Tributes paid to Breeze, the Dartmoor pony who changed equine welfare practices

Breeze, the orphaned foal who became known internationally after photographs of him sleeping alongside a giant teddy bear went viral, has died following a severe episode of colic.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, which cared for Breeze since he arrived as a day-old foal in 2013, said his story helped raise awareness of equine welfare and influenced the charity’s approach to supporting horses and ponies with complex needs.

Breeze was signed into the care of the South West charity shortly after birth after being left without his mother. Due to his vulnerability and lack of immunity, he required intensive around-the-clock care from the Sanctuary’s specialist team.

As a young foal, Breeze was given comfort and reassurance through a giant teddy bear named Buttons, which helped provide companionship while staff hand-reared him.

Images of Breeze with Buttons went on to capture international attention, making him one of the Sanctuary’s best-known residents.

Despite years of specialist care, Breeze’s early experiences meant he was never suitable for rehoming. Instead, he lived his life under the care of the Sanctuary’s teams, who adapted their approach to ensure he had a safe and fulfilling life.

Nikki Anstey, Equine Training Lead at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, said Breeze had a lasting impact on the charity and on her own career.

“He was somewhat of an icon of the Sanctuary,” she said.

“He came to us as an extremely poorly little pony. He was not able to be socialised with other horses for an extended period due to his lack of immunity and had to be hand-reared.

“There were many sleepless nights, bottle feeding him every hour and having to lift him up and lay him down as he was so weak.”

She said Breeze’s personality soon began to shine through.

“He will always remain one of the most influential ponies that I have ever encountered in my career at the Sanctuary,” she added.

“We always had an understanding, and he was incredibly loving and affectionate, despite his complex behavioural needs. I don’t think any horse, or person, could have ever taught me as much as he did.”

Breeze spent time at several of the charity’s Devon sites, including its Yelverton Moorland Rescue Facility, where staff described him as a much-loved member of the team.

Yelverton Team Leader Lucy Jewell said: “Everyone at Yelverton is truly sorry and devastated to hear the news that Breeze is no longer with us.

“During his time at Yelverton he was a firm favourite for us all and was the pony who always made you smile. We will cherish our memories of him and forever hold him in our hearts.”

Sally Burton, Head of Equine Expertise at the Sanctuary, said Breeze’s needs challenged the charity to improve and develop its welfare practices.

“Breeze arrived with us as a critically vulnerable orphaned foal,” she said.

“His lack of colostrum, isolation from other horses and need for intensive hand rearing meant he grew up with significant behavioural and health challenges.”

She said the team’s focus was always on giving Breeze the best possible quality of life.

“Our teams adapted the environment around him, used the latest evidence on behaviour and welfare, and brought in external specialists when needed,” she said.

“Breeze pushed us all to raise our standards, to think differently about how we support horses and ponies with complex needs, and to champion good practice across the wider equine sector.”

The Sanctuary said Breeze’s death was caused by colic, a serious condition involving abdominal pain that can affect any horse, regardless of their level of care.

Despite prompt veterinary attention and intensive treatment, the team was unable to save him.

The charity hopes sharing Breeze’s story will highlight the realities of equine welfare work and the importance of lifelong specialist care for animals who cannot be rehomed.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, which cares for almost 600 horses and ponies, said Breeze’s life demonstrated the difference compassion, expertise and dedication can make.

Staff paid tribute to the “wonderful, patient and thoughtful attention” Breeze received throughout his life, describing him as a pony who was “truly loved”.