From police horse to Discovery teacher: Ruby finds a new purpose at HorseWorld

A former South Wales Police horse is taking on a very different role after finding a new purpose helping vulnerable children and young people at HorseWorld.

Ruby, a striking 17hh Clydesdale mare, arrived at HorseWorld in August 2025 after retiring early from the police force due to arthritis. Now, one year on, she has become a much-loved member of HorseWorld’s Discovery team, where she is helping young people build confidence, develop trust and grow in self-belief through equine-assisted learning.

Ruby’s retirement marked the end of her career as a police horse, but not the end of her working life.

From police horse to HorseWorld resident

When it came time for Ruby to retire, South Wales Police wanted to find her a special home where she could enjoy a safe and happy retirement.

HorseWorld was chosen as Ruby’s forever home because of its experience caring for retired working horses and its ability to provide her with the specialist care and environment she needs. The police also wanted to ensure Ruby would have the opportunity to enjoy life in a natural herd environment and have a guaranteed future where she would never be bred from.

In August 2025, Ruby arrived at HorseWorld and began her new life in Bristol.

Although her retirement came earlier than expected because of her arthritis, Ruby has settled beautifully into life at HorseWorld. She has the chance to simply be a horse, surrounded by other equines, with plenty of space, care and attention from the HorseWorld team.

Ruby is not the first police horse to find sanctuary at HorseWorld. We have previously provided homes for retired police horses including Clover, Redland, Beaufort, Dave, Monty and Imperial.

Providing a safe retirement for working horses is also a nod to our roots. We have a long history of giving horses a second chance, including those who have spent their lives working before coming into our care.

Ruby finds a new purpose through Discovery

At an impressive 17hh, Ruby is currently the tallest horse at HorseWorld, making her hard to miss. But it is her gentle and willing nature that has made her such a special member of the team.

True to her Clydesdale nature, Ruby has a calm temperament and enjoys spending time with people. These qualities have made her a natural fit for HorseWorld’s Discovery programme, where she now works with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people through equine-assisted learning.

Discovery supports young people to develop confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, trust and self-belief through carefully supported activities with horses.

Although Ruby can no longer be ridden because of her arthritis, she has plenty to teach from the ground.

During a recent Discovery session, one student was building their confidence around Ruby while learning how to handle such a large horse and practise tacking up.

For a young person who may find new situations or challenges difficult, taking the time to approach, handle and work alongside a 17hh Clydesdale can be a significant achievement.

And Ruby appears to be enjoying her new role just as much as her students.

She loves attention from staff and has already developed quite a fan club at HorseWorld. Visitors also had the chance to meet her at our recent Open Day, Horse Fest, where she was more than happy to soak up the attention.

Sponsor Ruby

Ruby is now available to sponsor through our sponsorship scheme, giving you the opportunity to follow her story while helping HorseWorld provide the care she needs for the rest of her life.

Sponsorship helps provide rescued horses, ponies and donkeys with everything they need, from food and veterinary treatment to farrier care, enrichment and specialist support.

By sponsoring Ruby, you can help us give this former police horse the happy retirement she deserves while supporting her new role inspiring young people through Discovery.

After a career serving the South Wales Police, Ruby has found a new way to make a difference.

And we’re delighted that her next chapter is being written here at HorseWorld.