Picture shows: Shetland pony Pedro and his best friend Parker the Poodle - Ebony Horse Club children and staff bid fond farewell to Pedro the Pony after many years with the south London based charity. He will be sorely missed by the riding club as during his stay he met TV celebrities, authors, Olympic gold medalists and even royalty. Shetland pony Pedro will retire to live in the country and children held a party with a home-card goodbye card showing pictures of all his friends and fans. Words and pictures available from charity PR Sue Collins 07710 309869 sue@susancollins.uk.com & Jody Thorsby 07780 997531 jodythorsby@googlemail.com / Handout images by Tony Halliday
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Children from Ebony Horse Club help design a periscope for Shetland pony, Pedro. The one of a kind innovation called 'The Pedroscope" helps pint-sized Pedro see the outside world as he too small for current stable door. The Brixton, south London, based charity aim to raise funds for a new smaller stable for Pedro to live. 18th Feb 2015 Picture shows Pedro in his current stable and with Pedroscope. The club relies almost solely on donations to help raise money for Pedros - For more information contact Jody Thorsby - 07780 997 531 / jodythorsby@googlemail.com Photographer: Dan Jones T:07939439200
Full images package available at https://we.tl/NnhZqHPyFA
(Image credit: Daniel Jones)
He has been living with Ebony Horse Club in Brixton for the past three years and has met numerous celebrities during his time with the charity.
Sadly arthritis has started to set in and the 17-year-old gelding has moved Surrey to live out his twilight years in the countryside.
“It was a tough decision as he’s been such an asset to the club and everyone loves having him here, said Dan Cook from the charity.
“But the welfare of the horses has to take priority, so he’s going to a wonderful home in Epsom that will help his condition.”
BBC television presenter Clare Balding meets members of Ebony Horse Club and poses for photos with Pedro the pony. Clare took time to read her new book to children and staff at the south London based riding shcool charity. Picture taken 22nd September 2015. Full images package available at https://we.tl/NnhZqHPyFA
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Among his famous pals are Clare Balding, showjumper Ben Maher, the Duchess of Cornwall, presenter Lauren Lavern and author James Bowen (A Street Cat Named Bob).
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“May I wish Pedro a very happy retirement after a life lived in the service of others,” said Clare.
“He has mastered the art of pretending to let children take control while dragging them towards a patch of tasty grass.
“He has been a marvellous mascot for Ebony Horse Club as it continues to help children grow in confidence, develop relationships with and learn the discipline of caring for another living being.”
Picture shows: Shetland pony Pedro and his best friend Parker the Poodle - Ebony Horse Club children and staff bid fond farewell to Pedro the Pony after many years with the south London based charity. He will be sorely missed by the riding club as during his stay he met TV celebrities, authors, Olympic gold medalists and even royalty. Shetland pony Pedro will retire to live in the country and children held a party with a home-card goodbye card showing pictures of all his friends and fans. Words and pictures available from charity PR Sue Collins 07710 309869 sue@susancollins.uk.com & Jody Thorsby 07780 997531 jodythorsby@googlemail.com / Handout images by Tony Halliday
Full images package available at https://we.tl/NnhZqHPyFA
(Image credit: Tony Halliday)
The pony will be much missed by his best friend Parker, a miniature poodle who enjoys sitting on Pedro’s back (pictured).
“Parker was super timid and afraid of everything,” said his owner, senior youth worker Holly Lieberson.
“Then one day I found him sat next to Pedro in the yard and since then they’ve been inseparable pals. Parker is very sad to see Pedro go, as are we all.”
The diminutive pony also met feline film star “Bob”, of A Street Cat Named Bob fame.
“Bob likes horses,” said James (pictured, below, with Bob and Pedro).
“We used to meet the police horses when we were busking around Covent Garden but he’d never sat on one until we visited Ebony Horse Club and he got a ride on Pedro.
“It’s an amazing charity that helps young people through introducing them to horses. I know the power that caring for an animal can have.
“The horses help the kids face their problems, like how Bob has helped me. I hope he enjoys his retirement. He deserves it.”
Author James Bowen with Streetcat Bob and Pedro the pony at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, South London. Picture taken 12th December 2015. Full images package available at https://we.tl/NnhZqHPyFA
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
