Horse Found Close to Death Fights Back

Cappuccino, the horse found close to death, wins World Horse Welfare Rehomed Horse of the Year 2016 thanks to Peebles family

A horse found emaciated and almost too weak to stand has beaten all of the odds to be awarded Supreme Champion in World Horse Welfare’s Rehomed Horse of the Year 2016 thanks to the Tweeddale family who rehomed him two years ago.

World Horse Welfare, Field Officer, Jeff Herrington was called to a welfare concern near Exeter in 2010 where he discovered over 100 horses on the same site struggling to survive on very little food and water. All of the horses were examined by a vet and due to his very weak state Cappuccino was immediately removed to the safety of World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Only three years old when he was found, Cappuccino’s fighting spirit and the dedication of World Horse Welfare’s experienced team helped him to make a full recovery and he was soon ready to begin work. Peebles-resident, Susan Ridley wanted to rehome a horse and originally made the long journey to Glenda Spooner Farm with her daughters, Ruby, Amy and Ruth to see another pony, Windscott Wendy. Cappuccino was at the time ready for rehoming and the family instantly fell in love with him so once all the home checks had been completed, Cappuccino and Wendy set off for their new life in the Scottish Borders.

Susan said:

“Cappy (Cappuccino) was quite early in his education when we took him on but he has progressed amazingly well since we got him and only ever seeks to do his best for us. At the same time as learning himself, he has taught both of my children Ruth aged 13 years and Ruby aged 9 years to ride. He loves the attention they give him and has always been absolutely faultless with both of them, never putting a foot wrong and taking care of them. Ruth has grown in confidence to ride him unaided and has even begun jumping him now whilst Ruby, who looks like a pea on a mountain on him, rides unaided with me walking alongside.

“Although the last year has been traumatic for us all, Cappy has helped me rediscover my love of riding and given us all so much joy that is it hard to imagine life without him. He is such a character and we love watching him play with his field mate, Wendy. He is a real treasure.”

Ruby Ridley, aged 9 years old, also wrote part of Cappuccino’s award entry. She said:

“Cappuccino is a fun and loving horse. After his horrific past, he is still a strong and incredibly gifted horse in every way. Cappuccino always behaves himself when I am riding and is a true gentleman. He loves cantering and bucking in the field when he is very happy and loves to play tug of war with Wendy using tree branches. We have a very bright future for Cappy and we’re so lucky to have him.”

Rehomed Horse of the Year is an annual competition which invites World Horse Welfare’s 1,700 rehomers to enter their rehomed horses and ponies into one of three categories, recognises not only the achievements of the horses and their rehomers but also showcases just how rewarding rehoming can be.

Rehome a Horse Month 2016, supported by Dodson & Horrell, shines a light on the horses and ponies who are looking for homes but also celebrates the amazing stories of the 1,700 World Horse Welfare horses and ponies currently out in homes around the country from those competing at eventing, dressage, vaulting and showjumping to pleasure driving, hacking, side-saddle and those who provide faithful friendship to their rehomers and equine companions. World Horse Welfare marked another record-breaking year for rehoming in 2015, with 320 horses and ponies finding loving new homes across the country.