Meet Harry

Harry has been at HorseWorld for almost 3 years now. In Dec 2020 we were contacted by Harry’s loving owner after they had received a devastating diagnosis of a terminal illness. We believe Harry had been a riding horse before his owners took him on, and it is thought he may have once been part of a riding school/hacking centre.

When Harry first arrived at HorseWorld he found the big change all a bit overwhelming but has settled well and has been slowly reintroduced to ridden work and he is very much enjoying having a job to do. He currently lives out 24/7 in an all-geldings herd. He can get very attached to his herd and can find it stressful if he is left alone or one of his field mates are taken away from him, especially if he is stabled.

Harry can be inconsistent with his behaviour, it all depends on how he is coping with his day. On days when he is feeling relaxed he is very steady and calm and very easy to manage. When he is anxious he can react to his surroundings and be too worried about other things to pay much attention to where he is going, and can knock into his handler. So although Harry is a lovely natured horse he does need a competent and experienced Rehomer who understands these types of horses and help him cope on those days he is feeling anxious.

When Harry first started coming back into work his muscle tone was extremely poor and he was very stiff, this was likely due to his age and potentially being worked hard when young. Harry has also been prone to dropping weight in the winter months, therefore he must always have good access to forage throughout this period of the year and requires a Rehomer with knowledge of how to maintain good muscle tone and body condition.

With the correct diet and consistently being in light work for 8 months, he is now physically and mentally a much healthier and happier horse.

Harry enjoys coming in and going for quiet hacks around the farm. He has also hacked out along the cycle track and on the roads with other horses. He is good with the traffic and bikes on the cycle track and is more likely to spook at something like some leaves or a drain, but this behaviour is inconsistent. When hacking through the fields he is very sensible and will go for a canter if you ask him to but doesn’t anticipate cantering and you can walk through a field on a loose rein. In the school Harry is not forward going, and not something we have done massive amounts with him as he does not enjoy it. But he is very good to longline in the school and around the farm tracks which he has also done independently and in company of other horses.

Harry is currently in light work and is being worked 3-4 times a week. He would thrive in a quiet and calm environment of a one-to-one home.