Goodnight, Bob

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our oldest and most beloved residents. Bob, our much-adored Shetland pony, has passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 34.

Bob first arrived at The Horse Trust in 2011, aged 21, after a varied life that included, sadly, being rescued from a welfare situation before going on to live a happier life as a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) pony. Gentle, patient, and full of character, Bob helped countless children experience the joy of horses, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to meet him.

In retirement, Bob’s sweet nature and endearingly mischievous personality continued to shine, making him a popular with visitors and the team alike – and the perfect candidate for our sponsorship scheme. He was a regular at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and often lent a helping hoof to the fire and rescue services during BARTA training sessions. He even featured in the children’s educational DVD Look! I’m Talking!, presented by actress Jane Horrocks, appearing under “H” for Horse.

Standing at 10hh, Bob was larger than some of our tiniest Shetlands, but it was his enormous spirit that truly made him stand tall. He lived with sweet itch – a condition we managed carefully throughout his time with us – and was often spotted happily pottering about in his signature zebra-print fly rug and mask, a sight that always brought a smile.

Though initially nervous around unfamiliar handlers due to his past, Bob mellowed beautifully with age. Thanks to gentle care, patient handling, and a peaceful environment, he became one of the calmest ponies in our herd. Ever sociable and always first in line at mealtimes, Bob brought joy, affection, and quiet confidence wherever he went.

Our Care Team have many fond memories of Bob. Hayley recalls:

Even in his old age, he was still full of spirit. I’ll never forget the time he took me for a run back to the field after an event. He was such a character!

Ann Maria added:

Bob was a cheeky chappy who always arrived first at the party for food! I’ll never forget him charging through the electric enclosure in the Shetland paddock – just to get to his dinner.

Bob brought so much joy to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him – from his early days at the RDA to his golden years here in the Chiltern Hills. He was a treasured sponsor pony, a gentle teacher, and a lifelong friend to many.