17 July 2024

Horse who helped children in Brixton given retirement home at Redwings

Handsome Harley has settled well at Redwings Aylsham

A friendly cob who helped children and young people at a Brixton horse club has been given a specialist retirement home at Redwings, where he can receive ongoing care.

Ebony Horse Club, a charity who work with youngsters in London, contacted Redwings about Harley, a 15.3 piebald cob, after all their efforts to find an appropriate final home for him failed.

Thirteen-year-old Harley has osteoarthritis in his hind fetlocks, meaning he can no longer work, and needs closely monitored care.

Sidony Holdsworth, COO of Ebony Riding Club, said: “We are very grateful that Redwings agreed to take Harley, who is a favourite amongst us all here at Ebony Horse Club.

“He’s been with us for four years, during which time he’s helped hundreds of children and young people in Brixton who need our services the most, largely from low-income backgrounds who otherwise may never have had an opportunity like this.

“He’s a sweetheart of a horse, who has done so much for so many, and we know that however much time he has, he’ll have the very best of everything at Redwings.”

Harley arrived at Redwings in April and has now been moved to Redwings Aylsham in Norfolk.

Welfare Vet Chloe Jefferd is overseeing Harley’s care. She said: “Harley spent some time with us at our reception centre before being moved to Aylsham where he is enjoying being turned out on grass with new friends.

“The care team say he’s formed a nice bond with Adoption Star Maya, and is such a lovely, relaxed horse who loves a scritch from our visitors.

“Harley is on anti-inflammatories for his arthritis and hind limb issues. His condition is being closely monitored and we’ll keep him comfortable and happy for as long as we can here at Redwings.”

Redwings is entirely funded by donations which allow the charity to offer homes to horses like Harley. If you would like to donate towards Harley’s care, and that of the hundreds of others in Redwings sanctuaries, please click here.