Celebrating second chances — and the people who make them possible.
Posted on 26/06/2026
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Rescued Horse Appreciation Month is all about celebrating second chances. Not just for the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who have come into our care and overcome hardship, but also for the people who open their hearts and homes to them as rehomers.
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 first-time horse owners to experienced carers, every rehomer plays a vital role in giving these animals the opportunity to feel safe, valued and understood again.
We met rehomers John and Claire, whose stories are powerful examples of what patience, compassion and commitment can achieve.
From beginner to dedicated rehomer
John didn’t begin his journey with a background in horses. In fact, his introduction came unexpectedly.
“A friend of mine had her horses here, I saw horses in these fields and paddocks and it made them look twice as beautiful,” he explains. “They were so interesting to watch, that I became interested.
“And as my friend became more and more unwell, I increased the time spent looking after them. And then my friend died very, very suddenly, and I was left with the two horses.
“I had no idea about horses at all, and I suddenly had to start looking after them. So, the beginning was back then, 25 years ago.”
What began as necessity quickly became something more meaningful.
“They started to realise who I was and why I was there and seemed to enjoy my company. And I think that was the start point. I looked after those two rather more intensively for about a year, and then thought, well, I could do with another couple, just to make sense of all the grass, and got into it that way.”
Spending time with the horses sparked a connection that would grow into a lasting commitment.
Meeting Pablo: the moment that changed everything
After deciding to rehome, a simple recommendation led John to Belwade Farm where he met Pablo — a Clydesdale who had been found tied up in a barbed wire fence. He was underconfident, nervous and shy, but John saw his potential.
“I looked at a horse who needed rehoming. That’s the simplest thing. I looked at him and I thought, he’s coming to Norfolk.”
That instinct extended further when John realised Pablo would be separated from his companion, Ruby.
As John led Pablo through Belwade Farm, Pablo stopped. “He stood tall, suddenly he seemed quite big and whinnied loudly. I was watching the group of horses in the paddock and this head shot up and it was Ruby and she ran round the back of the group, directly towards us and immediately the two of them started grooming.
“So I said, ‘they’re close buddies, are they?’”. They were. “So, I just said, I better take the two of them to Norfolk.”
And with that, his rehoming journey truly began.
Building trust, one day at a time
“I enjoy the caring side, it’s very natural, it’s very easy, and I’m so lucky I’ve got the time to look after them as I would like to.”
Over the years, Pablo has become more than a companion to the other horses — he’s a companion to John.
“He’s a lovely animal, lovely temperament. Pablo particularly, is a horse who is a close friend, who I talk to, who means a lot to me.
“Every morning, I walk up to the stable and he’s glad to see me, and I’m glad to see him.”
It’s a relationship built on trust, patience and consistency and John understands just how delicate that process can be. “They’re big, they’re powerful, but they are remarkably fragile. They need the companionship of other horses, which is much more important than I realised earlier.”
Transforming lives: Tess’ story
With space for another horse, John was led to Tess at Hall Farm, who needed gentle handling, understanding and time. When she arrived, John didn’t rush the process — instead, he focused on the basics.
“I think she learned from the other horses because I didn’t teach her much. I just insisted that I wanted to be able to put a bridle on her, wanted to be able to groom her and look after her as I should. And I think that’s come good. And I don’t claim any credit for it. It’s just that she’s learned to trust me.”
Thinking about rehoming a horse?
For anyone considering rehoming, John’s advice is thoughtful and honest: take your time but trust your instincts. “Not to rush it. I think it’s something that should grow on you. It’s so rewarding and satisfying.”
Because sometimes, all it takes is a moment of connection and the decision to say, “…he’s coming to Norfolk.”
A lifelong love of horses
Claire’s love of horses began when she was just four years old and spent many of her weekends with her grandparents.
“We were driving past a field of horses and I said, ‘I want to ride the horses.’ My grandma climbed over the fence and asked if I could ride the horses, and luckily the lady said yes. So that’s where it all began.”
Although she went on to own horses of her own, it was after a personal loss that she turned to rehoming.
“Very sadly, I lost the horse I’d had over 20 years and my Welsh companion pony at the same time. So, Khruga then was the only horse I had left. I really felt in my heart that I wanted to give a horse that had had a bad start a lovely home and the best life they could have.”
Nellie’s second chance
Thoroughbred cross Nellie came into our care in 2018 as part of a prosecution case. When she first arrived with Claire, she lacked confidence but with time, patience and consistency, Nellie transformed.
“She used to be so timid. She’d really worry and keep herself to herself. Now she’s very happy, very friendly. She’s very interested in treats — I think that’s her most favourite thing!”
She has also adapted to new experiences she once found difficult.
“She’d never worn a rug until she came but now she’ll happily have her rug on and off in the field, in the dark, in the wind and rain.”
More than just a companion
Rehomed as a companion, Nellie has grown in confidence and taken on a wider role.
“Now she’s kind of being nanny to a foal and just expanding her horizons. It’s just been so rewarding seeing her come out of her shell.
“Khruga loved her from the moment she arrived. She’s improved his life and because of that, it’s really enriched my life too. I couldn’t have wanted for a nicer companion. She fulfils her role perfectly.”
A message to others
Talking of the rehoming experience, Claire says that it offers reassurance and support.
“It’s a very thorough process and it’s nice that Nellie’s still got that safety net. But I feel like she’s my own horse.”
Claire’s advice to anyone considering rehoming is simple: “Absolutely do it. It’s the best thing that you will do. It’s so rewarding and you’ll change a horse’s life.
“With a bit of love and care their lives can transform completely.”
Why rehoming matters
This Rescued Horse Appreciation Month, stories like John’s and Claire’s remind us what’s possible when compassion, patience and dedication come together.
Horses who once faced uncertain futures are now settled, safe and thriving — making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those who care for them.
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.
Could you offer a horse or pony a loving home?
Remembering Nellie
Very sadly, following our visit to meet Claire, Nellie passed away. Claire wanted to pay tribute to Nellie, saying: “Nellie is so missed and it was wonderful to share our lives with her.
“She came into our lives at a crucial time having lost Khruga’s best friends and she healed his broken heart. I am so grateful World Horse Welfare let me loan her and it was the most rewarding experience to see her blossom and transform from the nervous pony who arrived.”
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