Hugo enjoying a hack

Well the lovely Hugo has been in his adoptive home for a year now, and what a difference a year makes! His adopters are an excellent example of how to bond with a horse or pony that has suffered neglect and/or abuse. It is always worth taking everything that little bit slower and never asking too much too soon when a horse has had a bad start. When you build up their trust though you have a such a friend for life. Here’s a few words from Hugo’s ‘parents’…..

I cant believe how quickly time has passed.  Yesterday was our first anniversary of hugo’s arrival into our lives.  Despite having the flu, pippa and i went out for a celebration hack.

Looking back on the photos he seemed small and lost. I remember those first hacks (with us on foot at first, then pip riding and us walking).  He was really wobbly after about 15 mins so pip would get off and just lead him.  I felt rather proud that a 12 year old with a new pony was prepared to get off and walk because he was tired – she never complained once about having to walk him and rest him.

I guess yesterdays hack was proof of the pudding!  He has had a few days schooling over jumps in the paddock as the weather had at last been alittle kinder and the hack yesterday meant abit of a laugh and a play!  Hugo and Jasper went out like spring lambs they jostled for front place (its taken about 6 months to get hugo to confidently walk in front), they jiggled and skitted and shook their heads with joy when we let them canter up the grassy tracks.  To see our little hugo walk out with his ears pricked and a swing in his stride was wonderful.  We have seen a real change in him. Hugo and pip are very close.  He has helped her through some terrible times at school.  It’s amazing what a comfort a horse can be, i think its their huge phsyical presence and the eyes that seem to look past your face and straight into your heart.  He has been her rock and her teddy bear, but most of all her best friend.  I’m so glad you found him and had the courage to stand up to that man and fight for hugo.

Hugo and Friends