Earlier this year we were asked to find adoption homes for two pure-bred Arab mares, Milly and Ellie.

Due to exceptionally sad circumstances, their owner was having to move back to the UK and could not take the girls with her. Having owned Milly since a foal, she was grief-stricken at the idea of having to part with her. Her pain was heart-wrenching, and we tried to support her as much as possible.

A change of circumstances within a few weeks meant that taking her beloved Milly with her to the UK was feasible after all. As ERF continued to search for a suitable home, an adopter who already owned Arabian horses came forward.

A great result, with everything set for this past Monday. Ellie was being collected to go to her new adoptive home at the same Milly would be heading back to the UK.

Suddenly, at 9.45 am on Monday a call came in from the owner to say that at the last minute, there had been an unexpected turnaround of events and thanks to a miracle opportunity, they were now able to keep Ellie…… if it wasn’t too late!

There was no decision to make – of course we were happy that she went with her owner, but a bit of a headache ensued trying to contact the relevant people as by this time the transporter was already on his way!

Whilst disappointing for the adopter to be told that Ellie would not be coming to her, and a huge inconvenience to the transporter, both were very gracious in their understanding that it was in the horse’s best interests to travel back to the UK to remain with her current owner and bonded stable mate Milly.

We are extremely grateful to the adopter and transporter for their goodwill in agreeing this was the best possible outcome for both mares.

So there we have it, Milly and Ellie are now back in the UK with their owner and most importantly a happy ending all round!