A Dartmoor pony who was found close to death has been named RSPCA Champion Rescue Pony of the Year at Equifest, for the second time.
Transformation
When Little Ted was rescued by the RSPCA in 2010, he was so emaciated he couldn’t stand. He was put on a drip at the scene and – despite his appalling condition – he pulled through.
“Little Ted had a horrific start in his short life,” said RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde. “It’s almost impossible to believe that the photo of the exhausted, little scrap of life collapsed in a stable is the same smart, proud, Dartmoor pony who revelled in being in front of a crowd at Equifest. The transformation is incredible.”
Little Ted was nursed back to full health and then adopted by Sharon Harris from Runcorn, Cheshire. Together they won the champion title in 2012 when he was shown in-hand by Jessica Goodier.
Incredibly proud
Sharon and her plucky pony returned to Equifest this year with seven-year-old lead rein rider Lola Fowles, to win the title for the second time.
“I’m so incredibly proud,” Sharon said. “Little Ted was very timid and nervy when he came to us and he loves the attention now. I cry every time I see those photographs of him collapsed, I cannot believe he survived.
“He really is a different pony. The only lasting effect is that he’s territorial around food which is no surprise given his background, but other than that you’d never know what an ordeal he went through.”
Special bond
Pearly Princess scooped reserve champion, ridden by 11-year-old Mollie Dakin from Sheffield. Her mum Katie rehomed Pearl from Thornberry Animal Sanctuary six years ago.
“When Pearl came to us she was still a very nervous pony, she was terrified of everything, extremely head shy and frightened of men, and refused to let you touch her tail. Pearl couldn’t trust anyone apart from my then five-year-old daughter.
“Pearl and Molly are the same age and have grown up together, they share a special bond. No matter how long it took Mollie would be patient and try to help Pearl through.”
Stories of survival
This year was the third RSPCA and PRP Rescue Services Rescue Horse/Pony of the Year competition.They received the highest number of entries to date, with 70 rescue ponies and horses taking part in the qualifying classes.
There weresix in-hand and ridden classes at the Equifest final held at Peterborough Showground Arena. The horses and ponies were judged on their stories of survival as well as their transformation.
Honour and privilege
Nigel Hollings, the former chairman of the British Show Horse Association, said it was “an honour and a privilege” to judge at the final.
“To see and read all about each of the ponies and horses was an experience that will always stay with me,” he said. “What impressed the most was the attitude and behaviour of the riders and handlers – it was very obvious how strong the bond and connection with their equine was.