Sinbad’s transformation
Sinbad came into the care of Together for Animals member World Horse Welfare in 2003 at just a year old, severely underweight, and unhandled, alongside several other ponies. He was so weak that he collapsed with exhaustion and was in desperate need of urgent veterinary attention, without which he would not have survived.
Thankfully, Thoroughbred Cross gelding Sinbad had been rescued just in time and thrived in the team’s expert care, before being rehomed for youngster handling when his rehabilitation was complete.
Sinbad returned to World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre when he was old enough to be backed to ride, having matured at 14.2hh. In the team’s expert hands Sinbad took to work well, even going out to a few shows and making an appearance in the farm’s annual Open Day show before going to his new home in autumn 2006.
He settled in well and in due course was introduced to ridden work in his new home – at which point his flamboyant character began to come out! Thanks to rehomer Amy’s dedication, in time a wonderful bond formed, and the pair went from strength to strength.
Amy and Sinbad have had great fun together, from beach rides to fancy dress photo shoots and even the odd 20-mile ride – there’s not much Sinbad can’t turn his hoof to! The pair have represented World Horse Welfare in charity displays at Burghley and Blenheim Horse Trials as well as in open days closer to home at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk.
Post-lockdown, Amy took part in a local show with Sinbad, and once again the pair had a great day out. Now the grand age of 18 years old – though you’d never know it looking at him – Sinbad is eligible to compete in veteran classes, so he and Amy kicked off their outing by doing just that. However, Sinbad then turned his hoof to showing off his credentials as a lead rein pony in the “happiest pony” and “pony the judge would most like to take home” classes with younger family member Dougie. On being asked if the judge could take his pony home, Dougie responded with “no way!” before going on to tell her that one of his favourite things about Sinbad is that he can be naughty for Amy but is always very good for him. With a report like that, we don’t know how the judge resisted awarding them first place on the spot!
Sinbad has been a much-loved member of the family since being rehomed aged four in 2006 and is now ridden by three generations. With such enthusiasm from his newest jockey, it’s safe to say Sinbad is certainly proving just how versatile rescue ponies can be – and his success story is all the more incredible given his truly terrible start in life.