Ben ready to hang out with the younger crowd | Horsetalk.co.nz

Ben has seen the dark side of life, but the charity that rescued him says he is now ready to face a new life.

Spindles Farm survivor Ben is looking for a new home.

Ben, a 13.3-hand piebald gelding, was among more than 100 horses rescued from Spindles Farm in Buckinghamshire early in 2008, in what is believed to have been the biggest equine rescue in British history.

He was severely underweight and suffering from a salmonella infection when he arrived at The Horse Trust's farm.

However, he is now in excellent health and the charity hopes to find him a loving home with a confident and experienced owner who is used to bringing on young horses.

"When Ben arrived here, he simply stood in his stable with a blank stare," recalls Shirley Abbott, yard manager at The Horse Trust.

"But if you met him now, you wouldn't know what he's been through - he's a cheeky little chappy, and is playful and affectionate.

"I really hope we can find a home for Ben - he should be out there doing what young horses do, not spending all his time with retired horses."

The trust has been training Ben for the last two months and he is now fine with everyday activities, such as being led, groomed, having his feet picked out and receiving farrier treatment.

"His training has progressed well and we now feel he is ready to go to a new home," Abbott says.

"However, the owner will need to continue training before they can ride him, which is why we're looking for a confident and experienced owner.

"We normally bring Ben into the yard during visiting hours, so people can easily pop in to meet him, if they think they might be able to offer him a home."

The trust will primarily consider homes within an 80km radius of the sanctuary. All potential homes are visited to assess their suitability and the charity regularly visits rehomed horses to ensure they are receiving appropriate care.