A short film believed to be the only official Thelwell animation, which was found for sale on eBay, has been remastered and released to the public.
Charles Sainsbury-Plaice, of Countryside Greetings, spotted the film for sale in the spring. As the Thelwell estate’s main licensee, who supplies Thelwell merchandise to shops, he snapped it up.
It has now been edited and set to music, and was released on social media this evening (27 November).
Mr Sainsbury-Plaice told H&H he always keeps an eye out for Thelwell merchandise on eBay.
“I saw this while I was sitting in bed!” he said. “I bought it from a lovely old lady, and it came on the original 35mm film, in a canister, like those in the BBC archives.”
Mr Sainsbury-Plaice explained that the film, The Perils of Penelope starring Thelwell’s much-loved Penelope and Kipper, was made as a pilot by Thelwell and Nick Spargo, of Willo the Wisp fame, for the BBC in 1982.
It has been edited, thanks to a friend at Mayfield Studios, and set to new song Believe in Me, by the Mayfield Records House Band and singer Decosta Boyce, as there was no voiceover, and the original music had been lost.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I believe this is the only true animation made by Thelwell,” Mr Sainsbury-Plaice said, adding that there are videos made using various still images.
“I don’t think anyone has seen this before, and I thought now was a good time to release it, to cheer everyone up.
“I think people will love it; at the moment, we all need nostalgia, and this takes us back to a happy place. I think it will be good for all of us.”
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
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
