RehomingUK Rescue

Life beyond rescue: Buggy’s tale

We catch up with Buggy the pony eight years after his rescue and rehabilitation.

Posted on 27/02/2024

Birth of first foal from rescued ‘smuggled’ Dover 26 horses

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.  

A small piebald cob standing sideways on in poor condition, with sores visible on his hind end
How Buggy was found in 2016, with maggots eating through his wounds.
Buggy’s coat was clipped, which along with other treatment, helped his skin to heal and recover. 

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. 

Having a bath at Penny Farm.

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 leaving Penny Farm for his new home in 2017. 

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.  

Help us end this suffering

Around 13,000 horses face long journeys to slaughter every year. Help us seize this opportunity to protect them.

Topics

A UK first, as drones used to assess population of semi-feral ponies on Welsh common

A UK first, as drones used to assess population of semi-feral ponies on Welsh common

Read article
Arthur was hit by a car – but now he’s thriving at Hall Farm

Arthur was hit by a car – but now he’s thriving at Hall Farm

Read article

Recommended Blog Posts

Preparation and practice: key aspects to loading and travelling your horse safely

Preparation and practice: key aspects to loading and travelling your horse safely


Celebrating our London Marathon runners 

Celebrating our London Marathon runners 


Celebrating World Animal Day

Celebrating World Animal Day


Enjoy reading stories like this?

Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

A mobile phone in the palm of a users hand whilst they browse the World Horse Welfare website
Sign me up now

Sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 65,000 other horse lovers

Because every horse matters.
Everywhere. Always.

Join Donate