We rescued Buddy in 2011 after he was discovered emaciated, weighing just 107kg, with severe scouring and in critical need of veterinary attention. At the time, he was so weak he couldn’t even stand, requiring regular lifting to keep him safe and comfortable.
The little pony was found after a call came in that some horses had escaped and were wandering locally. Remarkably, Buddy had taken shelter in a local lady’s garden, wearing a rug in an attempt to hide just how underweight he was. His heart-breaking story quickly captured hearts, gaining attention in the local media and highlighting the urgent need for rescue and care.
Buddy’s intensive care...
Buddy’s recovery required intensive and complex veterinary treatment. In his fragile state, he underwent not just one, but six separate blood transfusions to give him the strength to survive. Each transfusion was a critical lifeline, helping his body to recover from the severe neglect he had suffered. Alongside this, he needed careful monitoring, specialist medication, and round-the-clock support from our dedicated team, who refused to give up on him.
Despite the immense challenges, Buddy’s strength grew slowly but steadily. Every small improvement – from being able to stand a little longer, to taking his first stronger steps, was a victory celebrated by the whole HorseWorld family. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our grooms, vets, and farriers, and Buddy’s own remarkable will to live, he began to turn a corner and show us that he was ready to fight for his future.
Buddy's next steps...
As Buddy regained his health, his cheeky character and friendly nature began to shine. He met countless supporters at HorseWorld’s Visitor Centre before it closed in 2014, where his remarkable story inspired visitors and helped raise vital awareness of our rescue and rehabilitation work.
Buddy also became a sponsorship star, with supporters following his incredible transformation and cheering him on every step of the way. Once he began training, it was clear he would also be perfectly suited to the HorseWorld Discovery programme, where he went on to help vulnerable children and young people through equine-assisted learning.
Meeting Monty Roberts...
A special highlight in Buddy’s journey came when he met Monty Roberts, world-renowned “horse whisperer” and HorseWorld’s patron. Monty, who has dedicated his life to promoting kindness and understanding in horsemanship, was deeply moved by Buddy’s story of survival.
Monty spent time getting to know Buddy, recognising both the trauma he had endured and the extraordinary progress he had made. This meeting not only celebrated Buddy’s incredible recovery but also shone a brighter spotlight on the importance of rescue and patient rehabilitation for neglected horses and ponies everywhere. For the HorseWorld team, it was a proud and emotional moment to see Buddy, once on the brink of death, acknowledged and honoured by one of the most respected figures in the equestrian world.
Buddy today...
Over the years, Buddy went out on a few loan homes as a much-loved ridden pony, but in 2024 he returned to HorseWorld, through no fault of his own. Now, he is enjoying his days as a cherished sanctuary resident, living in safety as part of the HorseWorld herd.
Today, Buddy loves attention from his grooms and delights in play with his field companions. From the frail, emaciated pony we rescued in 2011, to the thriving, spirited character he is now, Buddy’s journey is a true story of hope, resilience, and the life-changing power of compassion.
