Rescue pony Yogi wins at National Carriage Driving Championships

Rescue pony World Horse Welfare Yogi and team-mate Devon claimed the win in the tandem class at the National Carriage Driving Championships on 1^st September 2019 with rehomer Liz. Yogi, standing at 12.3hh and now aged 16, may have had a sorry start in life but he hasn’t let that stop him!

Yogi came into World Horse Welfare’s care as a two-year-old after he and his field-mate were bought by someone with very little knowledge of their background. Both ponies were unhandled, entire and being kept in an over-grazed paddock next to a field of mares.  Having contacted World Horse Welfare for advice, the owner eventually agreed that it was in the ponies’ best interests to be signed over to the charity.

Yogi was extremely nervous of any human contact on arrival but with consistent, patient handling from his groom his confidence began to develop. In time, Yogi was ready for rehoming as a youngster to continue his handling and education on the ground.

When he was old enough to be broken to drive, Yogi’s potential swiftly became apparent. Rehomer Amy Last started his training as a driving pony and quickly realised that Yogi had some real talent. In due course, Liz Harcombe took over the reins and Yogi’s competitive driving career began in earnest.

When he was ten, Liz decided to try Yogi as a tandem leader to give his younger, greener team-mate time to develop in strength and confidence. Since then, the team have gone from strength to strength, taking part in countless displays and competing in driving trials all over the country.

The 2019 National Championships was Yogi and Devon’s first three-day event and it’s safe to say both ponies rose to the challenge magnificently.

Inspired by Yogi’s story? Check out our horses and ponies ready to find new homes here.