'˜Frozen foal' Frodo found on brink of death is crowned rescue pony champion

Frodo the four-year-old cob was found collapsed in a pile of mouldy hay in a Cheshire field in October 2014.

The tiny foal was suffering from worms, a lice infestation, and was described by rescuers as ‘looking little different to a carcass’.

He was rehomed at World Horse Welfare Penny Farm, on Preston New Road, Blackpool, where he made a full recovery.

He won first place in the in hand and ridden rescue pony competitions at Equifest in Peterborough on Saturday, and was crowned Overall Rescue Pony Champion.

World Horse Welfare Penny Farm manager Fran Williamson said: “Frodo’s transformation in less than four years since he arrived as a tiny foal who was so weak he couldn’t even support his own weight, is truly amazing.

“He has taken everything in his stride and it is hard to believe that he was once very close to death’s door.

“Frodo’s incredible recovery is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the team who cared for him at Penny Farm and we couldn’t be prouder to see this once frozen foal now crowned champion.”

Zoe Clifford, visitor officer at the farm, added: “Frodo was only backed to ride eight weeks ago, which makes his success even more phenomenal, but he’s a very laid-back character. He wasn’t at all bothered by being in a big arena.

“It just goes to show that with the right care a rescue horse can go onto achieve high accolades.”