Rescue pony gets boy back in the saddle

From one dangerous pony to another a Lundin Links family had almost given up on finding a safe horse for their son to ride.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th May 2016, 12:00 BST
Kyle Forgan, 10 and rescue pony Dennis.Kyle Forgan, 10 and rescue pony Dennis.
Kyle Forgan, 10 and rescue pony Dennis.

Then in cantered Elie-based rescue pony Dennis, who is being showcased as part of World Horse Welfare’s annual Rehome a Horse Month following his success with Kathryn Forgan and her 10-year-old son, Kyle, a pupil at Kirkton of Largo.

The trauma of a bucking pony handling unrideable nearly turned the young rider off for good.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was a nightmare,” Kathryn said. “We are not a horsey family but have really gotten into it and the benefits are amazing, being out in the fresh air, socialising but after a string of dangerous experiences Kyle said he didn’t want to ride anymore.”

Dennis – who was homed at a farm rescue centre as a welfare case 16 years ago – was initially rehomed to a family in Carnoustie.

Kathryn said: “A friend got in touch one day out of the blue and said that she knew the perfect pony for Kyle, so we went to go and meet Dennis.

“Dennis and Kyle now take part in all Fife Hunt Pony Club activities including showjumping, cross country and even pony racing, at Balcormo.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Currently they spend most of their time competing in mounted games but also enjoy polocrosse – plus they’ve also made a star appearance in a World Horse Welfare parade at the Highland Show. They practically do everything together!”

Dennis spends his days in an Elie field with a handful of other ponies and horses including a Shetland pony.

Kathryn said: “There’s a wee gang of them and I go down every day to see them. We ride every Thursday with the Pony Club at Leven.

“Kyle says the best thing about Dennis is that he is very cheeky and very fast. I think the best thing about Dennis is that – although he is fast – he is very very safe and looks after Kyle. Probably the sweetest crazy little pony I have ever met. We adore him. Kyle and Dennis are a perfect partnership.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would absolutely recommend rehoming a World Horse Welfare pony or horse. The experience has been so positive for us and we will always continue to support the charity. We hope to have Dennis with us for a long time to come.”

World Horse Welfare marked another record-breaking year for rehoming in 2015, with 320 horses and ponies finding loving new homes across the country.