A rescue pony taken in by charity HorseWorld in “one of the biggest animal welfare operations ever in the UK” has gone on to thrive in her new home and even wow the judges in the show ring.
In 2020 Aura was found with a group of 130 neglected and suffering horses living in “appalling” conditions. HorseWorld, along with other equine charities collaborated with the RSPCA to rehome the horses.
When she was rescued she was very nervous, severely underweight and suffering from worms and a lice infestation (pictured top). Thanks to the expert care of the HorseWorld team, Aura was able to make a full recovery.
During her rehabilitation programme staff identified that the gentle natured Aura meant she could be suited to join their Discovery equine team helping vulnerable young people cope with their social, mental and emotional challenges. Part of the equine training process for some of the younger Discovery equines is to spend time in a Foster home where they receive vital handling and some basic training.
Rehomer Elizabeth Hembrow explained how her family came to meet Aura.
“I was looking for a pony for my daughter Coco and saw Aura on the HorseWorld website, available in their foster scheme,” she said. “When we went to see her, we loved her attitude to work and placid nature straight away and when I watched Coco ride Aura on our second visit it was very clear just by her face how happy she was.
“Since she came to live with us, Aura and Coco have formed a beautiful bond and an everlasting friendship. Coco suffers from OCD and ADHD but the time spent with Aura helps her cope and face life’s challenges. Together they have been out and about competing, joined The Pony Club and attend rallies. They have competed in a dressage series, fun rides and galloped across the Mendips, where they love unwinding together.
“Going to The Royal Bath and West show was a big step up for Coco and Aura. The show had a real buzz about it and I was very nervous for them both, but every time I checked in with Coco to see how she was feeling she just said, ‘I’m fine Mum, I know Aura is the best pony here and I trust her 100%.’
“She was incredible and I am so proud of them both. Aura has stolen our hearts. She is simply perfect and we couldn’t love her any more or imagine life without her.”
HorseWorld’s Madie Cole said the team loves to see their horses and ponies thriving in their new homes.
“We’re thrilled that Aura has found her perfect home with Coco and that the pair are so successfully flying the flag for HorseWorld rescued horses and others around the UK,” she said. “We feel an enormous amount of pride in the work we do at HorseWorld seeing these horses, who often have a very sad past, flourish in their new home. Our rehoming families are incredible.”
Visit horseworld.org.uk/rehome to find out more about rehoming a horse or pony through the charity.
