Rescued Horse Appreciation Month: Bert, Slinky and Babybel

This June marks our very first Rescued Horse Appreciation Month – celebrating the thousands of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who have found safe, loving homes after being given a second chance.

It’s a reminder that behind every rescued horse is a future full of potential – and for many, that future begins with rehoming.

With more than 2,300 horses currently thriving in homes through our rehoming scheme, we are shining a light on their remarkable journeys and the many ways rescued horses are enriching lives.

From boosting the confidence of nervous companions to becoming trusted family ponies, each story reflects the lasting impact of rehoming. As Fran Windle, who manages our rehoming scheme, explains:

“These stories show the extraordinary range of roles our rehomed horses, ponies, donkeys and mules go on to play – from helping a lonely horse find happiness again with a new friend, to becoming much-loved children’s ponies, or having a hugely positive impact on their rehomer’s wellbeing.”

Here, we catch up with three of our horses, Bert, Slinky and Babybel, who were rehabilitated at our Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lancashire.

---

A new lease of life for Slinky and Babybel

Penny Farm favourites Slinky and Babybel are now blossoming in a loving home together, proving just how transformative rehoming can be.

A year ago, Slinky’s future looked uncertain. He was rescued after being found dumped at Appleby Horse Fair all on his own. He was very young and desperately ill. Without urgent intervention from our Field Officers, his story could have been very different.

After being carefully nursed back to health at Penny Farm, Slinky was rehomed together with Babybel, a little filly who had been born at our centre after her mum was abandoned.

Babybel had a rocky start in life. Despite her mum Brie’s best efforts and lots of support from our team, she struggled to nurse properly in those crucial first hours of life. She needed specialist veterinary care and a plasma treatment to help her on her road to recovery.

The duo were rehomed in February by Sarah, who already cares for two World Horse Welfare Shetlands, Olive and Cindy.

“When Slinky and Babybel first got here, they were a bit hesitant. I think it was such a big change for them,” Sarah explains. “And especially for Babybel, as she’d only ever known life at Penny Farm. Once they got to know Olive and Cindy, and my other pony Hugo, they soon became more confident.

“We put them in the same stable as we thought they’d gain confidence from being together. It’s the size of a foaling box, so plenty of space for two tiny ponies. They very quickly got the hang of their new routine – I bring all five ponies in together and they all know which stable to go in.

Winning hearts

Now, the herd dynamic is thriving. “Olive is definitely the boss now. She sets off across the field and the others follow along behind her.”

Slinky and Babybel have also captured the hearts of the whole family, including her daughters Megan and Jessica, and another unexpected fan.

“My husband Gary always used to be very much at arm’s length with the ponies but now he loves them. He even went to the local horsey store by himself to get Slinky a new headcollar as he decided the one we had wasn’t nice enough for him!”

The power of patience and care

With all four ponies having been a little unsure when they first arrived in their new home, their transformation has been remarkable.

“The most noticeable change has been in Olive, who’s now ten. I think her previous experiences in life had, understandably, left her a bit wary. Now, she’ll happily have a fuss when they come in for their tea – the change is extraordinary.”

Babybel, meanwhile, brings endless entertainment. She has always been very confident around people, having been born in safety and only ever known love and kindness.

“She’s so funny – she gets into everything! If you’re not careful, she’ll empty the whole grooming kit out and play with all the brushes – and the wheelbarrow is just another toy in her eyes.”

The rewards of rehoming

Despite their young age, both ponies have impressed Sarah from the start.

“We’re just so pleased with them all – the Penny Farm team did such a wonderful job with them. I wasn’t quite sure what they’d be like to have their feet done the first time, being so young, but both Slinky and Babybel stood perfectly – it was very impressive. I recommend World Horse Welfare to everyone now.”

Give a horse a second chance

For Sarah, rehoming has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

“It’s lovely knowing we’ve been trusted to have the four ponies – and so rewarding giving them a good home after their sorry starts in life. They’re definitely part of the family now – they’re not going anywhere!”

From rescue to beloved companion: Bert’s story

Bert was only a few months old when he was rescued along with his mum, Lacey, and sixteen other Shetlands. It was one of the worst cases our Field Officer Sarah Tucker had seen and sadly, eight of the ponies needed to be euthanised due to severe health complications.

In 2024, at the age of one, Bert was rehomed by international dressage rider and World Horse Welfare Patron Gemma Owen.

“When I saw him for the first time, I just fell in love with him,” Gemma recalls. Affectionate and full of personality, Bert quickly made an impression on everyone around him.

“You can hear him before you can see him. He’s always stomping around – loads of character, loads of energy. He’s the most affectionate, lovable, cheeky Shetland.”

A lifelong love of horses inspires rehoming

“I’ve had horses for as long as I can remember. I had my first Shetland when I was about three years old. Her name was Sasha. And, since then, I’ve been riding all my life.”

When Bert arrived at Gemma’s, he immediately turned the heads of his new companions.

“All of the horses were, ‘Oh my gosh, what is that?’ – not really sure how to take him. But he fit in so well. Jigsaw is his field partner, and he loves him. They all love him – we all love him.”

Why every horse deserves a second chance

For Gemma, rehoming is about giving horses the future they deserve whilst recognising the importance of companion horses.

“I first visited World Horse Welfare quite a while ago. I had a look at the incredible facilities and I just love the whole concept. It was just a really nice space and I love the incredible work that you guys do. It was really important for me to help out in any way that I could.

“I think it’s really important for people to take on horses and ponies as companions. There are so many amazing horses and ponies with tough stories who deserve a second chance. They all deserve the opportunity to be treated right – to be loved and cared for in the way any horse or pony deserves.

“If you could give a horse or pony a home, please visit the World Horse Welfare website.”

---

Why rehoming rescued horses matters

Stories like Bert’s, Slinky’s and Babybel’s highlight the life-changing impact of rehoming – for both horses and people.

Rehoming plays a vital role in our ongoing rescue work, helping ensure more horses in need can be rescued, rehabilitated and given the chance of a brighter future.

By opening your heart to a rescued horse, pony, donkey or mule, you are not only transforming their life – you are helping make space for another animal in need.

Could you give one of our horses the second chance they deserve?

If you have enjoyed reading these stories of second chances and would like to hear more, you can catch up with Tess and Kite who were rehabilitated at our Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset.