15 November 2024

Retired pony Harley receives special visit from children he helped

A group of young people gather around a stable door where Harley the pony is standing.

Children, young people, staff and volunteers from Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, London visited Redwings to see their old friend Harley, who is spending his retirement at the Sanctuary.

Harley helped hundreds of youngsters during four years at the club, which gives young people, largely from low-income backgrounds, the opportunity to interact with horses.

The club contacted us earlier this year after their efforts to find a suitable retirement home for Harley had failed. The 13-year-old cob has osteoarthritis in his hind fetlocks, meaning he can no longer work, and needs closely monitored care.

He arrived at Redwings in April and now lives at our Aylsham Visitor Centre.

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

“It was so special for us to be able to come and see him. It means such a lot to all of us to see Harley looking so settled, well and happy with his new friends, living his best life for however much time he has.

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

A group of young people look over the paddock fence at Harley who is grazing in his grass paddock with his fieldmates Reilly and Oscar.

Harley's visitors watch him grazing in his paddock with his fieldmates at Redwings Aylsham.

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Making new friends

The visitors had a guided tour of Redwings Aylsham, and met some of the centre’s other residents, including Adoption Star Maya who Harley has formed a close bond with, and Bilbo.

Charlotte McMorran-Stock, Education and Youth Publications Officer, said: “It was so special to see the children and young people with Harley, and the other horses. I’ve worked here for six years and I don’t think I’ve seen such beautiful interactions between our residents and people.

“Harley clearly loved seeing his old friends and enjoyed lots of scritches and introducing them to his new pals."