This week, Animalweb hosted a heartwarming competition in our exclusive members’ Facebook group, inviting equestrians to share the touching stories and cherished photos of their ‘one in a million’ horses.
The response was overwhelming, with members pouring out tales of equine companionship that have seen them through life’s challenges and shaped them into better horse owners. From therapy horses to unexpected champions, each story highlighted the unique bond between horse and human.
“We’ve been truly moved by the outpouring of love and appreciation our members have shown for their equine partners,” said Dr David Marlin “These stories remind us why we’re so passionate about horses and the equestrian community.”
After careful consideration, we’re thrilled to announce that Karen Brown and her horse Clover have been selected as the winners of our competition. Karen’s touching story of how Clover helped her overcome personal obstacles resonated deeply with our team.
As the winner, Karen will receive a set of branded Animalweb clothing and an assortment of premium items from our tackbox.
We encourage all our members to visit the Facebook Members Group to read these inspiring stories. They serve as a beautiful reminder of the impact horses have on our lives.
Animalweb would like to thank all participants for sharing their heartfelt stories and for being part of our vibrant equestrian community.
For more information about joining our member’s group and participating in future events, please join our membership and then the Facebook Group HERE.
Dr David Marlin’s story that kicked off the competition:
My horse is PALLADIN. I still have one of his shoes. PALLADIN was owned by Mavis Whitehead who was the senior nurse at the Animal Health Trust Equine Clinical Unit when I first came to Newmarket after my University undergraduate degree, aged 23. I occasionally had to go to the clinical unit for supplies for the herd of horses used in exercise and training studies, and Mavis learned that I rode. She took me to meet PALLADIN and asked if I would like to ride him in the paddock. Mavis’s son had ridden him in the past but wasn’t now riding regularly. I got on really well with him and, after a few months, I began to ride him in various competitions around Newmarket and Cambridge. The picture below is me tacking up at the Cottenham Hunter Trials around 1986. PALLADIN was strong! And never stopped XC. In fact, I can remember being eliminated at least twice when he came around a corner and locked on to fences that were flagged off and jumped them anyway. Showjumping was very similar – a definite “fast ride”. Dressage we weren’t so good at. On one occasion, I could feel him getting stronger and stronger in the warm-up, culminating in around 1s of standing at the halt and then an explosion forward and upwards. The judge had a sense of humour and their comment was “A little unsteady in halt, but impressive Capriole”. So for so many reasons, PALLADIN is my special “special” horse!
Dr David Marlin
Winning entry – Karen Brown and Clover
This is Clover who arrived in my life a tatty ex gypsy breeding mare. A riding accident some 29 yrs previous resulted in me being out of saddle until I was old enough for knee replacement replacement. My head still retained some knowledge, but there was a canyon-sized practice theory gap in ability, so one up from a rocking horse was a top priority; the rest we could fix. Together, we got fitter, forged a reciprocal trust in each other and now enjoy the world’s slowest pootles around the countryside. Our objectives are simple: enjoy the view, share a picnic and return home without drama.
This hairy, heavy, slow girl is worth her considerable weight in gold, my reason to get up and out every day and also the reason why my pension disappears out of the bank far too fast, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Karen Brown
