Life beyond rescue: “Dylan has filled a huge hole in my heart” 

As you read this, around 2,200 of our horses are enjoying a second chance in life through our rehoming scheme, which is the largest of its kind in the UK. In this series of blogs, Life beyond rescue, we meet some of our rehomed horses in their homes across the country. 

One of our ponies enjoying a life beyond rescue is Dylan. The 13.3hh chestnut arrived at Penny Farm in 2020 after he and two other horses were signed over to our charity as their owner was struggling to care for them. Following rehabilitation, Dylan was rehomed by Rebecca in 2021 and the pair have been inseparable ever since.  

We caught up with Rebecca to find out more about how they have grown together.

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When did your love of horses begin and when did they first come into your life? 

I started riding when I was around 11 or 12 years old and I loved being around horses. My mum and dad tried their best to pay for my weekly horse-riding lessons but sometimes it was a struggle. I helped out at the riding school after school and on weekends, and the yard owner gave me free lessons in return. I then went to college and did my work experience at the riding school and loved it. I then started loaning horses and eventually took a break due to the expense and taking on a part-time job. The break from horses didn’t last long as I soon got back into it and then decided I’d like my own, so I started looking into rescue horses rather than buying. 

As one of our fabulous rehomers, can you tell us how you came to rehome from World Horse Welfare?  

I had been to visit a few other rescue centres and horses but none of them were the right match for me unfortunately. I then enquired about a horse at World Horse Welfare and was told he had been rehomed, but they had another horse that might suit me. I came to visit Dylan and instantly fell in love with him. Approximately four weeks later he ended coming up home with me and now we are nearly five years down the line and I love him more and more every day. 

Tell us a bit about Dylan and what he is like…  

Dylan has filled a huge hole in my heart, I sadly lost my dad back in 2014 and life was never the same, every day was a struggle and I was unsure how I’d cope. Since Dylan came into my life, he has really helped my mental health and has become a proper cheeky chappy. Dylan LOVES socialising and being out in the field with his friends, he enjoys having a daily routine and going for in-hand walks with his pals.

We do a lot of in-hand pole work which Dylan enjoys and it gives him something to think about as he has a busy brain, and I need to keep him occupied. Dylan doesn’t like being bored, he likes to be busy doing something, a lazy day isn’t something he likes and would much prefer to be out exploring. When we go out walking, Dylan doesn’t like being at the back, he much prefers being lead file or in the middle.  

He has made a huge impact on my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He is such a character and is 100% a firm yard favourite. He has taken everything in his stride and is a completely different pony from the day I rehomed him. 

What would you say is the best thing about rehoming from World Horse Welfare?  

World Horse Welfare is an amazing charity and I have recommended rehoming to loads of my friends and family. It’s such an amazing feeling, giving a horse or pony a second chance in life but without World Horse Welfare we wouldn’t have this opportunity. You guys do an amazing job and should be proud! 

The work of your charity is so important as you give every equine that second chance in life and help them see the world as a less scary place before they get rehomed. I don’t think you get enough credit, it’s such an important place and you work so hard and clearly love the job you do. 

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We are really grateful to all of our wonderful rehomers who offer our horses, ponies, youngsters and donkeys the loving homes they so desperately deserve, and with every horse rehomed, a space is created for another horse to come into our care.  

We are always delighted to receive updates about our rehomed horses, ponies, donkeys and mules enjoying life beyond rescue, so if you are one of our rehomers and would like to share your story please get in touch today. 

Catch up with 11-year-old Graham and his rehomer Amelia, “He’s gone from zero to FEI international 3* hero!”.