A foal saved from a life of misery is transformed into a show jumping star
Now it’s going high! A foal saved from a life of misery is transformed into a show jumping star
- Jones the colt was seized at a West Yorkshire site after photos surfaced
- Along with two other horses, Jones was treated by the RSPCA
- He is now one of ten horses enjoying life in the care of the Atherton family
- Jones has since enjoyed success with his owners’ daughter, Pippa Atherton, 15
- Henry Brewer has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to three horses
He had a pitiful figure, in his scruffy state and his makeshift harness.
But six years later – and thanks to the RSPCA and a horse-loving family – Jones the colt has become a show jumping star.
Photographs of the foal circulated online and prompted the animal charity to investigate in 2016.
Inspectors seized Jones at a site in Esholt, West Yorkshire, along with two other horses and he was gradually treated.
He is now one of ten horses enjoying life in the care of the Atherton family near Waskerley, County Durham.
Rescue horse Jones has been transformed into a show jumping star thanks to the RSPCA and the horse-loving Atherton family – Jill, Jason and their daughter Pippa (pictured with Jones)
After photographs of the colt circulated online, inspectors seized Jones at a site in Esholt, West Yorkshire, along with two other horses and he was gradually treated.
Jones was in good shape when mother-of-five Jill Atherton, 49, and her veterinarian husband Jason, 47, took him in three years ago.
He has since flourished and their daughter Pippa, 15, has enjoyed success with her favorite rescue horse.
Four months after arriving on their farm, Pippa made his show jumping debut with Jones for the county team and he had two clear rounds.
“It was like a miracle – one of those great moments,” Ms Atherton said.
“Given his start in life, he’s done incredibly well. He’s an absolute natural rider.
Four months after arriving on their farm, Pippa made his show jumping debut with Jones for the county team and he had two clear rounds.
The family hopes he will compete with Pippa at the Junior Nationals later this year.
The RSPCA said: ‘Jones is showing that rescued animals should not be deregistered. It can be even more rewarding when they thrive.
Henry Brewer, 48, was sentenced to 180 hours unpaid labor and £1,500 costs after being found guilty in 2017 of causing unnecessary suffering to three horses.