In July 2020, we received an unusual call that left us stunned - a pony was being kept in the grounds of a swimming pool and using the changing rooms as shelter. It’s not the sort of call we receive every day, so we quickly went to investigate alongside the RSPCA and a Council Animal Welfare Officer.
When we arrived, we found a small grey mare, later known as Berry, walking dangerously close to the edge of an unfenced swimming pool. The family who owned her had bought her with good intentions but sadly lacked the knowledge and experience needed to care for a pony properly. It was agreed that the best thing for Berry’s welfare was for her to come into HorseWorld’s care.
Berry's rehabilitation...
Once safely at HorseWorld, Berry began her rehabilitation. Like all of our rescued equines, she received a full health check, vaccinations, farriery, dentistry, and routine care. Over the next couple of years, she blossomed - gaining condition, confidence, and strength. With the support of our training team, Berry learned new skills and prepared to join our rehoming loan scheme, giving her the chance of a fresh start with a knowledgeable and loving family.
A heart-warming twist of fate...
What we didn’t know at the time was that Berry’s original owner, Charlotte from North Somerset, had been desperately searching for her. Charlotte had owned Berry as a foal, but due to a change in circumstances, she had been forced to rehome her. To her horror, she later discovered that the person she had trusted to care for Berry had sold her on, and she had lost all trace of her much-loved pony.
Determined to find her, Charlotte shared posts and photographs on Facebook in the hope that someone might recognise Berry. In a stroke of luck, RSPCA Officer Kim who had been present at Berry’s rescue saw Charlotte’s post and realised the pony she was looking for was with us at HorseWorld. Charlotte was overjoyed when she discovered Berry on our website and immediately got in touch, leaving several heartfelt messages to make sure Berry didn’t go anywhere. “I cried for two days when I realised I had found her,” Charlotte later told us.
Reunited at last...
After applying through our rehoming process, visiting Berry, and completing a successful home check, Charlotte was finally reunited with her pony. The bond between them was instant. “She’s settled in like she’s never been away,” said Charlotte. “It’s great to have her home.”
Berry is now back where she belongs, adored by Charlotte and her family. With the ongoing support of HorseWorld’s rehoming team, their future together looks incredibly bright. Charlotte hopes that in time, Berry will become her daughter’s pony, and the pair can enjoy some showing classes together.
Can you offer a rescued horse a home? View our horses available for rehoming here.