This Cheese Lovers Day we’re catching up with four equines known at Bransby Horses as The Cheese Group.
Halloumi, Manchego, Ricotta and Wensleydale found their way into the charity’s care back in 2018 following a welfare case where we worked closely with the RSPCA. All four ponies were between three and six months old, underweight and completely unhandled on arrival. The group spent time in our Animal Reception Centre to ensure they were fit, healthy and used to some level of human interaction before moving onto the main farm to begin some intensive handling training and TLC.
As the group matured and grew in confidence, their individual characters started to come out, and they became firm favourites across the site.
Halloumi and Wensleydale were both very shy and timid; it took a while for them to trust their handlers and were joined at the hip, but once the trust was established both became very cheeky happy boys! Manchego was bold from the start despite his numerous health issues; he believed he ruled the roost and could do what he wanted when he wanted! Ricotta was a laid-back boy from the start, not much seemed to faze this confident lad.
Fast forward to 2026, and all four Cheeses have found their Perfect Partners.
Manchego
Manchego is enjoying life as a ridden equine and has been practising jumping with his fosterer. Back in February, his fosterer said “Bransby Manchego had his first arena hire last weekend. We went with one goal…to have fun…and we certainly did! He was amazing, gave everything 100% and was very excited. Some pole work, hill work, steps and baby jumps. So proud.”
Halloumi
Halloumi has been with his Perfect Partner for five years now, going out for in-hand walks, doing some free-schooling and long lining and has managed to master the art of escaping through the electric fencing.
Ricotta
Ricotta settled into his new family life really well and has been the best companion pony since 2021. “He’ll always be the baby of the herd. He makes me smile every day and I just loves his cuddles.” – Leanne, Ricotta’s fosterer.
Wensleydale
Wensleydale’s Fosterer had this to say about her little Cheese: “He has inserted himself into our hearts and we love him. His cheeky face cheers me up every morning as he is always so happy to see me! His cheeky character is certainly showing itself; any opportunity where the door is left open and he will find himself inside the feed store and understandably it can take some persuasion for him to leave!” In May 2025, Wensleydale took part in his first TREC (Trail Riding Equestrian Competition) and did very well.
The boys have well and truly landed on their feet in these Brie-lliant homes; it can’t get much feta than this!
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