One of the most challenging parts of the work we do, is saying goodbye to those under our care. In July 2025, the heartbreaking decision was made to euthanise a beloved resident of Bransby Horses, Toby the mule.
Toby came into our care in June 2022 with a piebald Cob named Tinker, after their owner had passed away and family members were unable to manage their complex needs. Tinker’s health rapidly started to decline and after being admitted to hospital in January 2023, he sadly passed away.
Eight-year-old Toby adjusted to life at Bransby Horses without his field mate, spending his time at our Peter Hunt Training & Rehabilitation Yard. Toby was difficult to lead, and his behaviour was unpredictable when it came to the farrier and general handling. Toby was in the best place possible to help him progress and despite the challenges the team faced, he became a firm favourite across the charity.
Toby was a friendly mule who loved greeting staff members and visitors over the fence, happily standing for a fuss.
In July 2025, Toby started showing concerning levels of lameness and was placed on a high dose of painkillers to make him comfortable and see if any improvements took place. While on pain relief, his behaviour deteriorated and he started to become even more unpredictable in his handling, sometimes making it unsafe for team members.
The team were concerned that Toby had been suffering with chronic pain for a long time and had become shut down, as mules are known to hide their pain more than other equines. Our vets believed he had degenerative Osteoarthritis, which was likely caused by his size, weight and poor joint confirmation.
He was also fearful and distrustful of veterinary treatment, so the team knew that regular veterinary care would’ve made him unhappy. With his lameness also not improving and his levels of comfort severely impacted, the difficult decision was made to put Toby to sleep.
Though his last few months at Bransby Horses weren’t the easiest, we will always remember Toby fondly and know we provided him with the best possible care right up to his final moments.
He was a key feature of the Peter Hunt Yard walkways, and those paths won’t be the same without him.
