Equestrians tend to be big animal lovers. It just comes with the territory. Aside from horses, many of us have our own herd of critters at home. But some horseback riders go all out when it comes to rescuing pets who need a safe place to land.
Here are our top six favorite rescue pets owned by horse people.
Simon The Rabbit
Actress Kaley Cuoco, best known for her role on the television sitcom Big Bang Theory, is also a show jumper. She competes her horses with Big Bay City in California. Kaley is married to professional show jumper Karl Cook. Together, they own a slew of rescue animals. Kaley is also known for her work with several animal charities. One of her many pets is Simon, one of several rabbits she’s rescued over the years.
“We rescued three rabbits late last year. I’ve never had rabbits and didn’t know what to expect but I adoore them,” Kaley wrote on Instagram in 2018. “I visted VCA shelter recently and was shocked seeing how many bunnies were there and that needed homes. As far as the eye could see.”
Ferdinand The Steer
Show Jumper Georgina Bloomberg is another dedicated animal rescuer. The New York City-based rider is well known for her philanthropic efforts to support animal welfare programs. On the Heels Down Happy Hour podcast, she shared stories of some of her many rescue animals, which range from dogs to roosters to Ferdinand, a steer.
Sammy the Sheep
The Peeps Foundation is a non-profit organization which rescues dwarf miniature horses, rehabs them, and rehomes them. The group was founded by hunter/jumper riders, Josh Dolan and Alex Granato. Every year, they rescue and rehome dozens of minis, and work with a gifted farrier to help correct hooves and legs. Peeps, which is named after one of the first minis they ever rescued, also helps other animals in need. From Larry the llama to Cream Cheese the dwarf cow, there’s always a collection of adorable animals at their home farm. One of our new favorites is Sammy, the baby doll sheep.
Poncho The Rescue Dog
Poncho, a barn dog favorite at Rivers Edge Farm, a hunter/jumper facility in John’s Island, S.C., was rescued by the Wellington-based Danny & Ron’s Rescue. This rescue, a favorite among equestrians, has helped more than 11,000 dogs find forever homes. Danny Robertshaw’s and Ron Danta’s story is detailed in a documentary on Netflix called, “Life In The Doghouse.” As for Poncho, he’s enjoyed the barn dog lifestyle for the last two years with his Rivers Edge family.
Rio The Rescued Mini
Speaking of the Peeps Foundation, legendary British Show Jumper Ben Maher is among the many who’ve adopted a rescued miniature horse through the organization. The palomino paint is named Rio, after the host city of the 2016 Olympic Games.
Cali and Denver, The Mini Donkeys
FEI Dressage Rider, Lauren Knopp adopted two miniature donkeys, Cali and Denver, who are now the unofficial mascots of her farm in Wellington, Fla. Lauren, who runs her own boarding and sales operation, adopted the half-siblings when they were just three and four months old. She’s had them for two years.