A tribute to Hovis:
The horse that made the world laugh
A tribute to Hovis:
The horse that made the world laugh
Paying Tribute to Hovis
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to one of the equestrian world’s most beloved characters — Hovis, the larger-than-life horse whose wit, charm, and unmistakable personality touched the lives of so many.
Hovis wasn’t just a horse. He was a storyteller, a comedian, and an unexpected celebrity. Through his iconic Friday diaries, Hovis brought joy and laughter into the homes of thousands. What began in 2008 as a single, light-hearted post on the Horse & Hound forum — meant to lift spirits on a particularly downbeat day — blossomed into something truly extraordinary. With each witty and heartwarming entry, Hovis found his way into people’s hearts, becoming a permanent fixture in the lives of equestrians everywhere.
Paying Tribute to Hovis
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to one of the equestrian world’s most beloved characters — Hovis, the larger-than-life horse whose wit, charm, and unmistakable personality touched the lives of so many.
Hovis wasn’t just a horse. He was a storyteller, a comedian, and an unexpected celebrity. Through his iconic Friday diaries, Hovis brought joy and laughter into the homes of thousands. What began in 2008 as a single, light-hearted post on the Horse & Hound forum — meant to lift spirits on a particularly downbeat day — blossomed into something truly extraordinary. With each witty and heartwarming entry, Hovis found his way into people’s hearts, becoming a permanent fixture in the lives of equestrians everywhere.
How your money can support our life-saving work
For as little as £5 a month — the price of a coffee — you can make a big difference to the care of vulnerable equines and give them a second chance at life. Your donations will support costs at our isolation unit for rescue intakes.
- Lice treatment
- Medicated shampoo for the treatment of itchy or dirty skin
- Faecal worm egg count testing
- Tapeworm saliva testing
- Microchip insertion and registration
- Pain relief medication for lameness or dental disease
- Wormers for treatment of identified worm burdens
- Completion of passport application forms
- In house laboratory blood profile
- Lameness examination with the vet
- Initial health check with the vet on arrival
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From Forum Fame to Bestselling Books
His unique voice — full of humour, sass, and honesty — inspired a loyal and ever-growing following known fondly as the Hovite Army.
Our connection to Hovis runs deep here at Bransby Horses. The beginning of our journey together was rooted in kindness, community, and a shared love for equines. Following the forum-led rescue of two abandoned ponies nicknamed Carrot and Spud — a story close to our hearts — Bransby Horses approached Hovis’s owner, Karen Thompson, with an idea: to turn his diaries into books to raise money for equine welfare.
Karen generously gave her blessing, gifting us the content and her unwavering support. That was the start of a partnership that has lasted 15 years and produced 9 books, all raising vital funds to help vulnerable horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. Karen’s dedication and Hovis’s irresistible charm became a powerful force for good.
From Forum Fame to Bestselling Books
By 2013, his weekly musings had found a home on the Horse & Hound website, where they remained a firm favourite until we sadly had to say farewell. His unique voice — full of humour, sass, and honesty — inspired a loyal and ever-growing following known fondly as the Hovite Army. Among them were some big names in the equestrian world, including Olympic eventer Mary King, who had the honour of riding Hovis at Belton International Horse Trials — a memory treasured by all who witnessed it.
Our connection to Hovis runs deep here at Bransby Horses. The beginning of our journey together was rooted in kindness, community, and a shared love for equines. Following the forum-led rescue of two abandoned ponies nicknamed Carrot and Spud — a story close to our hearts — Bransby Horses approached Hovis’s owner, Karen Thompson, with an idea: to turn his diaries into books to raise money for equine welfare.
Karen generously gave her blessing, gifting us the content and her unwavering support. That was the start of a partnership that has lasted 15 years and produced 9 books, all raising vital funds to help vulnerable horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. Karen’s dedication and Hovis’s irresistible charm became a powerful force for good. Together, they helped shine a light on the work we do and raised invaluable support for our charity.
Where your money goes
Every donation made to our campaign helps cover costs at our Animal Reception Centre (ARC) — the essential first stop for all equines arriving at Bransby Horses.
At the ARC, each horse, pony, donkey, or mule receives thorough health and behavioural checks, including disease testing, vaccinations, and a full veterinary assessment. This ensures they are safe, well, and ready to begin their new chapter. Your support helps fund everything from blood tests and treatments to vet visits and specialist care — giving every equine the best possible start on their journey with us.
Together, we’re giving vulnerable animals the second chance they deserve.
Where your money goes
Every donation made to our campaign helps cover costs at our Animal Reception Centre (ARC) — the essential first stop for all equines arriving at Bransby Horses.
At the ARC, each horse, pony, donkey, or mule receives thorough health and behavioural checks, including disease testing, vaccinations, and a full veterinary assessment. This ensures they are safe, well, and ready to begin their new chapter. Your support helps fund everything from blood tests and treatments to vet visits and specialist care — giving every equine the best possible start on their journey with us.
Together, we’re giving vulnerable animals the second chance they deserve.
One-of-a-Kind Horse Who Touched Hearts and Inspired Change
Hovis wasn’t just a hero on the page. Our team had the great privilege of meeting him at events, helping care for him behind the scenes, and watching him light up the showground with his undeniable charisma. He was gentle, funny, and full of mischief — a horse like no other.
We are heartbroken to lose him, but incredibly thankful for the legacy he leaves behind. Through Karen’s words and the laughter he sparked, Hovis made the world a little brighter. His memory will continue to bring smiles and raise awareness for the animals who still need our help.
To Karen, we extend our deepest thanks. Your love for Hovis, your humour, and your kindness have made a lasting impact — not just on Bransby Horses, but on everyone who had the joy of reading his words.
Sleep well, Hovis. You were one of a kind.
One-of-a-Kind Horse Who Touched Hearts and Inspired Change
Hovis wasn’t just a hero on the page. Our team had the great privilege of meeting him at events, helping care for him behind the scenes, and watching him light up the showground with his undeniable charisma. He was gentle, funny, and full of mischief — a horse like no other.
We are heartbroken to lose him, but incredibly thankful for the legacy he leaves behind. Through Karen’s words and the laughter he sparked, Hovis made the world a little brighter. His memory will continue to bring smiles and raise awareness for the animals who still need our help.
To Karen, we extend our deepest thanks. Your love for Hovis, your humour, and your kindness have made a lasting impact — not just on Bransby Horses, but on everyone who had the joy of reading his words.
Sleep well, Hovis. You were one of a kind.
Help us, help them
For over a decade, Hovis has inspired incredible fundraising for Bransby Horses. Let’s honour his spirit by helping others.