| Name: | Willoughby (Wills) | Born: | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: | 12.3 hands | Breed: | Unknown |
| Gender: | Gelding | Colour: | Bay |
History
Willoughby was found by the RSPCA upside down in a ditch – the RCPCA Officer later said the she thought he was dead and could not understand how he survived.
After being assessed by the vet, Willoughby was brought to the Epona Trust for care – he had pneumonia, malnutrition and a dangerous worm burden. We dressed him in one of Carol’s jumpers and Verity’s socks to keep him warm – nothing else fitted him. Willoughby was so ill he could not stand up and it took 4 people to lift him every 2 hours. It was a long and slow road to recovery that took many years.
Latest Update
Due to his difficult start in life, Willoughby suffered “hyperflexion” in his hind fetlocks which meant that he couldn’t jump and only carried children and small adults. Due to his kind nature and love of people Wills was very popular in the riding school, particularly for pony parties.
Sadly in 2025 his poor start in life caught up with him and his legs started to cause him problems. Throughout that year he was rested and received extensive treatment by the vet. Whilst he is now comfortable, he can no longer be ridden and was officially retired from the riding school in 2026.
Willoughby is now enjoying being a gentleman of leisure, going for walks in-hand and being pampered by his fans.
Willougbhy is fully sponsored by Ann.