News

Rehomed horse battles back from near death to win

Rehomed horse battles back from near death to win
Cappuccino with Ruth Ridley, Ruby Ridley and Susan Ridley © World Horse Welfare

A horse has defied all the odds to be crowned Supreme Champion in the 2016 World Horse Welfare’s Rehomed Horse of the Year.

Close call 

Cappuccino was found in such a poor condition that if he had been left any longer he would likely have died.

World Horse Welfare’s Field Officer Jeff Herrington was called to the scene in Exeter in 2010 where he discovered Cappuccino along with 100 other horses.

At just three years of age Cappuccino was weak thin and had overgrown feet.

He was immediately removed and taken to the World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Recovery

With the expert care and dedication from the World Horse Welfare team the piebald rescue was able to make a full recovery.

In 2014 Cappuccino was rehomed by the Ridley family who fell in love with him instantly.

“Cappuccino is a fun and loving horse. After his horrific past he is still a strong and incredibly gifted horse in every way ” said Ruby Ridley 9.

The rewards

The Rehomed Horse of the Year is an annual competition which asks rehomers to enter their horses and ponies into certain categories.

Cappuccino is an example of just how rewarding the rehoming process can be and he now enjoys a very happy life in the Scottish Borders with Susan Ridley and her children.

“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 ” she said. “”He is such a character and we love watching him play with his field mate Wendy. He is a real treasure.””

Last year was another ground breaking year of rehoming for World Horse Welfare with 320 horses and ponies finding new homes in the UK.

HP
H&C Press

Read next

2 min read
Articles

Take a look behind the scenes of a leading equine hospital

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of one of the UK’s largest equine veterinary hospitals? The most recent...

Articles
2 min read
Advice

How Carl Hester & Charlie Hutton hold their reins for the most elastic contact

The secrets of the trade were revealed on episode 1 of the evoke All Star Academy this week, where contestants underwent their...

Advice
3 min read
Advice

More Than Recovery: A Modern Approach to Equine Wellbeing

Every rider knows the feeling. One day your horse feels powerful, supple and ready to perform. On another, the same training suddenly...

Advice
3 min read
Advice

How to keep your horse calm on Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be a stressful time for horses (and their owners!), with unexpected bangs, bright flashes and unfamiliar noises potentially causing...

Advice
3 min read
News

How the Longines Global Champions Tour is helping horses in Egypt

Behind the grandeur of Egypt’s iconic Pyramids and the Longines Global Champions Tour Cairo that took place last week, thousands of working...

News
3 min read
Events

Watch the Longines Global Champions Tour Cairo on H&C+

For the very first time, showjumping history has been made beneath the Pyramids, with the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour of Cairo...

Events
3 min read
Events

What is British Dressage Quest?

If you’ve ever felt a bit intimidated by affiliated dressage but want something to aim for beyond unaffiliated, then British Dressage Quest...

Events
2 min read
Events

How to Watch the British Bridleless Competition

The excitement surrounding bridleless riding continues to grow, with the British Bridleless Competition helping to bring this remarkable form of horsemanship into...

Events
5 min read
Advice

Why your yard should rent one big house for Badminton or Burghley

Why your yard should rent one big house for Badminton or Burghley Why your yard should rent one big house for Badminton...

Advice
2 min read
Events

How to watch the Friese Elfstedenspringen at Indoor Friesland 2026

This Friday will see the highly anticipated Friese Elfstedenspringen take place at Indoor Friesland , where riders will take on a unique...

Events
2 min read
News

What goes into the making of a champion jockey?

Welsh jockey Sean Bowen has added another major honour to his growing list of achievements, claiming a record sixth National Hunt Jockey...

News
1 min read
Events

The final British international dressage of the season: stream Wellington CDI live on H&C+

Wellington Autumn International Dressage is one of the final international dressage events of the season to take place on home soil, and...

Events
1 min read
News

Watch Mustangs’ Corral from BETA International on Horse & Country

The British Equestrian Trade Association hosted something a little different at their recent 2026 event — a Dragons’ Den style live pitching...

News
2 min read
Events

Dinja van Liere set to unveil new Barbie-inspired Freestyle at Indoor Friesland

Dinja van Liere is one of the leading Dutch dressage riders of her generation, having produced several horses to Grand Prix from...

Events
2 min read
News

From Rescue Case to FEI Champion: the story of Theo & George

There aren’t many rescue ponies that make their way to the stardom of FEI competition, but here’s a story that proves with...

News
2 min read
Events

World Class Dressage & Showjumping at Indoor Friesland 2026

The 45th edition of Indoor Friesland returns to Leeuwarden from 9–17 October 2026, bringing more than a week of national and international...

Events
6 min read
Events

Osberton Horse Trials 2026: The Event Season’s Final Chapter

Osberton Horse Trials 2026: The Season’s Final Chapter The season signs off at Osberton The British eventing season ends where it always...

Events
4 min read
Advice

A happy horse who is willing to learn

For eventers, performance and partnership go hand in hand. Every polished dressage test or clear round on cross-country is built on one...

Advice
2 min read
Events

US Equestrian Open points up for grabs as Stable View Oktoberfest welcomes four-star stars and the next generation

Oktoberfest Horse Trials takes place this week at the prestigious Stable View, with classes from National through to CCI4*-S. This event is...

Events
4 min read
Events

McEwen makes history with a Blenheim double – and a one-two for good measure

Tom McEwen became the first rider ever to win both the Agria CCI4*-L and the GFS Saddles CCI4*-S at Blenheim in the...

Events