Rescued from neglect...
When Ernie arrived at HorseWorld in 2013, it was immediately clear that life had not been kind to him. Rescued alongside another cob, Bert, from South Wales, Ernie was skinny, unhandled and showing clear signs of long-term neglect. His condition caused serious concern: he had suffered from poor nutrition, his hooves were severely overgrown, and the neglect was so advanced that maggots were present, his frogs had deteriorated, and infections had taken hold, requiring urgent veterinary attention.
What followed would become one of HorseWorld’s most uplifting rescue stories — a journey from suffering and neglect to success in the show ring, and now a new chapter helping others through equine-assisted therapy.
Touch and go...
Ernie’s early days at HorseWorld were touch-and-go. His neglected hooves made every step painful, and careful farrier treatment was critical to prevent further damage. Regular farrier visits gradually corrected his overgrown hooves, while veterinary care treated infection and a carefully balanced diet helped him regain weight and strength. Slowly, Ernie began to recover physically, but he remained very wary and frightened of people.
At first unhandled and nervous, Ernie had to learn that humans could be trusted. Every interaction was approached gently, allowing him to understand that people could provide safety, care, and kindness. Over time, this patience paid off, and his affectionate, gentle personality began to shine through.
Growing in confidence...
As Ernie continued to grow in confidence and strength, he began experiencing life beyond the rescue yard. In 2015, he attended the Bath & West Show with HorseWorld, helping to promote the charity and our rehoming programme to the public. This opportunity also helped him find a suitable home, and shortly afterwards he went on to live in a few carefully selected loan homes, gaining valuable experience, learning new skills, and taking part in shows and fun rides. These experiences helped him develop socially, build confidence, and become a well-rounded, reliable cob.
Shining in the show ring...
In his new home, Ernie’s talent and temperament quickly made him a star in the show ring. He competed at the Congresbury Horse Show and Gymkhana, the BSPA Winter Championships (British Skewbald & Piebald Association), the ARCHES Show (Amateur Coloured Horse Society), the Royal London Show, and even qualified for the Traditional of the Year Show (TOYS) and the Quest In-Hand Championships — a remarkable achievement for a rescued pony. His successes earned him the front cover of Showing World magazine, celebrating his journey from neglect to champion. Beyond these highlights, Ernie participated in numerous other shows and events, demonstrating not only his versatility as a Traditional Cob but also the incredible impact of HorseWorld’s rehoming programme. Time and again, he proved that with care, training, and opportunity, rescued ponies can thrive and shine.
A new purpose on Discovery...
In 2025, Ernie returned to HorseWorld through no fault of his own, and it became clear that his friendly, calm nature made him ideal for the Discovery programme. He now helps vulnerable young people build confidence, trust, and emotional resilience through equine-assisted learning. With his incredible patience and love for interaction, especially with children, Ernie has become a shining example of the long-term impact of rescue and rehabilitation.
