A foal who was once kept shut in a dark, dirty shipping container is flourishing in his new home.
Coloured cob Victor was among a group of five ponies who were rescued from “appalling” conditions in Derbyshire in February last year.
They were kept in the dark with no fresh food or water and were all underweight and suffering from lice infestations.
Victor was taken in by World Horse Welfare and made a full recovery at the charity’s Penny Farm.
The colt recently found a loving new home in Ormskirk with Beth and her husband Rupert.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“From the moment Victor arrived at our home he created an affinity with Rupert,” said Beth.
“They forged an immediate connection and Victor follows Rupert around whatever he is doing. Despite a very poor start in life, Victor has not lost his trust in people, no doubt helped by the amazing staff at Penny Farm.
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“Victor loves to be out in the paddock with his equine friend Joe, but once Rupert appears he trots behind him wherever he goes. It is delightful to watch and is a sure sign that Victor is happy and secure in his new life with us.
“Victor is such a character and has settled into a very happy life here. We recently taught him to wear a bit and have started leading him out around the lanes which he loves, although he is a bit wary of cyclists, he is slowly learning that they don’t bite!”
September marks World Horse Welfare’s annual rehome a horse month, in which the charity highlights the benefits of rehoming.
Each year, the charity finds new homes for around 300 horses and ponies.
“We are so grateful to all of our fantastic rehomers who are giving these horses and ponies a second chance at the life they deserve and it really is incredible to hear of all the amazing things they are achieving,” said World Horse Welfare deputy chief executive Tony Tyler.
Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s rehoming special, out next Thursday (5 October)
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
