Rescue horse Spike is transformed to winning dressage star
Spike has been transformed into a dressage star since being found neglected and weak.
Posted on 21/08/2019

During a firearms raid on a house in Norfolk, police discovered 15 horses at the property, including two emaciated ponies locked inside a filthy shipping container. One of these was a frail black colt, Spike, who was too weak to travel to our Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre. Spike had suffered obvious neglect as he was also covered in lice, had overgrown feet and had a massive worm burden.

While Spike was initially very poorly, his affection for the grooms was palpable. For his young age, he also had a very wise head on his shoulders; when he was well enough to socialise with other horses, it quickly emerged that while he loved to play he was the sensible chap in the herd. As he grew in strength and stature, his calm and kind nature coupled with his balanced paces looked promising.
When he was old enough, Spike took work under the saddle in his stride and in 2013 keen dressage fan Pat Pomp rehomed Spike as a Pleasure Competition horse. Pat continued Spike’s education with dedication and enthusiasm, turning this unassuming young horse into a confident regular in the dressage arena.
“Everywhere we go people just absolutely love him and always come and ask about him or talk to him. He is becoming quite famous due to his appearances on social media! It is hard to pinpoint the best thing about Spike as I would have to make such a long list – he is a just a much loved horse. I would not hesitate in recommending rehoming to other horse owners as the charity has so many lovely horses just waiting for kind owners. The staff are just amazing and you can always get advice and help. They talk you through everything very thoroughly before you make a commitment.”
Pat Pomp, Spike’s rehomer
Spike has gone on to win British Dressage Elementary Silver classes and to qualify for the BD Regionals at Elementary silver level.

Inspired by Spike’s story? Check out our horses and ponies ready to find new homes here.
Topics
Related News

Ponies rescued from shocking conditions
Clever detective work unlocked the key allowing rescue of ponies living in shocking conditions.

Major sighting at Loch Ness turns out to be Rehomed Horse of the Year
Once a rescue horse from a sad background, Major, the Highland Pony, now lives a life of luxury on the shores of Loch Ness, in Scotland – and occasionally he likes to walk through the Loch Ness waters.
Recommended Blog Posts

Caring for 19 unhandled ponies? All in a day’s work!
Glenda Spooner Farm grooms Amy and Emily describe how a group of unhandled new arrivals kept them very busy last year.

Laminitis: what is it, why do horses get it, and how is it treated?
Head of UK Support Sam Chubbock explains what laminitis is, what causes it and how it can be treated.

We catch up with Cadbury and his rehomer on National Chocolate Day
The sweetest rescue pony makes the most of his second chance with rehomer Lucy.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now