We catch up with Buggy the pony eight years after his rescue and rehabilitation.
Posted on 27/02/2024

Some of you may remember the shocking story of Buggy, a young foal who was found in 2016. The little piebald cob was almost too weak to stand, with maggots eating through extensive wounds which had been left untreated on his back.


He underwent urgent veterinary treatment straight away before finally being well enough to be transported to our Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lancashire where he began his rehabilitation.

We reported on his incredible recovery at the time and again a year later when he remarkably went on to win the Rescue Pony Champion title at Equifest in 2017.
But what has become of Buggy since his competition success? Well, it wasn’t long before he was rehomed by Linda in December 2017 as a companion for her horse – the scarring on his skin meant he was not suitable to be ridden.

Buggy is now a fully grown eight-year-old and has gone from strength to strength, with his cheeky personality really shining through.
Linda reflects on her six years with Buggy:
“Buggy just loves being dirty, and he’s a cheeky chap who enjoys winding up the big horses but he’s such a superstar when he patiently accompanies the others in his role as travelling companion. We love him, he really makes me smile every day.”
Recently, Buggy has started long-reining, with a view to training him to harness, as the tack required does not affect any of his scarred areas. He’s taken to it like a real professional, thoroughly enjoying being out and about and is proving to be a very brave pony.
We all look forward to hearing how he gets on in the future.
Topics
Related News

A seismic day for animal welfare
World Horse Welfare warmly welcomes stiffer punishments for animal cruelty as maximum sentences increase in England and Wales.

Spindles Farm, Amersham: the UK’s worst-ever case of horse welfare abuse
In a joint operation led by the RSPCA, 111 equines were removed from Spindles Farm in January 2008.
Recommended Blog Posts

Clipping to help overweight horses and ponies lose weight
Hall Farm Yard Supervisor Adele tells us how clipping can be a really useful weight management tool, especially for horses and ponies who can’t be worked.

We find out the latest news on Equine Grass Sickness
Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Manager Eileen Gillen shares insights from a conference on the complex disease.

Meet some of our often-unsung heroes on Groom Appreciation Day – Nicole at Glenda Spooner Farm
"I feel honoured to have this opportunity and proud to be making a difference to the lives of so many equines."
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now