It’s not every day 14 hand ponies make it into the pages of Horse & Hound, but there’s never been a more deserving case than this special little man. Here’s the story of how he and Natalie met:

“I used to work in a riding school in Birmingham with Marcus, we were together every day. I would ask my boss if I could have him and he always said no. Then three years ago he called and asked: ‘Do you still want Marcus?’, to which I replied ‘I do, I do!’ and bombed up the M40 before he changed his mind.

We just adore him, he’s the kindest pony. He must have taught hundreds if not thousands of children to canter. He’s the one who builds their confidence. He’s just a great friend to children, to adults and to me.”

Now semi-retired, Marcus still enjoys rides out, and because of his gentle nature often dispenses his special brand of magic at hospitals and care homes too.

Marcus is featured in June’s Horse & Hound magazine as part of a lovely article called Riding School Heroes.

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