Rehomed Rescue Horses are Stars at Royal Norfolk

World Horse Welfare Little Lion stood overall Champion of the section after winning the four years old and over in-hand category and then fighting off tough competition from the other class winners. Lion came into World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre as a welfare concern in 1994 at the age of seven. Lion was in a poor condition with very cracked feet, but thanks to the dedicated care of World Horse Welfare’s staff he made a full recovery and went on to be re-homed as a ridden pony where he gave joy to a number of children before being retired. 

World Horse Welfare Hall Farm Supervisor, Viki Cooper, had always loved Lion and decided to rehome him as a companion in 2005. She said:

“I’m absolutely over the moon to see Lion awarded Champion at the Royal Norfolk Show. At the age of 28 years old he was one of the oldest entrants to the rescue classes but has an amazing zest for life which obviously shone through in the ring. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

World Horse Welfare Hamgrove Chrystal won the in-hand four years old and under class, whilst RSPCA Thunder took first place in the under 15 years ridden class and World Horse Welfare Roxanne won the over 15 years ridden accolade. 

World Horse Welfare Deputy Chief Executive, Tony Tyler, said:

“We were delighted to see so many entries into the rescue classes, with a range of charities represented. This is the first year these classes have been run and the feedback has been really positive. It seems that visitors have enjoyed watching the horses and ponies take part as much as the rehomers have enjoyed showing them off.

Rehoming is vital to the sustainability of our work and the Royal Norfolk Show has been a valuable opportunity to showcase just what rescue horses and ponies are capable of, no matter what their background or history.” 

The rescue classes were kindly judged by Mrs Jayne Ross and Mr Fred Barrelet.

To find out more about rehoming visit: http://rehoming. worldhorsewelfare.org/