld’s sponsorship scheme.

You might also be interested in:

Wobbler syndrome: what you need to know

Clumsy and uncoordinated movement could point to spinal cord compression, a condition known as wobbler syndrome. Phil Cramp MRCVS explains

‘Quirky’ cob gelding who excelled as a police horse retires aged 20

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two foals will “never know the cruelty and neglect their mothers suffered” thanks to a welfare charity rescuing the malnourished mares in a “race against time”.

In April 2021 HorseWorld was called to help three “very neglected” and heavily pregnant thoroughbred mares from a site near Bristol. The mares were found standing in a “filthy” barn, hock-deep in soiled bedding.

“They were riddled with lice and suffering from rain scald due to exposure to prolonged wet weather, all had overgrown feet, and were desperately trying to cope with being malnourished and heavily pregnant,” said a HorseWorld spokesman.

The mares, LJ, Pink Champagne and Tango, were taken to the charity where they received emergency care in a desperate attempt to save them.

“Sadly, Tango did not recover from the horrendous neglect she had suffered and soon after arrival, veterinary examination revealed a fractured and infected bone within her hoof,” said the spokesman.

“Everyone was heartbroken, but at least for her final few days she had finally known how it felt to be cared for. Her final moments were full of love.”

On 13 May, LJ prematurely gave birth to a colt and his “life hung in the balance”.

“He was very cold and very weak and unable to stand on his own. He was so small the team had to buy him a dog coat to help keep him warm,” the spokesman said.

“LJ was also poorly and needed veterinary treatment after she suffered an infection. The team worked 24/7 to save the tiny colt. He had inherited his mother’s brave character and determination to survive – it was then our team named him Thor.”

The spokesman said a few weeks later Pink Champagne gave birth to a filly who seemed healthy at first, and the team “nervously celebrated” a positive outcome, but the mare and foal soon became very ill with campylobacter, a bacterial virus.

“If it hadn’t been for the quick action and excellent care she received, she would not have survived,” said the spokesman, adding that it cost £5,588 in vet fees to nurse the mares and foals.

The charity has launched a Valentine’s Day appeal asking its supporters to “show a little love” to secure the future of LJ, Pink Champagne and their foals – and other equines like them that the charity continues to provide for.

“Every penny donated will make a difference to Ginny, Thor, their mothers and other horses, ponies and donkeys who have, through no fault of their own, found themselves in need of help,” said Amy Williams, HorseWorld fundraising and engagement coordinator.

“Ginny and Thor will never know the cruelty and neglect that their mothers suffered as HorseWorld will always ensure their every need is met.”

The owner of the mares was prosecuted by the RSPCA and banned from keeping horses.

You might also be interested in:

Lice-ridden ‘bag of bones’ rescue mare survives to deliver healthy filly

Filly – and companion – taken to safety after mare killed on dual carriageway

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A horse who was starved, savagely beaten and left lying in the road with broken bones has gone on to a better life helping vulnerable young people.

Twiglet’s life “hung in the balance” after he was found, collapsed and emaciated, on an industrial estate in Bristol six years ago.

“Twiglet had been through a horrific ordeal.” Sarah Hollister, yard manager for charity HorseWorld.

“He had collapsed in the road. He was weak and painfully thin, and had fractures in his back and neck, which we discovered on return to HorseWorld when our vets examined him. He was emotionally shut down; there was no life in his dull, sunken eyes.”

B&W Equine vet Carys Chadwick said Twiglet’s injuries were “consistent with a blunt trauma”.

“My guess is that this horse has been severely beaten over the back and neck with something heavy, for example a metal bar,” she said at the time. “He is also dangerously underweight and covered in sores.”

Twiglet was treated but a few months later, his foreleg started to buckle forward at the fetlock. Vets said the youngster’s growth rate had accelerated as he was being given the appropriate feed, following his malnutrition, but his tendons were growing at different rates.

Twiglet underwent corrective surgery and had to wear a cast for some weeks.

“Despite his heartbreaking condition on arrival at HorseWorld, Twiglet has made a remarkable recovery and is now a fully trained equine assisted learning pony working with children who are outside mainstream schooling or struggling to learn in a classroom environment,” a spokesman for the charity said.

“Young people are referred to HorseWorld’s Discovery courses with a wide range of complex and challenging social, emotional and mental health needs. The six-week course they take part in alongside the rescued horses is a chance to learn vital life skills outside of the classroom setting in a positive and encouraging environment.

“Horses like Twiglet who have overcome a trauma in their life and have gone on to be happy, healthy and successful can be an inspiration to those who are struggling to overcome their own difficulties in life. It is common for the young people to form strong bonds with them.”

Discovery course facilitator Louise Hewett said Twiglet has been excelling in his role.

“ He’s settled in well to the herd and really seems to enjoy his new routine,” she said.

“As he is still quite new to his role, he spent the first few weeks meeting students but not working directly with them.

“He has now started working with some of the more experienced students and has taken to it like a duck to water. He has a sweet nature and is proving very popular with the young people.

“In the future, we hope that Twiglet will become a core member of the Discovery herd, working with both groups and individuals, doing all Discovery activities. He will sadly never be ridden due to the trauma to his back and neck he experienced before his rescue but loves the attention he receives, often falling asleep when being groomed.”

You might also be interested in:

Horse sold for £240,000 but found starving in filthy barn beats the odds to thrive in loving home

Elderly gelding found with horrific wounds caused by his own rug *warning: distressing image*

“Every step he took would have caused the rug to move across his open, infected wounds. He’s clearly been in

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An epic fundraising relay featuring more than 10,000 riders kicks off this weekend and has attracted a royal supporter.

The Duchess of Cornwall has been announced as the patron of the Great Horses for Health Relay 2021. The event starts on Sunday (2 May) in Yorkshire and will take place in 11 regions of the UK over five months. Participants have two weeks to choose their own routes in their local areas, which will be recorded on a map, and the relay “baton” will be passed to the next region at a pre-arranged Covid-safe event.

The relay is the brainchild of rider Sophie Gifford, who came up with the idea during lockdown. The event aims to highlight how horses can have a positive impact on mental health, while raising funds for equine charities HorseWorld, Redwings, Hope Pastures, HorseBack UK, Bransby Horses, North Wales Horse Watch and the Riding for the Disabled Association.

“We are incredibly grateful to HRH the Duchess of Cornwall for accepting the invitation to become our patron. As a keen equestrian herself, Her Royal Highness understands how horses can help have a positive impact on our wellbeing,” said Sophie.

“To have the duchess as our patron is also a huge boost for our equine charities, which have struggled through Covid and are in need of support to continue their vital work.”

Sophie is being supported by a group of volunteers, and a team from HorseWorld in organising the relay. The event is open to all “horse lovers” and people can ride, carriage drive or take part with horses in hand. Individuals can also cycle or walk.

Continued below…

More than 9,000 riders sign up for epic relay across the UK

The Great Horses for Health relay starts on 2 May in Yorkshire and will take place in 11 regions of

Riding routes map tool aims to prevent riders becoming ‘the forgotten road user’

The tool will gather data on equestrians’ use of routes, such as tarmacked roads that are not slippery, railway crossings

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horseworld chief executive Peta Ingram said the charity is delighted to welcome the Duchess of Cornwall as patron.

“We hope that with her support we will be able to connect with the horse loving community across the UK, to celebrate together the positive power of horses and help raise funds for equine charities,” she said.

Registration for the event at www.horses4health.co.uk.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

More than 9,000 riders have so far signed up to take part in an epic fundraising relay ride across the UK.

The Great Horses for Health relay starts on 2 May in Yorkshire and will take place in 11 regions of the UK over five months. Participants have two weeks to choose their own routes in their local areas, which will be recorded on a map, and the relay “baton” will be passed to the next region at a pre-arranged Covid-safe event.

Rider Sophie Gifford came up with the idea during lockdown, and the event will raise funds via sponsorship for charities HorseWorld, Redwings, Hope Pastures, HorseBack UK, Bransby Horses, North Wales Horse Watch and the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Sophie, who is supported by a group of volunteers and a team from HorseWorld, set up the relay to celebrate how much horses have done for people during the pandemic.

“My Irish cob Jack helped me cope with the mental challenges of the pandemic and I was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to start a community event which would highlight the positive effects an equine can have on your wellbeing whilst also raising money for horse welfare,” she said.

Continued below…

Riding routes map tool aims to prevent riders becoming ‘the forgotten road user’

The tool will gather data on equestrians’ use of routes, such as tarmacked roads that are not slippery, railway crossings

Motorcycling vets turn virtual in innovative marathon attempt

“Because we are lunatics, we decided we still wanted to do something to help our charities and our objective now

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“This ride is for everyone who loves horses and has experienced the positive impact they have on their mental wellbeing. Our website will have a dedicated area for everyone to share pictures and stories providing a space for horse lovers around the UK to connect. We hope as many people will take part as possible.”

A HorseWorld spokesman added that every “horse lover” is invited; be it astride, side-saddle, western, as a carriage driver, or in hand. Individuals can also cycle or take part on foot.

Registration for the event is open at www.horses4health.co.uk.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A “skeletal” youngster who had to undergo six blood transfusions when he was rescued 10 years ago is providing “life-changing” support for struggling young people as an equine-assisted learning pony.

Staff at HorseWorld worked round the clock to save the life of cob Buddy when he arrived at the charity in 2011, weighing a third of his ideal body weight.

Groom Kayleigh Silver, who helped care for Buddy, said the gelding looked “ready to die” and was so weak that his head had to be supported by grooms.

“It took a drip and six blood transfusions to give Buddy the strength to support his own weight. He had to be lifted to his feet every two hours day and night for the first two weeks,” she said.

“If he laid down he was unable to get himself back up again and became distressed that he couldn’t get to his food. He couldn’t be left lying on his side for too long. In his efforts to get up, he would rub sores on his shoulders, hips and head where his bones protruded through his fragile skin. Buddy’s bed had to be very deep with huge banks of straw around the edges for him to push against while we were lifting him.”

A HorseWorld spokesman said Buddy weighed 108kg on arrival and his “skeletal frame” was hidden under his thick, matted coat.

“He should have weighed around 280-300kg at his age. He was also suffering from severe diarrhoea that was full of redworm,” he said.

“Once nursed back to health and allowed to mature our team of specialists worked with Buddy to train him to be ridden. The aim was to find him a new home on our loan scheme where he would receive all the love and one-to-one attention he deserves. Buddy did find a home but had to return to the charity through no fault of his own.”

Buddy has since become a fully trained equine assisted learning pony and is involved in HorseWorld’s Discovery courses, which help young people who are struggling to learn in a classroom environment.

“Young people are often referred to our courses with a wide range of complex and challenging social, emotional and mental health needs or learning difficulties. They complete a six-week course alongside the rescue horses. It is a chance to learn vital life skills outside of the classroom setting in a positive and encouraging environment,” said the spokesman.

“The rescued horses have been given a second chance and have beaten the odds to survive. This resonates with a lot of children who are struggling to overcome difficulties in school and in their personal lives resulting in strong bonds forming between students and horses. Horses naturally desire calm and strong leadership and have no preconceived judgements, allowing the students to develop relationships based on mutual respect.”

HorseWorld yard manager Sarah Hollister said Buddy was one of the worst cases of neglect the charity had dealt with and now seeing the gelding enjoying life and making a difference to children and young people makes it all worthwhile.

“He clearly loves his work and will whicker to the children as they arrive. He’s helped so many young people to build their confidence and communication skills, he really is a special pony,” she said.

“Buddy is fully recovered but is just one of many rescue cases that HorseWorld helps. The winter being the busiest time when the cold weather and lack of grazing means that horses that are abandoned or neglected become emaciated and ill very quickly.”

Continued below…

‘Everyone needs a Wesley’: Shetland pony becomes village celebrity during lockdown

“I’m in the process of officially registering him as a therapy pony and in the future would like to offer

Rescued mare finally finds family to call her own 16 years later

The mare arrived at the charity as a yearling in 2004 as part of a group of 16 feral youngsters

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The spokesman added the charity relies on the support of the public to rescue horses and to be able to run the Discovery courses.

“We have set up an appeal to help even more young people and more rescued horses to have a future with clear direction and focus, a positive purpose in life,” he said.

“If you wish to donate to HorseWorld’s discovery courses, and be a part of this life-changing program, offering a safe space and an exciting new future for both the young people and the horses and ponies that work with them, please visit our website.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A gelding in his 20s found with “huge infected sores” on his withers caused by his rug has been put down five months after his rescue as he was “losing his fight to survive”.

HorseWorld rescued the “extremely emaciated and weak” thoroughbred-type gelding, named Sydney, from a field in Wiltshire with two other horses in June after a member of the public noticed the gelding’s condition.

A spokesman for the charity said the “sweet-natured” horse’s rug had clearly not been removed or checked for many months and it had worn deep into his skin causing the infected wounds and “immense” pain.

“On arrival the vet put Sydney onto a programme of intensive care. For weeks his wounds were flushed twice a day by the grooms,” he said. “He also had various creams prescribed to try to aid the healing process, and numerous courses of antibiotics to try to fight the infection that had taken hold.

“Sydney remained a calm, kind gentleman, allowing the team to help him despite everything he had been through.”

The spokesman said despite the team’s best efforts it became apparent the infection had spread to Sydney’s bones and even with high levels of pain relief, he was showing “more and more” discomfort.

“While he still had the occasional good day where he would happily graze and roll in the field, his bad days were getting worse and more frequent,” he said.

“All viable options had been tried and it was clear that the only option left to prevent any further suffering was to put him to sleep.”

Article continued below…

Elderly gelding found with horrific wounds caused by his own rug *warning: distressing image*

“Every step he took would have caused the rug to move across his open, infected wounds. He’s clearly been in

Rescued mare finally finds family to call her own 16 years later

The mare arrived at the charity as a yearling in 2004 as part of a group of 16 feral youngsters

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Sarah Hollister, HorseWorld welfare manager, said Sydney was “such a special horse”.

“You could tell from his character that at one time in his life he had been well cared for by someone,” she said.

“We always pour our hearts and souls into our horses, but Syd is one that we’ll never forget. It’s not the ending to Syd’s story that we desperately wanted but we can take comfort in knowing that at least for the last few months of his life he could remember how it felt to be loved.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A neglected Shetland pony suffering from laminitis and with hooves so overgrown they resembled “Aladdin’s slippers”, is looking forward to a brighter future after he was rescued.

A spokesman for HorseWorld said the charity was contacted by the RSPCA, which had removed eight-year-old gelding Charlie from a home near Yatton in February.

“Charlie was not on the correct grazing for his breed and size, which had resulted in him developing laminitis,” he said.

“To make matters worse he also hadn’t had his feed trimmed for a very long time. They had grown and twisted into a distorted shape resembling Aladdin’s slippers.”

The “sweet-natured” gelding is now being kept on a soft surface and managed carefully under veterinary advice.

“Depending on his recovery we hope Charlie may eventually be able to take part in our discovery courses, where rescued horses work alongside vulnerable children and those who are outside mainstream schooling to build confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. Charlie has the perfect temperament for it, ” said HorseWorld welfare yard manager Sarah Hollister.

“He’s still in the process of rehabilitation at the moment. It is essential that we are able to provide him with the comfortable, safe environment he needs to give him the best possible chance of making a full recovery.”

The spokesman added that the charity is running an appeal to raise funds to replace damaged rubber flooring in the stables, which will make an “enormous” difference to the rehabilitation of rescue horses such as Charlie.

“We ran an appeal earlier in the year to fund the replacement of the rubber flooring in the isolation hospital unit and we were very grateful that our generous supporters responded,” said Amy Williams, the charity’s fundraising officer.

“Now we are trying to bring the rest of the stable yard up to the same standard so that horses with long-term problems can have the same level of safety and comfort once they have completed their quarantine period and are able to leave the isolation unit.”

Article continued below…

You may also be interested in:

Rescued mare finally finds family to call her own 16 years later

The mare arrived at the charity as a yearling in 2004 as part of a group of 16 feral youngsters

Second chance for neglected horses found surrounded by dead animals at horror farm

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Ms Williams spoke about the importance of having rubber flooring for the charity’s horses such as those with painful feet, lame horses who need a supportive surface, or those with respiratory problems that need a dust-free environment.

“The list of benefits to rescued horses goes on and on,” she said.

To donate visit: www.horseworld.org.uk/safe

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 17-year-old pony who has spent most of her life in a rescue centre has now found a family to call her own.

Tequila came into the care of HorseWorld as a yearling in 2004 as part of a group of 16 feral youngsters. The herd had been found living on the side of a mountain in Wales with little food, and were receiving no care.

A spokesman for the charity said the group were thin and “declining rapidly”, adding as winter approached it had become a life-threatening situation.

“On arrival at the charity the youngsters received careful and sympathetic handling so they could be nursed back to health” he said.

“Many had never had any contact with humans other than the locals who had been taking them enough hay to keep them alive while rescue was organised.”

Tequila was backed as a four-year-old in 2007, but two years later before she could be rehomed, the mare was retired owing to a stifle issue.

“The problem in her stifle had resulted in ongoing lameness problems when ridden and was most likely as a direct result of her breeding. The herd were of mixed types and breeding was indiscriminate,” said the spokesman.

“The team found that as long as she wasn’t asked to carry any weight she remained sound and comfortable, but having to retire such a young horse dramatically decreased her chances of finding a home.”

Tequila was rehomed in 2010 for as a non-ridden companion for nine months, and again in 2013 for 17 months, but was returned to the charity on both occasions due to a change in the families’ circumstances.

“The team couldn’t believe the bad luck Tequila was having and we were determined to find the sweet-natured mare a family to call her own,” said the spokesman.

“There are around 100 horses on-site at the charity at any one time. The demand for places for newly rescued horses is ever increasing and it is preferable for successfully rehabilitated horses to go into the care of a rehomer if possible where they can receive more one-to-one attention.”

The spokesman said Tequila was featured on the charity’s website and rehoming articles for the next five years but nobody showed interest in her. He added the mare seemed “destined” to spend the rest of her life at the sanctuary, until a potential rehomer, Jane Denton, spotted the mare online and she was rehomed in July this year.

“Tequila had finally found herself a family to call her own,” said the spokesman.

Article continued below…

Elderly gelding found with horrific wounds caused by his own rug *warning: distressing image*

“Every step he took would have caused the rug to move across his open, infected wounds. He’s clearly been in

Operation to remove painful tooth in rescued Shire goes ahead thanks to supporters

HorseWorld equine welfare manager Sarah Hollister said Lolly behaved like a ‘super-sized superstar’ for the proceedure

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Jane said her family are delighted to have given Tequila a home with their mare, Gipsy.

“We have had a few rescue horses over the years as companions and it is so rewarding to see them come out of themselves. We have never regretted fostering or rehoming a rescue pony,” she said.

“Tequila is nothing short of an absolute delight, I cannot understand why she was at the centre for so long. After being with us for just more than a week she is already proving to be the sweetest little pony who loves nothing more than to be fussed and given attention.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rescued Shire horse has undergone successful dental surgery to remove a painful tooth thanks to a charity’s supporters.

Lolly arrived at HorseWorld’s Bristol base as one of 19 abandoned Shires in 2018.

As she grew, one of her teeth came through crooked, causing pain and trapping food in the gap.

The tooth needed extracting, but for this to be done safely, she needed sedation and to undergo the procedure at a veterinary hospital.

This came with a price tag of around £3,000, which the charity’s supporters raised. One person put up the full amount, with the rest of the money going towards her aftercare as well as the ongoing care and rehabilitation of more than 100 rescued horses on site.

Fundraising officer Amy Williams said the charity “cannot thank them enough”.

HorseWorld equine welfare manager Sarah Hollister added: “Lolly will need another visit from the vet soon to remove an implant that was fitted in the gap to stop food infecting the wound during the first stages of healing.

“The vet will then need to see her in six months to check it is all healing as it should be and that there isn’t any food or infection in the gap the missing tooth has left.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

19 Shire horses abandoned to face a ‘bleak winter’

'Why was such a low value placed on these beautiful animals?’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“Now that the tooth has come out, Lolly will need more frequent checks for the rest of her life as the opposite tooth has nothing to grind against so will need more frequent rasps.”

Ms Hollister added Lolly was “extremely well behaved throughout the process.”

“She loaded into the lorry without a fuss, was calm travelling and was very good for the vets and nurses. What a super-sized superstar she is!” she added.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A horse found with horrific wounds caused by his own rug, left on during extreme heat, had “clearly been in a lot of pain for a long time”.

Sid, a gelding in his 20s, was found in a field in Wiltshire at the start of June, when a member of the public noticed his condition.

Equine rescue charity HorseWorld worked with the RSPCA to remove Sid, who was emaciated, with infected sores across his withers, thought to be caused by a rug left on for “many months”. A mare and a colt also in the field were in better condition, although they had not had routine care such as hoof trimming for “quite some time”.

HorseWorld took in all three horses.

The charity’s equine welfare manager Sarah Hollister said: “The wounds caused by the rug had developed into deep, infected sores. Our main concern was that the infection may have spread into the bone.

“If it has, his prognosis could be poor. The thick winter rug must have been left on for many months, including through the extreme heat we had recently experienced which would have cause Sid immense discomfort.

“With the sores on his withers, every step he took would have caused the rug to move across his open, infected wounds. He’s clearly been in a lot of pain for a long time.”

Warning, upsetting image

Sid is being treated with antibiotics, and his wounds are flushed and treated ever day.

“When the antibiotics course has finished, the vet will re-assess him, and we will hopefully have a clearer picture regarding his long-term prognosis,” Ms Hollister said.

“Despite all he has been through, he is a very kind, gentle soul who is happy to let us help him.”

Sid is in the charity’s hospital isolation unit, where he will stay until he is well enough to join the other horses. HorseWorld is trying to raise funds via its website for the “urgently needed” replacement of the hospital’s rubber matting.

HorseWorld fundraising officer Amy Williams said: “Having comfortable, safe, hygienic flooring, especially for newly rescued, poorly and malnourished horses like Sid who need to rest and recuperate in peace is vital.

“We’ve given him a deep bed over the best of the existing rubber mats as with his open wounds he needs a clean, comfortable surface to lie on.

“Being so thin and weak, he will scrape through the bed trying to get up. The existing rubber matting has to be lifted regularly and thoroughly disinfected both sides as the gaps in the worn flooring allow waste to collect underneath. Without careful management, this would be a hazard for a horse recovering from infections so the grooms have to laboriously lift each one and thoroughly disinfect both sides in order to keep the environment as clean as possible.

Continues below…

Young people helped by horses enjoy magic of Olympia

‘The transformations we have seen in these young people during their time with the programme has been remarkable’

Calls for vital support as pandemic hits hard

As visitor centres remain closed and many vital fundraisers cancelled, charities are continuing to look at alternative methods to raise

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“We really need to raise the funds to replace the flooring to help horses like Sid for many years to come. The new flooring will be sealed with no gaps so will be much more suitable for rescued horses with medical problems like this.”

The mare and colt have settled in well, the charity said, and are to be brought up to date with their routine care.

The person thought to be the horses’ owner claimed to have signed the horses over to someone else and denied responsibility for them. As it was not possible to trace that person, the horses were classified as abandoned and their removal was authorised by police.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equine charities have ramped up their fundraising efforts as Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions continue to take their toll.

As visitor centres remain closed to the public and many vital fundraisers have been cancelled, charities are continuing to look at alternative methods to raise money.

Brooke has urged its supporters to pick up their pens and paintbrushes for a new art competition, DonkaDoodle, with the winning entries featuring on gift cards to be sold in the charity’s online shop later in the year.

Budding artists have until 7 June to submit their work, which must include a horse, donkey or mule and be inspired by an element of Brooke’s work around the world. There are three age categories; under 12, 12-17 and over 18, and entries cost £5. The winners will also receive a £50 voucher for an online art shop, GreatArt, and a Brooke goody bag.

“As the Covid-19 pandemic reaches the countries Brooke works in, local communities are becoming more dependent than ever on their working animals to maintain their livelihoods and health, which is why donations have never been so important,” said a charity spokesman.

The Moorland Mousie Trust, which runs the Exmoor Pony Centre, has taken to the charity’s social media channels to hold virtual competitions, tours, a children’s club and an auction after coronavirus forced the centre to close.

“The income is not there from the centre, fundraising events have had to be cancelled and of course costs are hard to reduce when you’re caring for animals,” said a spokesman. “That said, the charity has worked extremely hard over the past six weeks to move its operations and public engagement online.”

The charity is encouraging its supporters to get in touch with fundraising ideas.

“The charity has seen some ingenious ways of championing their cause, from supporters from all over the world. Sponsorship challenges are a great way of getting involved in fundraising, a challenge can be anything from a sponsored silence to running a marathon in your back garden,” said the spokesman.

“One young boy took to the pavements with his hobby horse to ‘trot’ 2.6km during the 2.6 Challenge in response to the loss of the London Marathon. Four-year-old Jakson raised £470 and took social media by storm, giving many of those in lockdown a welcome distraction.”

In a fundraising effort for the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, a therapeutic riding centre for children in London, supporter Richard Burke has raised £3,000 by completing a half-martathon.

Richard was inspired to help the charity, despite the fact he has never ridden a horse himself, as its income was “plummeting drastically” during lockdown.

“The funds will enable the transformational work at the centre to continue. To watch a child’s gradual development when motivated by the interaction with horses, with a beaming smile throughout a riding lesson, is life enhancing,” said a spokesman for the centre.

Liverpool-based Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary, which helps horses, children and military veterans, has surpassed its £3,000 fundraising target thanks to an appeal from patron Kelly Marks and Intelligent Horseman magazine.

More than £4,700 has been raised for the sanctuary via a JustGiving page, with those who donated at least £5 being entered into a prize draw to win prizes including a course with Kelly Marks and her team, a day behind the scenes with Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out, and a rider confidence course with Daisy Smith.

There is still time to donate and enter the prize draw, which takes place on 31 May.

HorseWorld, Bristol, has launched an urgent appeal for funds to help refurbish part of its essential hospital facilities. The charity’s isolation unit, the first port of call for new rescues, needs new rubber matting.

“During the Covid-19 crisis we find donations have greatly reduced and we’ve lost all the income from our open days. We still however have our horses to care for and seek support to help us cover this essential element of their welfare costs,” said a spokesman.

“This flooring project is one of our most urgent and we need to raise £5,300 which will make a huge difference to newly admitted horses, ponies and donkeys at a time when their lives hang in the balance. Our hospital facilities mean the difference between life and death.”

Article continued below…

Animal welfare and other charities miss out on government support packages *H&H Plus*

Carrot donations, wheeled horses and star jumps: charities look to alternative fundraising measures

While visitor centres are closed and events cancelled, activities including sponsorship, donations, and art sales could help raise vital funds

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

International working animal charity SPANA has launched an emergency feeding programme in Marrakech, Morocco, to save the city’s carriage horses who are facing starvation during the pandemic. Working with local partners, the SPANA team is delivering lifesaving concentrated feed to almost 600 horses in Marrakech, and the neighbouring town, Aït Ourir.

“The devastating impact of the coronavirus is far-reaching and, as the economic situation worsens, the survival of countless working animals is now under severe threat,” said SPANA chief executive Geoffrey Dean.

“In developing countries, working animals – including those used for tourism – are a lifeline for their owners, providing a livelihood for people in many of the world’s poorest communities. In the absence of work however, it is proving impossible for owners to afford basic necessities for their animals. Owners are becoming increasingly desperate about the prospect of losing their animals and the terrible, long-term implications this will have.”

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rescued Shire mare’s essential dental surgery has been postponed owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lolly arrived at Bristol-based welfare charity HorseWorld in 2017 as a two-year-old as part of a multi-agency operation to rescue 19 abandoned Shires.

A spokesman for the charity said the 17.2hh mare requires surgery on a tooth that is coming through twisted, and an appeal had been launched to raise vital funds.

“Even in the short space of time this has been happening it has created a gap that becomes packed with food, which is causing infection,” said the spokesman.

“The vet has temporarily plugged the gap with putty but the tooth needs extracting.”

The spokesman said as Lolly is “so young and big” she will have to go to a veterinary clinic to have the procedure.

“Due to her enormous size (which could cause complications with the anaesthetic) and as the tooth is young, it will have a big root so it will likely be around £3,000 for her to have this operation in the safety of the hospital,” he said.

“The public response to the appeal has raised more than a third of the target so far.”

HorseWorld yard manager Sarah Hollister said the plans for Lolly have had to change owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Lolly had been making good progress learning how to load on to our lorry ready to go to the veterinary hospital. However, with the latest government guidelines this has all had to go on hold,” she said.

Article continued below…

19 Shire horses abandoned to face a ‘bleak winter’

'Why was such a low value placed on these beautiful animals?’

Coronavirus: all routine equine vet work should stop, industry advises

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“The vet will be coming out this week to re-pack the gap the wonky tooth has caused so Lolly remains comfortable until she can have her surgery.”

Sarah said in the meantime the charity is still trying to raising funds to cover the cost of the essential surgery.

“Donations towards Lolly’s operation are very gratefully accepted. Any funds we raise that aren’t spent on her surgery will go towards the care of the other rescued horses here at HorseWorld,” added the spokesman.

Would you like to read Horse & Hound¹s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Young people who have worked with horses to overcome challenges have celebrated their achievements with a special Christmas trip.

Bristol-based equine charity HorseWorld has been helping children who have difficulties accessing mainstream education through its Discovery programme.

The initiative involves sessions where horses are used to help young people develop skills to cope with life’s challenges.

Recent graduates from the course and charity volunteers enjoyed a well-deserved day out to London to attend Olympia.

“The transformations that we have seen in these young people during their time with the programme has been remarkable,” said Sarah Payton, one of the Discovery facilitators.

“When they first started at Discovery, some of the young people faced big challenges with their anxiety and confidence in everyday social situations, especially meeting new people. For others, changes to their routine and facing new challenges could be really overwhelming and daunting.

“As they have spent more time with the horses, learning how to take care of them and how they need to be around them to build their trust and relationship, we have seen their emotional and social resilience grow.

“We are so proud of [them]. On this trip, they broke out of their daily routine, spent time with others they may not have known well and went into an unfamiliar environment which was exciting and noisy!”

Article continued below…

Second chance for neglected horses found surrounded by dead animals at horror farm

Changing lives: rescued horses’ new start helping troubled young people

‘Now, we are also helping horses to have a new start in life too. It doesn’t get any better’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

HorseWorld rescues and rehabilitates horses, ponies and donkeys. It cares for more than 100 equines and provides after-care and support for around 200 more who have been rehomed throughout the south west.

Its Discovery programme involves horses who have been specially chosen to work with vulnerable children, many of whom have also been rescued by the charity.

The programme uses horses as a learning tool to promote development, while supporting emotional growth through close contact with the animals.

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The government is to address “best practice” on tethering following a debate at parliament yesterday (20 February).

MPs raised concerns about the risk of neglect and welfare issues in tethered horses at the adjournment debate in the House of Commons.

MP Luke Hall, who opened the debate, said as tethered horses can be moved quickly it is “virtually impossible” to monitor their welfare.

“This debate follows the Break the Chain campaign run by the excellent HorseWorld trust, a leading equine rescue charity in the southwest, just next door to my constituency,” he said. “The Break the Chain campaign aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to include restrictions on the tethering of horses.

“We are seeing horses being tethered all across the country, potentially leaving them open to neglect, cruelty and abuse, and potentially posing a danger to the people around them, too.​

“Tethering is not deemed enough of a breach of the Animal Welfare Act to allow horse charities to intervene. A tethered horse also does not have the freedom to interact with its own species, as the Act says it should. Leaving horses isolated has been shown to increase stress levels and stress-related hormones, which can cause them to display stereotypical behaviours that cause physical and psychological harm.”

Mr Hall added that long-term tethering is in “direct conflict” with legislation.

“In many instances authorities have not felt that the Animal Welfare Act is strong enough grounds to rescue [tethered] horses, despite the obvious suffering. It is therefore my belief, and the belief of the charity that initiated this campaign, that the Act needs to be amended to state explicitly what constitutes inappropriate tethering,” said Mr Hall.

Parliamentary under-secretary for Defra David Rutley responded to say the aim of the government’s work in this area is to “hightlight that tethering should be for the short term”.

“I should clarify that tethering is not a banned activity, as there are circumstances in which tethering may avoid a greater risk of harm arising—for example, if a horse strayed into a place of danger,” said Mr Rutley.

“The 2006 Act is backed up by a number of statutory codes of practice, including the code for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids. The code provides owners and keepers with information on how to meet their animals’ welfare needs and includes a specific section on how to tether horses and other animals covered by the code.

“Although tethering is not prevented or illegal under the code, the code does include detailed specific advice on tethering and how it should be done properly. It details which animals are not suitable for tethering and provides advice on a suitable and appropriate site—for example, a site should not allow the horse access to a public highway or public footpaths.

“The appropriate tethering of horses is an important issue that the government is taking action to address. We have put a number of protections in the 2006 Act, the code for the welfare of horses and the 2015 Act. The strong arguments made today and the concerns that have been raised mean that I shall call for a meeting with key stakeholders in the months ahead to see what more can be done in sharing and documenting best practice on horse tethering and ensuring that messages on best practice are more actively disseminated to horse owners.”

Tethering to be debated in parliament as charity highlights risks of ‘severe’ suffering

The charity received more than 5,000 complaints last year about tethered horses

Bright future for injured filly found tangled in twine

The youngster has returned to World Horse Welfare's Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre to continue her education

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

HorseWorld fundraising and communications manager Stephen Poole told H&H the debate marks a “major milestone” in the charity’s campaign to end the practice of tethering a horse for long periods of time.

“It’s significant progress and the best possible outcome from this adjournment,” he said.

RSPCA equine welfare expert Mark Kennedy said: “We are pleased to hear the government plans to hold a round table with key stakeholders to discuss the issue further and consider options, and we look forward to contributing to this.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 14.2hh black cob found starving and covered in rain scald is now helping vulnerable young people after making a full recovery at HorseWorld.

Gunner, a Welsh Section D arrived at the charity’s centre near Bristol in March 2013 in an emaciated state.

The three-year-old’s digestive system was under-developed and struggling due to prolonged malnutrition.

Vets worked very hard to help the young cob return to a healthy weight, but it took weeks for the horse’s stomach to settle.

After passing a veterinary assessment to confirm he was fit to start work, the groundwork began. At HorseWorld the young horses are left till they are four before being backed.

“If they’ve been starved as a youngster they take a bit longer. Our ethos is if the horse is not happy we’ll leave them until they’re ready to be brought into work,” said Sarah Hollister, the yard manager.

During the early schooling Gunner came up with a few soreness issues so was turned away to give him more time to mature.

Once fully fit and healthy, he was backed and his temperament is proving so suited for the charity’s Discovery courses, that he’s going to stay there for ever.

Started 1o years ago, the courses help vulnerable young people from aged five upwards who have social, emotional, mental health or learning needs.

Young people from nearby Bristol, south Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset attend the six-week courses run during school term times.

The courses are now registered as alternative learning provision with local authorities with children coming once a week for 1.5 hour sessions on the basic programme.

Young people can also progress to take ASDAN and City and Guild qualifications at HorseWorld.

Gunner joins Shetland ponies Bingo and Burdock and 17.1hh Irish Draught Barney, who at 18 years is one of the oldest of the 16 equines used for the courses.

Continued below…

‘The tide would have drowned her’: pony saved from treacherous estuary

“No owner ever came forward to try to claim her or to explain why they’d left their horse in such

Can you offer Ernie a home? ‘Fantastic’ rescue pony seeks small jockey

‘He’s a fantastic ridden pony on the lead rein but needs a competent small rider to further his education’

Abused horse with broken back on road to recovery

The young horse, now known as Twiglet, had fractures to vertabrae in his neck and spine and was covered in

On the basic course children progress from handling, to grooming, tacking up, long reining and riding over the six weeks.

Riders are referred by schools, careers, youth workers, parents and other charities.

All pay to come riding or are funded through the charity’s own fundraising schemes.

“We’ve been doing this for 10 years and have never been busier. Children thrive in this alternative learning provision,” said Sharon Howell, the discovery course leader.

“Horses are the best teachers. They ask for your clear, calm direction and the children respond to this in the same way. Self-esteem, confidence and communication skills improve as a result of being with the horses,” she added.

The next course begins in September and is already fully booked.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 12.2hh piebald cob is urgently looking for a new home as there are no jockeys at HorseWorld to further his education.

Ernie was taken in by the Bristol based charity in November 2013 along with another young cob called Bert.

Both ponies were underweight, unhandled and in very poor condition.

Their feet were overgrown and infested with maggots but after a few weeks of remedial trimming made full recoveries.

Bert found a loving loan home on HorseWorld’s rehoming scheme soon after he arrived.

But it wasn’t until Ernie went to the Bath and West Show in 2015 on HorseWorld’s stand that he was rehomed.

The pony started his showing career in his new home attending numerous competitions with some success in the hands of his horse-guardian.

“Unfortunately, Ernie had to return to HorseWorld through no fault of his own,” said the charity’s training manager, Jodi Thomas.

The charity has backed the pony but do not have any staff small enough to continue his schooling.

“He’s a fantastic ridden pony on the lead rein but needs a competent small rider to further his education,” added Ms Thomas.

Ernie has been entered at this Sunday’s Congresbury Horse Show (1st July) in the lead rein class with a staff member’s six year-old son and in the in-hand coloured class.

Bathing began on Thursday as the pony is very hairy.

“Ernie is a very sweet pony who is easy to care for. He has been ridden by a young child on the lead rein and has been taken out in hand on the roads without a rider,” said Ms Thomas.

“However, he is still new to ridden work so will need a small, competent rider to continue his education. Alternatively, Ernie may also do very well in harness, for people with experience to bring on a young driving pony,” she added.

HorseWorld has a stand at the show near Bristol Airport raising awareness of the charity’s rehoming scheme.

“We hope Ernie will catch someone’s attention who may offer him a home.”

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 28 June 2018, don’t miss our full report from the Hickstead Derby meeting, including all the showjumping and showing action, plus don’t miss our six-page report from Royal Ascot.

We also have a feature on the much discussed whip rules across the disciplines and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we find out how to spot the signs of sand colic.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An equine rescue charity has been fighting to save the life of an abandoned youngster.

In September 2016, HorseWorld was called to an industrial area of Avonmouth, Bristol, to collect three abandoned horses.

Among these was a four-month-old colt, who was in an extremely poor condition.

The trio were all named after characters in from the dystopian science fiction books The Hunger Games as they had survived a horrific ordeal.

The charity named the colt Peeta (pictured, top), after one of the main characters in the trilogy.

“Peeta was such a frail, delicate and emaciated little foal when we found him,” said yard manager Sarah Hollister.

“We prepared ourselves that we may not be able to save him, he just looked so awful.

“He has always had such a sweet nature and is so willing to let us help him; we just had to fight our hardest for him.”

The pony had a dangerously high worm burden and the vet treated him with steroids and small doses of wormer to gradually bring this down.

He was also suffering from gut damage, due to the heavy worm infestation, a respiratory infection, an umbilical hernia and a weak immune system.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

‘Perci was near death’: how one ex-racehorse defied the odds to make a remarkable recovery

Taylor Murphy at Lone Star Ranch and Rescue in Texas witnessed a dramatic turnaround of fortunes for one resident this

‘Super’ Mario helps fearful rider get back in saddle after broken back

A rescued coloured cob has become a horse of a lifetime for his new owner, thanks to the Blue Cross

The pony, now a two-year-old, started to recover and had reached a healthy weight, but following a routine worming dose this month, he developed colic.

He received swift veterinary treatment and has been receiving electrolytes and medication via a stomach tube.

HorseWorld’s assistant welfare yard manager added they are giving him “every chance” to live.

Meanwhile the other horses rescued alongside Peeta — Katniss and Rue — are doing well.

Rue, who the charity believes is in her late 20s, put on 20kg within the first few weeks of her arrival.

Katniss, now three, was in fairly good health but as “wild as a hare” on arrival.

She has been well handled since arriving at the charity and the charity hopes she will be able to have a ridden career.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A group of 19 abandoned Shire horses abandoned to face a “bleak” winter are now facing a brighter future thanks to a major rescue operation.

Last Friday, (10 November) Redwings Horse Sanctuary, the Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, HorseWorld, World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA joined forces to round up the group, which included four mares with foals at foot.

The owner of the land, in Bewdley, Worcestershire, had called Redwings to report the fly-grazing. Notices were issued under the Control of Horses Act and as the horses remained unclaimed, the charities stepped in.

A Redwings spokesman said: “Following a visit and assessment of the horses by our senior field officer Julie Harding, concerns were also raised for the welfare of the horses with the onset of winter and in light of the youngsters and foals being completely unhandled.

“During the 15-hour rescue operation, all 19 horses were successfully removed.”

Redwings has given homes to four mares, two of which had foals, four horses have been taken in by the RSPCA, three by HorseWorld and two each by the other three charities.

Redwings head of welfare and behaviour Nic de Brauwere said: “It is safe to say that had we not intervened, the welfare of this group would have been at great risk, especially with the approaching winter.

“No provision had been made by the former owner for their ongoing care, nor had the youngsters received any type of handling, owing to a complete lack of basic care.

“This round-up is an example of both the effectiveness of the Control of Horses Act and of successful partnership working among the welfare charities to secure the future of a group of horses, the outlook for whom would otherwise have been extremely concerning”.

Ms Harding added: “I cannot comprehend why such a low value was placed on these beautiful animals to fly-graze them in the first place and then not to come forward to claim them; it really saddens me.

“Thankfully, with our colleagues at our fellow welfare charities, we were able to offer these mares and foals a home where they’ll be treasured.”

HorseWorld’s Sarah Hollister said the charity had offered a home to an older mare.

“She will spend her golden years here at HorseWorld, with all the care she deserves,” she said, adding that the charity has also taken in two youngsters “who now have a bright future ahead of them”.

Shires vs Clydesdales: who was victorious?

Find out which heavy horse breed came out on top in the Showerking Flying Feathers Heavy Horse Stakes

Household Cavalry calls up rescue horse for drum role

A 19hh horse rescued by World Horse Welfare is set for a career as a potential drum horse at the

Blue Cross horse manager Vicki Alford said the rescue is a “great example” of the way welfare charities work together.

“These horses were likely to have suffered a very bleak winter without our intervention and we are so pleased to have been able to offer safe sanctuary for two of the horses,” she added. “Both are doing well.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A charity has said a “tearful goodbye” to a long-serving police horse.

Redland was put down on 10 October at the age of 20 due to health problems.

Redland arrived at HorseWorld in Birmingham in October 2016 after 13 years of service with Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s mounted section.

During his career he played key roles in civic ceremonial duties, as well as working at the Royal Bath and West Show, Glastonbury Festival, the London 2012 Olympics and the wedding of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The 17.3hh gelding served as the sergeant’s horse on numerous occasions, including the Bristol riots in 2011.

Following his retirement he could still be lightly ridden and was an escort horse, accompanying newly-backed youngsters.

On his arrival at the charity he was also reunited with one of his former colleagues, Beaufort, who passed away in March after three years of retirement at HorseWorld.

“Recently, Redland had a tendon problem and had required ongoing veterinary treatment,” said a charity spokesman.

“Eventually, the medication was no longer able to offer him relief and when the grooms went to feed him on Tuesday evening, they found he was unable to weight-bear.

“He had also had ongoing dental problems and was finding it increasingly difficult to eat. He had been coping over the summer as long as he was on long enough grass as he couldn’t eat hay.

“These boys have certainly earned their wings. Sleep tight dear friends.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

‘Faithful’ police horse settles into his new life

“Redland has been a very faithful, reliable police

Tributes paid to ‘magnificent gentle giant’ police horse

Beaufort, who had been enjoying a happy retirement,

Avon & Somerset Constabulary’s mounted section paid tribute to Redland on Twitter.

“Redland was truly an amazing horse who was born to join the police — a true gentle giant who could always be relied upon,” said a spokesman for the force.

“Farewell our handsome boy.”

Jonathan Green, from the force, described Redland as a “very faithful, reliable police horse” on his retirement.

“[He] is loved by every member of staff and adored by every member of the public that he has met,” he added.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A horse rescued from a treacherous area is “doing well” after she was taken in by a charity.

Sapphire, as she is now know, was spotted abandoned on land at the edge of the River Severn in Avonmouth.

This piece of land, known as the foreshore, is highly dangerous due to soft mud on the edge of the river and the fast tidal current.

A young mare died on the same stretch last year after she became stuck in the mud.

Bristol-based charity HorseWorld was alerted to the mare at the end of February.

“There was no hope of catching her on the first day as she was terrified of us and very suspicious of what we were going to do to her,” said HorseWorld’s equine welfare yard manager, Sarah Hollister.

“We posted abandonment notices and came back to try again the next day.

“With support from a member of the public, we returned daily to feed the mare from a bucket and gradually gain her trust.

“On the third attempt, we added a little oral sedation to the feed to calm her nerves and finally managed to get a headcollar on her without causing her too much stress.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Honour for firefighter who changed the face of equine rescue

Jim Green has been at the forefront of

What a Tight Squeeze: firefighters rescue ‘courageous old lady’ from deep muddy ditch

The 20-year-old ex-racehorse, who was trained by Peter

Mountain rescue for miniature Shetland

The seven-year-old was exposed to the elements, with

The horse was alone, thin and covered in lice. There was no sign that anyone was caring for her.

“We were so relieved to have caught her,” added Ms Hollister.

“If she had become stuck in the mud, the tide would have come in and drowned her. Once caught, she loaded into the trailer quite easily and was taken back to HorseWorld where the vet came to check her over.

“No owner ever came forward to try to claim her or to explain why they’d left their horse in such a dangerous place and in such poor condition.”

The mare has now settled in at the charity and is putting on weight.

“She is now able to be treated by the dentist and the farrier as her trust in humans is gradually building,” said Ms Hollister.

The mare was named Sapphire to commemorate HorseWorld’s 65th year of saving equines.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A mare who was found stuck under a trailer on an industrial estate last year has presented her rescuers with a spring surprise.

The young mare, named Minty, gave birth to a healthy filly on 20 February at her new home, HorseWorld in Bristol.

A spokesman for the charity said this means at the time of her rescue she would have been six months pregnant.

He added that Minty’s experience does not seem to have had any ill effects on her foal, who was born during the night with no problems.

“We suspect this is Minty’s first foal as she was not very maternal to begin with and seemed a little daunted by it all,” said HorseWorld groom Joanne Vaughan.

“Thankfully, Minty’s friend Beebie stepped up to help and is accompanying the pair as nanny.”

The charity is holding a competition to name the new arrival.

‘Her spirit was broken’

On 6 September 2016, HorseWorld received a call from police asking for help with a young mare who was stuck under a trailer and in pain.

Mark Owen, the charity’s managing director, told police to call Avon and Somerset Fire Service’s animal rescue team and B&W Equine vets.

The 14hh mare was given painkillers and sedated to allow rescuers to pull her out.

“Using strops, drag board and specialised rescue equipment the horse was freed,” said station manager Rob Seaman.

“The mare was continually monitored as the sedation wore off and then released into a makeshift pen.

“After the lengthy rescue it was already dark so crews provided lighting to assist with the move of the animal into a trailer.”

Article continues below…

Related articles:

• ‘Her spirit was broken’: young mare found trapped under trailer
• 8 foals we have fallen in love with
• Weaning foals successfully

Her leg was covered in cuts from where she had been struggling to free herself prior to being rescued. Once she was on her feet, her rescuers saw she had other injuries consistent with harsh training methods.

Her mouth was badly cut inside and on its corners and she also had sores on her back.

Mr Owen said the environment she was in “resembled a waste-ground” and was littered with rubbish, gas canisters and upturned cars.

“Minty had been locked in a pen made of mesh fencing and the old trailer she was stuck under had been her shelter,” he said.

“There were numerous other trailers there, all 18” deep in muck.

“On arrival [at HorseWorld], her demeanour was that of a horse who had emotionally shut down.

“Her eyes were glazed and she would completely blank us if we spoke to her over the stable door.

“Her injuries were consistent with brutal training methods so it is not hard to see why, but it was utterly heart-breaking to see a horse with such broken spirit.”

Thankfully she has made a full recovery and staff at the charity report that she is “very trusting and sweet-natured”.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A foal who was rejected by his mother and found in a muddy ditch has found a “loving loan home” after being nursed back to health by a charity.

Muddy Waters was just three days old when Bristol-based HorseWorld took him in after unsuccessful attempts to reunite him with his mother in April last year.

A passerby called the RSPCA, who arrived promptly, after spotting the foal in a ditch and unable to climb out.

It is believed he had been in the ditch for around 12 hours and was cold, wet and muddy. His mother rejected him despite numerous attempts to reunite them.

“We were called to attend the foal as it appeared that he would need to be hand-reared due to being rejected by his mother,” said HorseWorld’s Jerry Watkins. “He had been in the ditch a long time and when he emerged, he would have smelt very different to her as he had been covered dirty ditch water.”

HorseWorld took him in and staff bottle-fed him hourly until a surrogate mother was found.

“After some phoning around, a suitable mare was found whose foal was stolen at less than 24 hours old only two days before,” added Mr Watkins.

“After the traumatic loss of her foal, she was only too willing to accept her new baby and become the foal’s new mother.”

Related articles:

• 9 remarkable rescue horse recoveries
• Cob rescued from railway line heads to HOYS
• ‘Faithful’ police horse settles into his new life

Now a yearling, Muddy is doing well and has found a temporary loan home where he will receive some one-to-one handling and attention. He will return to HorseWorld once he is old enough to begin his training.

“We have quite a few youngsters in need of temporary homes with people who have experience with young horses and can offer the calm, consistent handling they need,“ Amy Williams from the charity told H&H.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A police horse has settled into his new life and is enjoying giving confidence to other equine residents at his retirement home.

Redland arrived at Bristol-based charity HorseWorld on 26 October after a long career with Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s mounted section.

He was then reunited with one of his former “colleagues” Beaufort, who retired at the charity in 2014.

Redland started work with the police in 2003 as a six-year-old and led parades, demonstrations and marches during his 13 years with the force.

The 17.3hh part-bred Irish Draught served as the sergeant’s horse on many occasions, including during the Bristol riots in 2011.

As well as this, he played key roles in civic ceremonial duties, displays at the Royal Bath and West show, Glastonbury Festival, the wedding of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and the London 2012 Olympics.

“Redland has been a very faithful, reliable police horse and is loved by every member of staff and adored by every member of the public that he has met,” said Jonathan Green, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary mounted section.

The charity has posted videos on its social media pages of Redland enjoying riding out with his old friend, Beaufort, and yesterday (16 November) showed him helping with the training of fellow resident, Trinculo.

The 19-year-old escorted Trinculo, who is being assessed ready for rehoming, out on a hack and both “behaved impeccably”.

“After being given the chance to say hello face-to-face, they walked alongside each other brilliantly around the yard,” said a HorseWorld spokesman on social media.

“Next, our trainer, Caitlin hopped on board Trinculo to go out on the roads. As he has not been out on the roads for a while, Redland escorted him all the way which meant he had a calm, confident influence to hack out with.

“Both horses behaved impeccably, what fantastic stars they are.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A pony found trapped in deep mud under a trailer is recovering well after her challenging rescue.

Equine welfare charity HorseWorld were called by police on 9 September to help with a young mare who was in pain and stuck beneath the vehicle, in an industrial area of Avonmouth, Bristol.

Mark Owen, the charity’s managing director, advised police to call Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s animal rescue team as well as B&W Equine vets.

“The environment resembled a waste ground, littered with rubbish, gas canisters and even upturned cars,” said Mr Owen.

“The mare [now named Minty], had been locked in a pen made of mesh fencing and the old trailer she was stuck under had been her shelter.

“There were numerous other trailers there, all 18” deep in muck.”

Firefighter Rob Seaman, station manager at Bath, said they used strops, a drag board and specialised rescue equipment to free the mare, who had been sedated by vets.

“The mare was continually monitored as the sedation wore off and then released into a makeshift pen,” he said.

“After the lengthy rescue it was already dark so crews provided lighting to assist with the move of the animal into a trailer.”

The mare’s leg was covered in cuts from where she had been struggling to free herself and once she was standing, her rescuers were able to see older injuries.

Her mouth was badly cut, suggesting a bit had been left in her mouth and pulled tightly, and there were sores on her back where it appeared a roller or saddle pad had been left on for some time.

“It was so distressing to see this poor mare exhausted and struggling,” said a police officer who attended.

“I was glad that HorseWorld stepped in to help save this horse’s life — it was great to have someone there who could talk us through what agencies needed to be involved and how to keep the mare calm.”

Volunteers rallied to fetch a trailer and vehicle to take the pony back to HorseWorld’s base in Bristol.

Popular articles:

• Farm secretary clinches working hunter championship at HOYS
• Monty Roberts: ‘There’s no such thing as natural horsemanship’
• Knight in charge of collecting ring and 8 other bits of great horsey social media this week

“On arrival, her demeanour was that of a horse who had emotionally shut down,” Mr Owen added.

“Her eyes were glazed and she would completely blank us if we spoke to her over the stable door.

“Her injuries were consistent with brutal training methods so it is not hard to see why, but it was utterly heartbreaking to see a horse with such broken spirit.”

Minty has now recovered and is enjoying life out in the field with other horses at HorseWorld. Visitors can meet her at the HorseWorld open day on 15 October.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Abandoned horses found straying on a road in Bristol have been rescued by an equine welfare charity.

The two horses, now called Pilgrim and Grace, were discovered in Avonmouth, an industrial area of the city near the River Severn.

Pilgrim had several injuries, both old and fresh.

The area has had a fly-grazing problem for several years. The charity, HorseWorld, believes these horses were dumped on industrial land, which is unsuitable for livestock, and escaped onto the road.

B&W Equine Vets were called on 19 January to reports of an injured mare and foal. They agreed to take them in overnight with the help of the RSPCA.

“The mare turned out to be a two-year-old colt with multiple injuries, most notably a deep wound to his elbow, where he is believed to have fallen down on the road,” said HorseWorld’s Sarah Hollister.

“There were also multiple older injuries to the neck and shoulder, each between three and six months old.

“One of the old wounds shows evidence that he had been tethered for long periods of time as the skin on his neck has a thickened ridge where a collar would lie.”

Grace (pictured, top), who is thought to be around seven to eight months old, was uninjured but very frightened and unused to being handled.

Both horses were of average weight, but their potbellies indicated a heavy worm burden.

“Neither horse was microchipped, making finding an owner — and therefore being able to prosecute them — near impossible,” added Ms Hollister.

Mark Owen, also of HorseWorld, added that many landowners do not realise that, when a horse is on their land, the animal is their responsibility.

“If that horse escapes and causes an accident, the landowner could be liable for damages,” he said.

“With the number of horses currently escaping onto the roads from fly-grazed land on a regular basis, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious road accident involving both human and equine casualties, or even fatalities.”

The charity is building a campaign to tighten this area of the Control of Horses Act, which became law last year.

Related articles:

• Carole Mortimer: Living on the end of a rope in a public playing field is no existence *H&H VIP*
• England moves a step closer to stopping fly-grazing
• Fly-grazing act is working, says welfare charity

The “fly-grazing” bill resulted from a Private Members’ Bill, put forward by Julian Sturdy MP for York Outer. It makes small, but important changes to the Animals Act 1971.

The law gives private landowners the same powers as local authorities to take quick action to remove and move on fly-grazing horses.

The updated law requires landowners to keep any horses placed on their land for only four working days — as opposed to the current two weeks — and gives more options to dispose of the horses besides public sale, such as gifting them to a charity, selling them privately or euthanasia.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A five-month-old foal has been rescued from a muddy ditch by equestrian charity HorseWorld.

The colt, who has been named Joey, was spotted by a member of the public on Thursday (4 February).

They called workmen to help get him out of a deep, muddy ditch, but he was too cold and weak to stand.

HorseWorld, the RSPCA and Avon Fire and Rescue Service, Blue Watch were then called to rescue him.

“Avon Fire and Rescue Service helped us to lift Joey clear of the ditch and into our trailer,” said HorseWorld’s Mark Owen.

“He was freezing cold, shivering and near hypothermic. B&W Vets met us back at HorseWorld and administered glucose and fluids.

“We couldn’t get him up to get him out of the trailer so had to roll him onto a rug in order to drag him into the stable where the grooms had prepared a big deep bed for him.

“We used heaters and hot water bottles to bring his temperature to a safe level. The grooms then kept an eye on him throughout the night. Staff from all departments including the offices came out to help warm him with heaters and hot water bottles.”

Joey is now able to stand and eat on his own.

“The fact that he’s eating is a great sign but he’s certainly not out of the woods,” said Sarah Hollister of HorseWorld.

“He’s mentally very shut down and still shivering despite his temperature being normal now.

“The vets have administered steroids, painkillers and antibiotics this morning. He’s painfully thin so the vets have also taken blood samples to check for underlying issues.

“Joey was found in Avonmouth, an area of Bristol where fly-grazing is a huge problem. It is very unlikely the owner will ever be found and brought to justice for this act of neglect. He was named Joey after the film War Horse as the conditions he was found in were like the trenches and he’s a little fighter.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A young horse found this summer with a broken back and neck is on the road to recovery.

The starved colt, now known as Twiglet, was found collapsed on an industrial estate in Avonmouth, Bristol, by a member of the public.

Equine charity HorseWorld was called to the youngster on the night of 18 August.

HorseWorld’s rescue manager Jerry Watkins attended and Twiglet, who is thought to be around 18 months old, was taken to the charity’s isolation unit for veterinary treatment.

X-rays showed he had two vertebrae fractures — one in his spine and one in his neck.

“The injuries are consistent with a blunt trauma,” said vet Carys Chadwick from B&W Equine Group.

“My guess is that this horse has been severely beaten over the back and neck with something heavy, for example a metal bar.”

She added the colt was also “dangerously underweight” and covered in sores.

Mr Watkins said they named the horse Twiglet as his “long knobbly legs” looked like the twig-shaped snacks.

“Despite his heartbreaking condition on arrival, Twiglet is expected to make a full recovery — he has his youth on his side,” Mr Watkins added.

“The fractured vertebrae are likely to fuse as he develops.

“If they don’t, the vets are confident they can remove the fragment from his back and he should go on to lead a normal life.”

Currently, Twiglet is on medication for the pain and is being closely monitored by vets with on-going X-rays to determine his progress.

“He has a very sweet nature but is very quiet, as if he has mentally shut down due to the torture he has endured,” said Mr Watkins.

“Our team are very experienced with horses like this and given time, love and attention, he will gain confidence.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A distressed mare has been rescued after she was forced to give birth while tethered by the neck.

Bristol-based charity HorseWorld rescued the mare and foal, named Catena and Salisbury, in May.

“Tethering can be very dangerous and is not a practice we would recommend at the best of times,” said HorseWorld’s equine rescue manager Jerry Watkins

“Catena had to go through the pain and discomfort of giving birth while being restrained by a chain which prevented her from moving around freely and frequently entangled her legs.

“She was also left without shelter or water for long periods of time and was accompanied in the field by a stallion who had tried to attack her foal. She was restrained from protecting her own baby and was very distressed.”

Catena and Salisbury were seized under the animal welfare act and brought back to HorseWorld so the charity could begin their rehabilitation.

Catena’s hooves were very overgrown and split.

Her hinds had shoes on and her front feet still had nails in where the shoes had been pulled off as the hooves grew. The mare is now receiving specialist hoof care as part of her rehabilitation.

She is now running loose in a large field with Salisbury and is “enjoying the freedom”, according to the charity.

Tethering is not illegal, but the charity feels the practice denies the horse the freedom to behave naturally.

“A frightened horse is denied the ability to run, the most basic instinct of a prey animal. If tethered to or near a tree, the horse can become entangled and injure itself. If tethered in open ground, it has no shelter from sun, wind, rain or flies,” said a spokesman for the charity.

“Any grazing a tethered horse has access to will quickly become poached or fouled with droppings as the horse cannot walk more than a few metres.

“A tethered horse cannot interact with other horses, it cannot engage in mutual grooming or other social interactions. The provision of water that cannot be knocked over, become a tangle risk or be a water source that the horse can fall into is virtually impossible.”

The charity is now appealing for information on the public’s view on the practice.

“We would like to know people’s opinions on tethering” said HorseWorld’s communications officer, Amy Williams.

“We have set up an online poll which you can take part in quickly and easily on the HorseWorld website news page.”

For more information visit: www.horseworld.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

We often take notice of the sad stories that we hear of horses being abandoned or mistreated, but it's not so often that we see the incredible work that the equine charities do to get these horses and ponies back on their feet

1. Faith

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: Redwings

Faith’s story:

“Faith was too weak to stand when she arrived at Redwings in 2013. She had been abandoned in a field and was found collapsed, in an extremely emaciated state, hours from death.

“Redwings’ nurses cared for Faith day and night while she was supported in an Anderson sling until she was strong enough to stand unaided. She was so hungry on arrival she even tried to eat the bucket her carers brought to her containing her dinner.

“It was a long road to recovery for Faith, requiring many months of rehabilitation and gentle exercise until she reached a healthy weight and regained her strength. Faith is now healthy and happily living at the Redwings Oxhill centre in Warwickshire where visitors can’t help but be moved by her amazing recovery.”

2. Amigo

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: Redwings

Amigo’s story:

“Cob Amigo was found in 2011 by a member of the public. He had been abandoned on an old colliery site in Wakefield and when discovered was in a terrible condition. Amigo was suffering from severe damage to his skin, a result of photosensitivity caused by liver damage, and was so weak he was unable to stand unaided.

“The kind person who found Amigo managed to get him to her stable yard where she contacted the RSPCA who attended immediately with a local vet. Once he had received emergency treatment they approached Redwings to secure his future at the sanctuary where he could receive the ongoing specialist care he needed for his complex medical needs.

“Although Amigo sometimes still needs to wear a protective UV rug as his skin is still highly sensitive, he is fully recovered, his coat has grown back and he lives happily at Redwings’ Aylsham visitor centre in North Norfolk.”

3. Tilly

During treatment…

After treatment…

Charity: Redwings

Tilly’s story:

“Tilly arrived at Redwings in 2011 after being seriously injured in a road traffic accident, having strayed on to a road. She had suffered severe abrasions to her hind legs in the accident as a result of being dragged along by the vehicle; indeed, the muscles in her hind legs were worn down to the bone.

“Tilly was initially taken to a local vet for emergency treatment at which time it was unclear as to whether she would survive. Sadly, no owner came forward for Tilly, so Redwings were contacted to help with Tilly’s ongoing care and to secure her future at the sanctuary. Redwings’ vets carried out a complex skin graft.”

4. Rupert

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: World Horse Welfare

Rupert’s story:

“Rupert, a 13.2hh piebald three-year-old gelding, came into World Horse Welfare’s rescue and rehoming centre in Lancashire, Penny Farm, in January 2014 after he was found emaciated and abandoned in a field with several other horses in a similar state.

“Rupert has spent a long time recuperating but has thrived under the care and attention he has received at World Horse Welfare and he is now ready to be rehomed as a youngster to continue his education.

“Despite his terrible start in life, Rupert has a cheeky personality and a lot of love to give. He’s still growing so will need to wait a bit longer before starting any work, but we’re confident that he will continue to flourish and one day will be a fantastic ridden pony.”

5. Lucien

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: World Horse Welfare

Lucien’s story:

“Lucien, a 14.1hh bay four-year-old gelding, came into World Horse Welfare’s somerset rescue and rehoming centre, Glenda Spooner Farm, when he was barely 18 months old after being found abandoned with another young colt. Lucien was very underweight and lethargic with severely overgrown feet, but has since made an amazing recovery and is now unrecognisable from when he arrived.

“Lucien is a sweet tempered, friendly pony who is always willing to please and will grow into an adorable ridden pony with the right care and training. He is currently looking for a rehomer with experience of youngsters, or someone with a good knowledge of this to help them.”

6. Mavis

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: World Horse Welfare

Mavis’s story:

“Mavis, a 12.3hh piebald three-year-old mare, came into World Horse Welfare’s care two years ago as part of a group of cobs who were found emaciated and infested with lice. Mavis also suffered a mild bout of suspected grass sickness but thanks to lots of love and TLC she has made an amazing recovery.

“Mavis is a beautiful girl with a zest for life and has a lot of potential as a ridden or driven pony. Due to her poor start in life, she won’t be able to begin work properly until she’s at least five-years-old but she is still looking for an experienced home where she can continue her education in the meantime. Mavis is currently living at our Aberdeenshire rescue and rehoming centre, Belwade Farm.”

7. Buddy

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: Horse World

Buddy’s story:

“In January 2011 staff at HorseWorld worked around the clock to save the life of Buddy, a young cob who arrived at the charity’s welfare department weighing just a third of his ideal body weight. Now, four years later, he is fully recovered, fully grown and has finally found a family and a home to call his own.

“HorseWorld’s team of specialist trainers worked with the young pony to train him to be ridden so he could find a new home on the charity’s loan scheme where he would receive all the love and one-to-one attention he deserves.

“Buddy’s new loaner, Harriet Champion says: ‘I’m so excited to give Buddy a new home. He will be being ridden by my two nephews and niece where they can all grow up and learn together as a team. I’m looking forward to being able to give all the team at HorseWorld updates on how he’s doing after the bad start in life he had.’”

8. Poppy

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: Bransby Horses

Poppy’s story:

“We took in the lovely Poppy in April of this year. Poppy had a severe lice infestation that had left sores all over her skin. This in turn had led to large infected wounds all over her body that urgently needed medical attention. Poppy was given a full body clip shortly after arrival which has helped her skin to repair and allowed treatment to work more effectively. She has made giant leaps forward in her rehabilitation. After daily skin treatments, worming and a visit from the vet and farrier she is now looking and acting like a different pony.”

9. Ludo

On arrival…

After treatment…

Charity: Bransby Horses

Ludo’s story:

“Ludo ‘the little stallion’ came to the Herefordshire site in June last year along with two young mares and a foal. All four animals had been dumped on a farmer’s field and were in really poor condition. The farmer contacted us for help as he didn’t know where they’d come from or what to do with them. We attended with our vet who agreed that the animals needed to be removed on welfare grounds.

“All four animals recovered well and are now in excellent health. Ludo took longer to recover as he had a very heavy internal parasite burden which took a while to get under control. The team here (including the vets) took a shine to this brave little pony and his friends who were all so tolerant and well behaved with all of their treatments.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An abandoned foal has been rescued after it was discovered emaciated and near death. The pony was found next to his companion that had drowned in a ditch full of freezing water.

HorseWorld and World Horse Welfare were called to check on a number of fly-grazing ponies on a strip of wasteland near Avonmouth last month (16 January).

“When we saw the poor creature standing barely alive, we immediately called for assistance from the police and RSPCA to get authorisation to remove him,” said HorseWorld’s equine rescue manager, Jerry Watkins.

“These foals were clearly dumped and left to die. There was nothing there to eat at all except for a few tufts of grass on the ditch’s steep edge.

“The poor deceased foal would most likely have been trying to reach this vegetation, slipped in and would have been too weak to climb out in his emaciated state.”

The rescued foal, which has been called Felix, is thought to be four or five months old. His dead friend is believed to have been a similar age. Felix is now being cared for at HorseWorld’s base in Bristol.

“We have to lift him every so often through the night as if he lies down he isn’t strong enough to get up again.” said HorseWorld’s husbandry manager Joanne Vaughan.

“He would certainly have died that night if we hadn’t brought him home. There was a hard frost that night and he would have laid down or eventually collapsed on the cold frosty ground and nobody would have been there to lift him up again.”

Felix was not microchipped and therefore his owner cannot be located or prosecuted.

Equine welfare charities are currently backing the Control of the Horses Bill, which will give local authorities greater powers to tackle fly-grazing. Last month (8 January) the new law passed the committee stage and it now moves on to its final stage in the House of Commons.

• Get the latest update on Felix’s recovery

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A popular heavy horse, who rescued from horrific neglect 14 years ago, has died aged 20 (6 January).

The 17hh horse, called Gracie May, was rescued by the Bristol-based charity HorseWorld in May 2001 after the RSPCA found her in a terrible state.

“Gracie was living among the carcasses of four other horses. We think that she only survived as she was tall enough to pick leaves from surrounding trees overhanging the high fences,” said Joanne Vaughan, HorseWorld’s equine husbandry manager.

“The owner (who has since been prosecuted by the RSPCA) had

partially burnt the corpses in an

attempt to cover up his neglect

and because of his aggressive attitude, armed police had to assist in this rescue.”

Joanne added that Gracie May had been in “an horrific state”.

“She was extremely thin and had lost 90% of her body hair due to a chronic lice infestation,” she added.

“She was emaciated to the point where the ribs, breast bone and pelvic area were extremely prominent.”

Gracie May made a full recovery and after being backed was rehomed on HorseWorld’s loan scheme. She was the most popular horse on the charity’s adoption scheme.

Due to intermittent lameness issues in her front legs, Gracie retired from ridden work in 2008 and after

spending many years as a very popular resident at HorseWorld’s visitor centre she moved to the charity’s welfare department, where she had a happy and quiet retirement in the field.

Last September Gracie developed problems in her hind legs and when medication and treatment couldn’t offer any pain relief, she was put to sleep on 6 January.

“Gracie was a horse in a million” said Vicky Greenslade who worked with her for many years.

“HorseWorld won’t be the same without her. She was a fun loving gentle giant. She loved people and everyone loved her. She will be greatly missed and will leave a Shire-sized hole in our lives.”

For more information visit www.horseworld.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What better way to get yourself in the festive spirit than by joining in with a Christmas carol, scoffing a mince pie and sipping some mulled wine — all in aid of an equestrian charity?

Christmas carol services and other festivities

1. HorseWorld

When? Sunday 7 December, 11am-2pm

Where? Keynes Farm, Whitchurch, Bristol

What’s happening? Visit the charity’s rehabilitation centre to meet its residents, leave a present or make a “Christmas wish” on behalf of your favourite animal. Hot food and drink will be available, including roast chestnuts and mulled wine.

Cost? Free entry

Find out more: www.horseworld.org.uk

2. World Horse Welfare

When? Monday 8 December, 7pm

Where? Snetterton, Norfolk

What’s happening? World Horse Welfare will be ringing in the festive season at their annual candlelit carol service in All Saints Church, Snetterton, with a selection of carols accompanied by the Bury Friendly Orchestra and Attleborough Junior School choir. The charity’s donkeys will join the festivities in the church and there will be mulled wine and mince pies afterwards, together with a special visitor for the children.

Find out more: www.worldhorsewelfare.org

3. Racing Welfare

When? Wednesday 10 December, doors open at 7.15pm

Where? Tattersalls, Newmarket, Suffolk

What’s happening? An evening of festive cheer and carol singing featuring the Fairstead House School Choir.

Cost: Tickets are £12 for adults and £3 for children under the age of 12. The adult ticket price includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on arrival. Child ticket prices include a gift from Father Christmas.

Find out more: www.racingwelfare.co.uk

4. The Donkey Sanctuary

When? Friday 12 December, 3.30pm

Where? Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon

What’s happening? A candlelit carol service. Staff will begin to light the thousands of candles around the sanctuary from 3:30 pm with the 45 minute Christmas carol service starting at 5pm in the main barn opposite the visitors’ centre. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served before and after the service.

Cost? Free entry

Find out more: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Do you know an equestrian charity that is running a festive event this year? Get in touch…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Bristol-based equine rescue charity, HorseWorld, is urging motorists to drive with more caution along local country lanes after reports of horses hit by cars.

The charity has had reports of 3 incidents where horses and riders have been hit by cars in the lanes in the Upton Cheyney, Beach and Bitton areas.

“While the riders survived, 2 of the horses were injured fatally with the most recent being in March this year,” said HorseWorld’s Amy Williams.

“The closure of the A431 between Kelston and Bath has increased the volume of traffic in these lanes recently and despite temporary 20mph speed limit signs being erected, many drivers are still going too fast,” she added.

This news comes after the AA survey which showed that 1 in 10 drivers are not “horse awere”.

HorseWorld is urging riders to wear high visibility clothing even on the brightest of days to help drivers to see riders earlier, giving the drivers more time to slow down.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Buster — the Shetland pony who found fame after being abandoned at a bus stop — has died aged 22.

The 34-in grey Shetland was rescued by equine charity HorseWorld last October. He was found left at a bus stop in Bristol’s city centre, being tormented by children.

He was brought into the charity’s care and given a full veterinary check up, including castration, vaccinations, worming, hoof trimming and dentistry.

After an online plea from H&H Buster found a new home with Sian Thomas, her mother Corrine and sister Pixie. He moved to Stroud, Glos, in February.

Sadly Buster died on Wednesday (14 May).

He had appeared to be “perfectly fit and healthy only hours before,” said a spokesman for HorseWorld.

“He passed away quietly in his field and there were no signs of distress,” she added.

Sian paid tribute to Buster.

“RIP Buster. The happiest little pony I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” she said.

“I’m glad I could rescue you and give you a better life for your last few months. You gave us so much joy, happiness and most of all entertainment with your crazy, wonderful antics. I love you and will miss you so much. Goodbye Buster the Bristol bus stop pony. ”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equine charity HorseWorld closed its Whitchurch visitor centre last week (28 February).

A vital planning application to build houses on the site and use the funds to build a £7million new centre was refused by the local council (news, 6 February).

Mark Owen of HorseWorld said: “It’s a bad and sad day, but we cannot run an uneconomic visitor centre.”

The 29 horses at the centre will be moved to the charity’s other premises at Keynes Farm, Whitchurch, near Bristol.

Mr Owen said 24 staff were affected by the closure of the centre, but no redundancies had been made “at this stage”.

HorseWorld has been operating at a loss for several years following a major drop in legacies and donations.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (6 March 2014)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horse charities are reporting “record numbers” of attempts to rescue horses from flooded fields this winter.

While 18 horses were rescued by the RSPCA in Christchurch, Dorset (6 February), welfare charities HorseWorld and World Horse Welfare combined forces to save another 4 at a separate location in the same area on the same day.

The quartet of feral horses had swum on to neighbouring land to avoid rising floodwater — but unfortunately had no permission to graze there.

HorseWorld had already visited this site 3 times in an attempt to rescue the horses, but were unable to catch them. The charity had left hay and — along with the owner and World Horse Welfare — had monitored the situation.

On the 4th attempt, the 2 charities managed to round up the horses and secure them on dry land in a holding pen. After examination, they were transported to a World Horse Welfare rescue and rehoming centre, where they will remain safe and dry until it is safe for them to return home.

HorseWorld’s director of national welfare Jerry Watkins said that this has been “one of our busiest winters assisting rescues”.

“We are working very closely with other equine charities to help a record number of horses during this period of extremely bad weather,” he said.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now