Rescue horse crowned winner of a public vote

Bessie, a coloured cob, has been chosen as the top equine rescue story following a national vote.

Easy winner

Taking 64% of the votes on the Horsemart poll, Bessie was an outright winner as people from across Britain chose their favourite rescue story.

The youngster, who was a serious case of neglect, was taken into care by the Hope Pastures Charity and is now thriving in her new life.

With the majority of voters commenting of Bessie’s “amazing transformation”, Kim Pengelly from Hope Pastures was delighted with the result.

“A massive thank you to everyone who voted for Bessie – we know she’s a star and it’s fantastic to see so many people agree.

“She has won rugs and goodies for all the rescued ponies at the sanctuary – these will be amazingly useful,” she said.

Neglected

The rescued mare was found in a caravan site along with one other horse – Bobby; the pair were shockingly thin, lifeless and suffering with worms and lice.

Bessie was extremely malnourished and in a worse condition than her companion, with urine burns to her skin as well as being dehydrated and incredibly hungry.

It took over a year for the two ponies to fully recover.

Healthy and happy

Now at four-years-of-age both Bessie and Bobby are enjoying a new life with owners Sophie and Danny.

They recently attended the BETA International equestrian trade show at the NEC in Birmingham and together the cobs looked a picture of health.