One of Europe’s tallest horses, has joined Horse Welfare’s Adopt a Horse Scheme from the Household Cavalry. Standing at an impressive 19 plus hands high and wearing rugs that are over two meters long, Digger the Clydesdale is the largest horse the charity has ever cared for.
Shoes to fit
Digger is just four inches smaller than Europe’s tallest horse, and can be found at World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming centre in Aberdeenshire.
Finding shoes that fit his huge feet has proved a bit of a challenge, resulting in the on-site blacksmith having to make him some specially.
The popular gentle giant also has to have his bridle specially made for him.
A popular pony
Centre Manage, Eileen Gillen, at Belwade Farm has been caring for Digger since he first arrived at the centre as a four year old.
She says; “When we were considering potential equine candidates to replace Whisky on the Adopt a Horse Scheme, Digger quite literally stood head and shoulders above the rest.
“He already has a huge following with visitors travelling from all over the UK to meet him and our adopters have loved seeing him at the recent adopters’ day.”
Life before Adoption
But this is not his first trip to the centre; Digger first arrived as a four year old at the centre in 2007 due to problems in his the joints of his hind legs due to his rapid growth. After rehabilitation from World Horse Welfare, and veterinary care Digger continued growing to his over nine foot stature.
Digger’s height caught the attention of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment who trained him for two years to become a drum horse. Digger took part in the Royal Wedding and other Major Parades before it became apparent that life in the fast lane was not for him.
In 2012 Digger moved back up to Scotland and has been enjoying life roaming the Scottish Hills. It is hoped Digger will be able to be rehomed after an assessment in two years.
To find out more about the World Horse Welfare Adopt a Horse Scheme click here: http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Adopt