Brave Buggy is a national champion

Buggy with (from left) Karen Wright, Nicole Walmsley, Mandy Davison, Louise Murrie and Fran Williamson

Buggy, who was found just over a year ago with terrible wounds on his back that had become infested with maggots, has been crowned 2017 champion at national event, Equifest.

His inspirational story helped him achieve first place in one of his two classes at the event in Peterborough, before he was named Rescue Pony Champion.

Buggy was one of four ponies from Penny Farm World Horse Welfare Centre, on Preston New Road, to compete at the show.

Charlie won his ridden class, Floss was second in her ridden class and Hope claimed fourth and fifth prizes in her two classes.

Penny Farm’s Fran Williamson, said: “Buggy’s story is a shining example of how a pony who has had such a terrible start in life can leave his past behind and go on to achieve amazing things.”

RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde added: “The team at Penny Farm has done an incredible job rehabilitating him.”