‘Simply by having him, I’d received’: horse who ‘touched numerous lives’ wins nationwide award aged 26

A horse who touched “numerous lives together with his unwavering dedication and boundless spirit” has been given a nationwide award as he enjoys his retirement.

Patrick, owned by Hayleigh Blissett, was named British Horse Society (BHS) equine character of the 12 months on the annual BHS awards final month. The 26-year-old has been a much-loved a part of the staff on the Nantwich and District Driving for the Disabled Affiliation (RDA) group based mostly at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre.

Hayleigh informed H&H she took Patrick together with her when she went to Reaseheath Faculty, and he stayed on to learn kids and adults with disabilities.

“Once I first watched him in an RDA session, I couldn’t cease crying,” she stated. “I had little question he’d be nice at it however it hadn’t crossed my thoughts. He was wonderful.”

Kayliegh has owned Patrick since she was 10, 11 years in the past.

“I used to exit for hours with a packed lunch,” she stated. “Once I first obtained him, I used to be fairly little and he was massive and powerful and hadn’t actually been dealt with by children so he used to take me for a experience! However by the point I used to be 11 or 12, we’d be hacking up the principle highway, large lorries coming previous, and he at all times stored me so secure.”

Hayleigh stated Patrick is a laid-back character who takes care of everybody.

“He’s so chilled,” she stated. “He loves consideration and would fortunately stand to be stroked all day, and he’s actually considerate. Once I’m on him, he might be fairly cheeky however for the RDA, he’s good, doesn’t put a foot flawed.”

Hayleigh left faculty after a 12 months however began work close to the faculty so she might nonetheless see Patrick, and she or he introduced him residence a couple of months in the past.

“He’s not absolutely retired; the group needed me nonetheless to have time with him, which is admittedly candy,” she stated. “He hadn’t been residence for 4 or 5 years and the primary hack we went on, he was like a four-year-old; it was so good to see him so lively and excited.”

Liz Cleghorn, a volunteer with Nantwich and District RDA, wrote Patrick’s quotation for the award.

“It’s with a mixture of deep gratitude and bittersweet emotion that we nominate Patrick, our extraordinary RDA horse, for the equine character of the 12 months award,” it learn. “As Patrick embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we replicate on his exceptional journey and the numerous lives he has touched together with his unwavering dedication and boundless spirit.

“Patrick has been the center and soul of our RDA staff offering transformative therapeutic driving classes to kids and adults with disabilities. Witnessing the sheer pleasure and sense of feat on a rider’s face as they bond with Patrick is nothing wanting magical. His persistence and delicate nature have empowered people to surpass their bodily limitations and uncover newfound confidence and independence.

“His legacy is a shining instance of the transformative energy of equine remedy and the deep, unbreakable bond between people and horses. Thanks, Patrick, on your years of service, love, and unwavering dedication. Take pleasure in your retirement—you could have greater than earned it.”

Ms Cleghorn informed H&H that everybody liked Patrick.

“If you happen to might have an ideal horse, he was it,” she stated. “He deserves the award; he stands out. He had the temperament and skill to adapt to all riders, environments and conditions. Everybody who met him or had the possibility to experience him will say he’s a tremendous horse.”

The RDA group has secured a grant for a brand new horse, however has to match-fund it; donations are open on-line.

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Hayleigh added that she didn’t find out about Patrick’s nomination the day earlier than he received.

“I cried once more!” she stated. “I’d by no means competed with him or something; simply by having him, I’d already received. However to see him appreciated by so many individuals was actually heartwarming, wonderful. He’s one in one million, for positive.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits by way of to worldwide championships.