Welcome to our memorial herd. This is a space to share photos and memories of horses we’ve loved and lost. Every horse remembered here was cared for, valued, and given the chance to live a full and happy life, often longer and more comfortably than they might have otherwise.
Their stories matter, and this is a place to keep them remembered. If you would like to help more horses have the same chance, you can support our work by leaving a gift in your will.
Lolly
2015-2026
Lolly was rescued in 2017 alongside two other Shire horses as part of a multi-charity rescue of 27 neglected Shires. During her time with us, she faced ongoing health challenges, including balance issues and a progressive leg condition that required dedicated, long-term care. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our welfare team and veterinarians, Lolly remained comfortable and content for many years — even bravely overcoming a serious infection in 2021. When her condition declined to the point where she was no longer comfortable and there was no prospect of improvement, the kindest decision was made to let her go peacefully. Lolly was a true gentle giant, remembered for her calm nature and the joy she brought to everyone who met her. We are especially grateful to her wonderful sponsors, whose love and support helped give her the care she deserved. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Buddy
2009-2026
Buddy arrived at HorseWorld in 2011 in a critical condition, weighing just 107kg, barely a third of the healthy weight he should have been. So weak he couldn’t stand on his own, he required round-the-clock care, with our dedicated team lifting him every two hours to prevent his muscles from seizing. Found abandoned and dangerously underweight, with a body score of just 0.5, Buddy needed six blood transfusions to survive. Against the odds, he made a remarkable recovery. Buddy went on to spend time in loving loan homes, took part in our Discovery Programme, and remained a cherished member of the HorseWorld herd. In later years, ongoing lameness and other complex health and behavioural challenges meant his prognosis was poor. When his quality of life declined, the kindest decision was made to let him go peacefully. Buddy’s journey is one of resilience and hope. He will always be remembered for the strength he showed and the lives he touched along the way.
Perry
2016-2025
Perry was born at HorseWorld in 2016 to her mother, Sierra, who had been rescued from one of the largest neglect cases we had ever faced. As Sierra was extremely nervous of people, Perry mirrored that same fear, and it took time, patience, and kindness to build her trust. With gentle handling and consistent care, Perry flourished. She went on to become a fully trained Discovery pony, working with vulnerable children and young people. A sweet and loving mare, she was affectionately nicknamed the “Barbie” horse for her beautiful looks and gentle nature. Perry lived with Equine Metabolic Syndrome and laminitis, both carefully managed throughout her life. When she suffered a severe flare-up and her condition deteriorated rapidly, the kindest decision was made, in consultation with our vets, to let her go peacefully and free from pain. Perry will be remembered for her quiet courage, her transformation, and the joy she brought to so many lives.
Tilly
2010-2025
Tilly came into HorseWorld’s care in 2022 after her owner passed away. She had previously lived alongside her elderly Thoroughbred companion, Bussey, and when he was sadly euthanised, Tilly needed a new home. Tilly joined our sponsorship scheme and her confidence blossomed within the donkey herd. She settled beautifully, forming close bonds and becoming a much-loved member of the group. She also made special, life-changing connections with our Discovery students, helping young people build essential life skills. When Tilly suddenly became unwell, urgent tests revealed untreatable kidney failure. As donkeys and mules so often mask illness, her condition progressed rapidly. The difficult but compassionate choice was made to end her suffering. Tilly was a sweet, gentle soul who leaves a huge mule-shaped hole at HorseWorld. We are especially grateful to her wonderful sponsors, whose support gave her the love and care she deserved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Maggie May
2002-2024
Maggie May was rescued in 2004 as a two-year-old filly after being found abandoned and wandering the roads in poor condition. Severely underweight and fearful of people, she had a very difficult start to life. Shortly after arriving at HorseWorld, she surprised everyone by giving birth to a colt, Rooney, despite her fragile condition. Thanks to the dedication of our team and her own determination, Maggie May made a full recovery and blossomed into a loving, gentle horse who adored human company. She spent time in two loan homes, enjoying a long ridden career, before returning to HorseWorld in 2018 to live out her retirement happily in the herd. When chronic arthritis meant her quality of life declined, the kindest decision was made to let her go peacefully. Maggie May will be remembered for her affectionate nature and the special bonds she shared with both people and fellow horses.
Gunner
2010-2022
Gunner, a black 14.2hh Welsh X pony, arrived at HorseWorld in 2013 following an RSPCA seizure. Severely underweight and suffering from rain scald, he had been neglected by his previous owners. Through dedicated care and support from his sponsors, Gunner made a full recovery and became a much-loved member of the Discovery team and herd. Affectionately known as HorseWorld’s “Black Beauty,” his cheeky character and big heart brought smiles to everyone he met. When his chronic health conditions worsened and could no longer be treated, the kindest decision was made to let him go peacefully. Gunner will be remembered for his charm, resilience, and the joy he shared with all.
Benjamin and Bluebell
2005 - 2022
Benjamin and Bluebell arrived at HorseWorld in 2005 with another donkey, Francesca, following concerns around overbreeding in the New Forest. They were a closely bonded donkey pair and spent many years side by side in our donkey herd. Both became well-loved by staff, volunteers, and supporters alike - always happy to meet visitors and take part in events, particularly the Christmas carols. They were even available to sponsor together through our sponsorship scheme, which felt fitting given how inseparable they were. Sadly, Bluebell passed away in April after developing a severe dental condition alongside white line disease, a painful condition affecting the hoof. Later that same year, Benjamin’s own long-standing dental issues worsened, and we had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye. They shared a long life together and are remembered with great affection.
Frank
2004 - 2022
Frank was rescued in 2009 after being found straying on the roads. When no owner could be traced, he came into the care of HorseWorld. A 9hh hinny with a big personality, Frank quickly became well known for his character, and his talent for escaping his field. He was a familiar and much-loved presence to everyone connected with the charity. In his later years, Frank developed ongoing dental issues. Our staff, alongside our vets and equine dentist, did everything possible to keep him comfortable and happy. Sadly, his condition worsened and his quality of life began to decline. After careful consideration and exploring all available options, the decision was made to put Frank to sleep — the kindest choice for him. He is greatly missed.
Jake
2002-2022
Jake came to HorseWorld in 2008 at the age of six, after his owner passed away. His family, with no experience of horses, asked us to care for him and two other ponies. Jake arrived in good health and went on to spend time in several loan homes, becoming a much-loved riding pony for children, before returning to HorseWorld in early 2020. Back at HorseWorld, Jake joined the Discovery herd and provided companionship to little Burdock, who had recently lost his best friend. Over the years, Jake became a cherished member of the herd, delighting children and staff alike with his gentle nature and friendly personality. After struggling with digestive issues for some months, tests revealed he had liver failure. To prevent further suffering, the kindest decision was made to let him go peacefully. Jake will be remembered for his calm, loving nature and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Sam the Shire
1993-2016
Sam was a gentle giant who brought joy and comfort to everyone he met. He arrived at HorseWorld in 2006 after his owners sadly lost their land. Shortly after arriving, veterinary checks revealed he had Wobbler Syndrome, a neurological condition affecting his gait, as well as intermittent Uveitis in his right eye. With dedicated care, including pain relief, ointments, and a specially made UV mask, Sam’s eye condition was managed for many years. Eventually, the eye was removed, making him much more comfortable, and he joined three other one-eyed horses in good company. Sam was adored by visitors for his kind nature and big heart. He loved interacting with children, lowering his head for strokes and attention, and could often be found greeting supporters alongside his companion, Gracie-May. Later in life, several health conditions, and a suspected tendon injury, meant the kindest decision was made to let him go peacefully. Sam will always be remembered for his warmth, gentle nature, and the joy he brought to so many lives.
Garth
1964 - 2009
Garth was our much-loved mule that roamed free-range at HorseWorld and greeted many supporters at our Visitor Centre over the years. He was our longest staying resident at HorseWorld (1975-2009) and lived to the grand old age of 46. Garth was a funny character who was loved by many.
