Since the foundation of the charity back in 1969, we’ve said goodbye to many equines under our care. Here we’d like to pay tribute to the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that were part of our Sponsorship Star scheme and loved by many supporters across the world.
2010-2025
Dick arrived with Dom in 2011 after they had been found running loose in Lincoln. They were nervous and generally unhandled, but came round quickly with positive handling.
Dick and Dom were part of the Sponsorship Star scheme for a limited time, before returning to their usual life at Bransby Horses.
2011-2023
Saratoga arrived at Bransby Horses in 2017. He was an ex-police horse who worked in the London Metropolitan Mounted Police, but retired early due to multiple causes of lameness.
Saratoga’s laid back and sweet nature made him a firm favourite with staff and visitors. He was a Sponsorship Star and had many loving supporters.
1999-2022
Domino came to Bransby Horses with his brother and best friend Nero. They both arrived due to a change in their owner’s circumstances.
Domino’s character and striking looks made him a firm favourite with our team members and popular with supporters. He was a Sponsorship Star for many years, along with his best friend Nero.
1998-2022
Nero came to Bransby Horses with his brother and best friend Domino. They both arrived due to a change in their owner’s circumstances. Nero was loved by just about everyone. He was one of our most popular Sponsorship Stars before he retired
Due to ongoing health issues, both Domino and Nero were put to sleep together in 2022.
1992-2022
Ebony came to the home in 2000 aged 8 years old. We had been asked by the police to collect her as she was found wandering on the road.
She was a very friendly mule who loved people and causing mischief. Ebony’s character and cute looks earned her legendary status. She was a very popular Sponsorship Star and even celebrated her 30th birthday before her death in June 2022.
2011-2021
Ferguson was rescued as an abandoned wild stallion found wandering on common land. He had painful overgrown hooves and aching, itchy legs severely covered in sores.
He knew his own mind and didn’t shy away from letting everyone know it, often giving our teams and his field friends the run around with his rebellious nature.
2006-2021
Princess suffered neglect before arriving into our care in 2012. She was frail and severely underweight.
Princess loved having an audience, floating over the fields, weaving in and out of her friends, and encouraging the occasional group gallop.
She was put to sleep in 2021 after her health deteriorated significantly and she was no longer comfortable.
2003-2021
Sophie arrived at Bransby Horses in 2004 as a one-year-old, at request of the RSPCA. She had a horrific injury to her leg and received lots of treatment.
She was one of Bransby Horses' most popular Sponsorship Stars. She spent most of her time on the Visitor Centre Yard, enjoying attention from the public and playing with her friends.
1996-2020
Justice arrived at Bransby Horses from Greater Manchester Police with his colleague Saxby. The pair were commended for their bravery and earned their retirement at the sanctuary.
Justice’s calm and kind nature won many hearts. Despite his large stature, he was always easy to handle and became one of our most popular Sponsorship Stars.
2012-2020
Emerald arrived in 2016 in an appalling state. She was so weak as result of her neglect, that she’d collapsed and couldn’t stand up. Emerald received intensive care for months until she was back to full health and strong enough to stand unaided.
Emerald joined the Sponsorship Star scheme and won the 'Back from the Brink' award.
1994-2020
Largo arrived in 2006 with laminitis, that was causing a lot of pain in his feet.
Largo was a very sociable and cheeky Sponsorship Star, he loved welcoming new ponies into the herd and greeting visitors. He was quite distinctive as he had two blue eyes.
Largo was put to sleep in 2020, at the grand age of 26, having spent 14 of those under our care.
2000-2020
Twiggy arrived in 2002 after being found by police, foaling at the side of a road. Sadly, the foal died and Twiggy was brought to us for emergency treatment.
She made a remarkable recovery, though was left with permanent internal damage. She loved attention and was a very strong and independent little pony.
2000-2019
Jigily came to Bransby Horses in 2004, due to being diagnosed with wobblers syndrome, a problem that affects coordination in the legs, which meant he could never be ridden.
Jigily was very friendly, he loved people and would stand at the fence all day having cuddles with visitors.
1997-2019
Munchkin arrived in 2012 with two friends all struggling with severely overgrown feet and were heavily obese. He lost a lot of weight under our care and was placed on the adoption scheme as a dual Sponsorship with Tizzy.
Munchkin helped Tizzy by encouraging her to the fence for attention, whilst Tizzy helped keep Munchkin trim by playing ‘chase me’ all day long in the field.
1997-2019
In 2006, Digit had been tied up in his stable and the bedding beneath him set alight. He suffered from burns, smoke inhalation and shock. His owners signed him over to Bransby Horses and raised a reward for information that led to a prosecution. Unfortunately, the perpetrator wasn't found.
Despite all this, Digit was a friendly, playful pony who loved people.
2010-2019
Pip came to the charity in 2012 after being found abandoned in Thurlby, Lincolnshire with his field mate. He was underweight, had long hooves and had an injury/swollen hock.
He was one of the most affectionate equines we had and would often stand with the staff for ages having a fuss.
1992-2019
Sparky arrived at Bransby Horses in 1997 from Donington-on-Bain slaughter house. He had been taken there by his owners due to his behaviour, but Sparky had previously been involved in a car accident and was very frightened and defensive.
Sparky learned to trust again and put his difficult past behind him. He became much calmer and laid back.
1998-2019
Tizzy was unhandled and extremely nervous on her arrival at Bransby Horses in 2010, as well as being heavily in foal. The scars on her chest showed she had received a trauma to her chest in the past.
She gave birth to filly April in 2011 and later became best friends with Munchkin. The two were put on the adoption scheme as a dual sponsorship.
1982-2016
Tom arrived in 2004 with two other ponies, Bimbo and Nipper. They were found wandering in Gedney.
He was a nice Shetland gelding who got on with most ponies in the fields he was placed in and was very good with our younger visitors.
He passed away in December 2016 at the amazing age of 34.
1990-2016
Craigie Boy arrived at the charity in 2009 due to a change in his owners circumstances. He was an ex-racehorse.
Craigie Boy was a charmer who loved spending time with his friends and visitors. He was retired from the adoption scheme a year before he passed.
1998-2015
Gemma arrived April 2003. We were asked to take Gemma in from a private home, due to the family feeling she was missing the company of other donkeys.
Gemma was a very gentle donkey who had had a few good friends throughout her stay at the charity. She was always partial to a ginger nut or two and had a best friend in Bluey donkey.
2009-2015
Angel was abandoned as a youngster and left to fend for herself in 2009. She came to our Stoke Prior site and quickly made friendly with Princess.
Angel had a cheeky side and enjoyed teasing the staff. She was also reluctant to share when food was involved, but her passion for people more than made up for her minor imperfections.
1996-2014
Mumphy, a grey Shire gelding was taken into care in 2009 from a private home. His owners were unable to care for him due to a change in family circumstances.
Mumphy was a kind natured gentle giant who liked to give his groom the run around when trying to catch him in the field. He stood at 17.2hh and weighed around 800kg.
1993-2013
Alfred arrived from The Animal Defence Centre in Melton Mowbray in 2009. He was the last mule to be retired from the British Army. He was used to show people how to pack an animal when working abroad.
He was a very popular lad and was a particular draw when he arrived as the staff had never seen a larger mule before and his ears were massive.
1989-2012
'Skinny Lizzie' was one of the worst cases of cruelty we'd ever seen. She arrived in 1991 and had to be carried into the trailer. For the first 53 days, she was lifted onto her feet by member of staff and the local Fire & Rescue service, until the 54th day where she stood on her own.
Despite veterinary advice to put her to sleep, the team never gave up on Lizzie and nursed her back to full strength. She lived another 21 years at Bransby Horses.
2000-2012
Capricorn arrived in 2001 with four other goats, 10 donkeys and a horse at the request of the RSPCA.
Capricorn was an inquisitive little goat who started to trust humans under our care.
He was put to sleep in October 2012 due to issues with arthritis that were affecting his quality of life.
Unknown-2012
Billy was a large horned billy goat who was found wandering along a lane in 1989. Someone put Billy in their back garden but they were worried his horns might insure one of their dogs.
He was a friendly goat despite the size of his horns and these proved quite helpful when we had to catch him in the paddock.
1979-2011
Welfare charities and police quickly responded to the concerns of a pair of emaciated horses whose photos had been posted on Horse and Hound. The horses, Carrot and Spud, were removed to a safe haven at Bransby. They made an amazing recovery back to full health.
Carrot and Spud were placed on the adoption scheme as a one year special in 2010, but both sadly passed away the following year.
1982-2011
Welfare charities and police quickly responded to the concerns of a pair of emaciated horses whose photos had been posted on Horse and Hound. The horses, Carrot and Spud, were removed to a safe haven at Bransby. They made an amazing recovery back to full health.
Carrot and Spud were placed on the adoption scheme as a one year special in 2010, but both sadly passed away the following year.
1996-2010
Cleo arrived at the home in 2001 with nine other donkeys by request of the RSPCA, as their elderly owner was struggling to care for them. Their plight was followed by the Channel 4 Pet Rescue series; with the story focusing on Cleo as she had painfully deformed hooves which were overgrown and twisted.
Cleo was a kind, sweet natured donkey who enjoyed all the attention she received from visitors and staff.
1988-2010
Henry arrived in June 2006 from Bradford Industrial museum, where he joined his friend Norman for a peaceful retirement. The pair had worked for many years watering flowers and clearing litter in the city centre, as well as giving rides for functions.
Henry was a real gentleman and was a very popular with visitors.
1991-2010
Lumpy Bumpy arrived in August 2003 at the request of the RSPCA. Lumpy had lots of ‘Sarcoids’ (skin tumours ) all over his body that required veterinary treatment) this was how the name ‘Lumpy Bumpy’ came to be.
Lumpy had a constant battle with these sarcoids, having continuous treatment, but throughout he showed extreme courage and bravery.
1990-2010
Rusty was born at the charity in 1990 after his mum arrived from the Shetland Isles in foal in 1989, with two other mares. Every year some of the older mares and foals were rounded up and sold to private homes before being ferried over to the mainland.
Rusty grew up to be a very friendly well natured pony, who was a favourite with children. We had to be careful as he was prone to laminitis.
1981-2009
Dylan was born at Bransby Horses in 1981 after his mum Moab arrived from a private home in Norfolk. Her owners got into difficulties and could no longer keep her.
Dylan was a cheeky little donkey who loved to be the centre of attention. He was very affectionate and extremely popular with all ages of visitors. Dylan’s best friend was Jacko, who was also on the adoption scheme.
1977-2009
Everdon was retired from Melton Mowbray Animal Defence Centre in 1991.
He had been used in ceremonial duties for many years but was a very strong ride and there were not many people who could ride him.
He was a very safe and trusting horse who was particularly safe for children to fuss and have their photo taken with.
1982-2009
Kizzy was rescued as an underweight two-year-old, along with her mum, in 1984.
Kizzy had an undershot jaw, meaning she couldn’t graze properly. We designed a way of feeding her which we did twice a day for many years.
We had to make sure she had more regular visits by the equine dentist more than any other horse.
1972-2009
Copper arrived to the home in 1977 as a five-year-old, from Pannell horse sales. She was under-weight and needed extra care and nutrition to get her back to full health.
She was a good-natured mare who never showed any aggression to anyone. She was a very popular adoption pony who had been out in a foster home for many years, at one point, as a riding pony and a prize winner.
Unknown-2009
Betty and Domino came from a private home in Bottesford near Newark in 1992. Their owner had died and someone, who was caring for the donkeys, was becoming concerned that a developer was building houses on the land the donkeys were kept on.
Betty and Domino were very friendly donkeys once caught so were placed on the adoption scheme as they were very popular with children.
1995-2008
Burgundy arrived at Bransby Horses in February 2006, after retiring from The Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray. He suffered from a navicular/spavin problem and retirement was deemed the best step for him.
Burgundy was part of the cavalry for six years and was a competition horse also used for parade work, before settling down for a quieter life at the charity.
1987-2008
Norman came from Bradford Industrial Museum in 2005 as a 17-year-old and was a friend of Ben who also retired from the museum a few years earlier. They were often used in the town pulling round a cart so someone could water the plants in the town centre.
Norman stood at 19.1hh but was a gentle giant who became a firm favourite among staff and visitors.
Unknown-2008
Moab arrived from a private home in Norfolk in 1981, after her owners got into difficulties and could no longer keep her. She gave birth to foal Dylan not long after her arrival.
Moab was an affectionate donkey who was extremely popular with staff and visitors.
She was put to sleep in 2008. We were unaware of her age.
1982-2006
Gold was foaled in Kentucky, USA in 1982 and was registered as ‘Line of Gold’.
He ran many races and was ridden by well-known jockeys such as Willie Carson and Steve Cauthen. Sometime over his career Gold suffered the loss of the sight in one eye and was used as a training aid to other horses.
He was sent to Bransby in 1991 from a veterinary hospital who had been treating him.
1976-2006
Jacko arrived from a private home in 1979 as a three-year-old and settled in well. He was a popular resident among visitors, which increased the popularity of the donkeys by showcasing his gentle nature.
Jacko was good friends with Dylan the donkey.
1973-2004
Tam was rescued in 1977 through a committee of horse lovers in Long Eaton.She arrived straight from a slaughterer's lorry that had been in an accident.
Tam was a sweet natured Welsh mare, who had problems with her tears ducts. She loved her food so we had to be careful with how much grazing she had over the summer months.
Unknown-2004
Charlotte and her foal Emily arrived from Mansfield Sales at Christmas 1976. Mr Hunt paid for them out of his own pocket and brought them back to the home in time for them to spend Christmas in a warm safe environment.
Charlotte and Emily were pretty much inseparable, but they soon settled in with the other donkeys. They were friendly and a great draw for the children that came to visit.
Unknown-2004
Betty and Domino came from a private home in Bottesford near Newark in 1992. Their owner had died and someone, who was caring for the donkeys, was becoming concerned that a developer was building houses on the land the donkeys were kept on.
Betty and Domino were very friendly donkeys once caught so were placed on the adoption scheme as they were very popular with children.
Unknown-2004
So-so arrived in 1981 after being rescued from a sale. She had very prominent eyes, so was nicknamed Froggy.
So-so joined our adoption scheme
1976-2003
Blackie arrived in 1979 aged three. His owners signed him over to the home after a change in their personal circumstances.
He was a pony that we had to be careful with else he could easily be affected by laminitis, if we didn’t keep an eye on him. Blackie was very friendly, especially if you had food to share. He was best friends with other adoption pony Paul.
1977-2002
Henry (left) arrived as a yearling with his half brother Edward (right) in 1978, both in an emaciated state.
They soon gained condition and were well enough to join the rest of the herds, through correct feeding and care. Henry was a very calm and quiet thoroughbred who got on with most of the equines he was introduced to.
1976-2002
Charlotte and her foal Emily arrived from Mansfield Sales at Christmas 1976. Mr Hunt paid for them out of his own pocket and brought them back to the home in time for them to spend Christmas in a warm safe environment.
Charlotte and Emily were pretty much inseparable, but they soon settled in with the other donkeys. They were friendly and a great draw for the children that came to visit.
1977-2001
Fi-Fi arrived as a two-month-old foal with her mum in 1977.
She was completely untouched on arrival but in time learnt to trust people and so was eventually placed on the adoption scheme as she became so friendly.
Fi-Fi was known for liking her food so we had to be careful which paddocks she was put in so she could put too much weight on.
1977-1998
Edward (left) arrived as a yearling with his half brother Henry (right) in 1978, both in an emaciated state. Their owner wasn’t allowed to keep hay on the land they were renting as the land owner wished to evict her.
They soon gained condition and were well enough to join the rest of the herds, through correct feeding and care.
1971-1998
Brigg Fair and her three-month-old foal were saved from slaughter in 1977, after being purchased at Brigg Horse Fair.
'Briggy', as she was affectionately known, was one of Mr Peter Hunt's favourites. She was a lovely horse to handle and never put a hoof wrong.
She was put to sleep on 20th May 1998 at the estimated age of 27.
1977-1997
Paul was rescued from an auction in 1978 along with four other Shetland foals (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). They had been rounded up in the Orkney Isles and taken on a 600-mile journey. Eventually, they ended up in the care of Mr. Peter Hunt.
Paul was a lovely, friendly pony who was amazing to handle and loved meeting his younger fans. Paul was best friends with another Shetland called Blackie.
1995-1997
Hawk arrived in 1996, after his owner asked if we would take him in. He had been born with a cleft palate and was blind in one eye.
Hawk coped very well one functional eye. His cleft palate caused him some of his food to come back down his nose but he still managed to eat and drink normally living a happy life out in the fields with his friends.
1985-1996
Kismet and four other young Welsh foals (Sally, Taffy, Fergal and Comet) were destined for slaughter before Bransby Horses stepped in and purchased them from a horse sale in December 1985.
Kismet had very poor eyesight and tilted her head to one side to see better. Sally acted as her guide and would always be found near her in the field.
1978-1994
Three-month-old Lady arrived at Bransby Horses in 1977 with her mum, Brigg Fair, after being saved from slaughter.
Lady was put on the adoption scheme as she was so friendly with visitors and became a popular adoption star along with ,her mum. She was best of friends with a horse called Mr Plod and they were inseparable.
1985-1993
Sally arrived with four other young foals (Kismet, Taffy, Fergal and Comet) from a horse sale in December 1985. On arrival, she was in poor condition but didn’t have any major health issues, apart from a slight lameness which soon disappeared.
Her friend Kismet had poor eyesight and Sally acted as her guide, with the two always found together in the field.
Unknown-1989
Judy arrived from sales in December 1978 with her foal Cuddles. She was already in-foal again and gave birth to a colt in May 1979.
Judy was a very loving Shetland mare who enjoyed attention from visitors and staff alike.
Unknown-Unknown
Dante was rescued from Mansfield Sales in 1976 by Mr Peter Hunt. He was named by villagers and had a lovely Appaloosa coat.
Dante was one of the earliest equines available for adoption. Supporters could adopt him for £1 and would receive a photo of him in return.
It is unknown how old Dante was and when he passed away.
Unknown-Unknown
Smartie was a bay Dartmoor mare who arrived from Dartmoor in 1980, pregnant and with a previous injury to hindleg after getting it caught in a cattle grid. It was thought she may have to be put to sleep, but vets determined she wasn't in any pain.
Smartie foaled a colt in June 1981. She had no problem getting around and could out run the staff when they tried to catch her.