When we rescued Horlicks he was in an appalling emaciated condition due to neglect.

His rehabilitation took over a year but when he was ready for rehoming, new owner Liz was completely smitten as soon as she set eyes on him. 

When Liz met Horlicks

Horlicks, a plain piebald, was just two years old when he first came into our care via an inspector.

He was 13.3hh and painfully thin, but with round-the-clock care, Horlicks' health slowly improved until he was fit enough to be gelded and put up for rehoming a year later.

Despite the amazing transformation in Horlicks, his rehabilitation was ongoing. And when Liz first met him, she was taken aback by his condition.

Liz was looking to adopt a quiet cobby youngster to bring on for herself. After she met Horlicks, she just couldn't forget him and it wasn't long before he was at her smallholding in idyllic Laugharne, south-west Wales.

A new life for Horlicks

Horlicks has simply flourished in Liz's care. With lots of love, grass and sunshine he grew and grew and grew some more!

By the time he was five years old, he topped 15hh. He was broken in (being ridden) and taking to his new life like a duck to water, with water being the operative word!
 

His favourite things are a splash in the river and a ride to the beach, where he wallows in the water and swims when allowed.

Horlicks reveals his competitive streak!

As well as providing Liz with some great hacking (riding) both on his own and in company, Horlicks is enjoying a considerable competitive career too.
 

Liz discovered his forte in the dressage arena as a member of her local riding club team.

Horlicks has represented the club at national level, both as a team member and individually, and received some very impressive scores.

Liz's hard work and devotion paid off

There goes 'the RSPCA horse'!

Horlicks is a testament to his owner's care and hard work.
 

He is remarkably well-schooled and would be a credit to any yard.



He is known locally as 'the RSPCA horse' because of the way Liz has transformed his life. 

Liz has since taken on two more RSPCA ponies both also rescued from a life of neglect.

They too are thriving in Liz's care, and Horlicks is very happy to have two new pals!

Could you adopt an RSPCA rescue horse?

We have many horses and ponies in our care each deserving a loving new home like Horlicks and his buddies.

You can read more about adopting an RSPCA rescue horse and find horses and ponies for adoption in our horses and ponies rehoming pages.