Meet the Agria Horse of a Lifetime shortlist for October!

Hannah and Kobi

Hannah Leslie’s cob cross Kobi has to be one of the most versatile horses out there. “We jump, drive, used to hunt, dabbled in endurance, tried side saddle, hunter trials, horse catching at team chases and most excitingly...he is a skill at arms pro, jousts and you can shoot a gun from him,” says Hannah.

Most curiously of all, Kobi is also an expert at skill at arms, jousting and is a civilian drum horse, taking part in historical re-enactments. “There’s nothing he can’t do,” says Hannah, who lives on the borders of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. She believes Kobi is also the only civilian own drum horse in the country. “The next thing to try is mounted archery and I’m sure he’ll excel at that too — he’s game for anything,” adds Hannah.

Hannah has owned Kobi for 11 years and describes him as a food-loving giant Labrador.

Kobi is brave and bold and sometimes very cheeky; a favourite trick is to roll right after a bath then refuse to be caught, “and wind up everyone else in the field”.

Summer and Cindy

Summer and Cindy share a love of riding, particularly showing and dressage, which has played a huge part in rebuilding Summer’s confidence following her spinal stroke in 2023, when she was just 13 years old.

Through the darkest days, there was Cindy, her now 16-year-old Welsh Section D. More than a horse, she was Summer's motivation, her happiness and a reason to keep fighting.

Then tragedy struck again when Cindy suffered a freak accident in the trailer, leaving her with a spinal injury. For four agonising hours, vets fought to save her. Despite repeated attempts, eventually, the vet said he would try just once more. If she couldn't stand, she would have to be put to sleep. But Cindy knew what she needed to do and managed to get to her feet. The tables had turned. The horse who had given Summer hope now needed her help in return.

Together, they faced rehabilitation, setbacks and an uncertain future, but Cindy has given Summer something no medical treatment ever could: a piece of herself back.

Despite the ongoing challenges Summer faces with weakness in both arms, pain and fatigue, their partnership has continued to grow. Three years later they are now enjoying jumping at a fun level while Summer develops a new passion for dressage, taking weekly lessons and working towards returning to competition.

Where Cindy truly excels is in the confidence and happiness she gives Summer. Their greatest achievements aren't measured in rosettes or the height of a jump, but in every milestone they reach together. Cindy has helped Summer rediscover her love of riding, believe in her abilities and continue pursuing her equestrian dreams.

For Summer, Cindy is so much more than a horse to ride. She is her partner, her motivation and a reminder that even after life changes beyond recognition, dreams can still be possible. 


“Cindy will never know how much she helped Summer and our family,” says Summer’s mum. “That is why Cindy will always be our Horse of a Lifetime.”

Natalie and Domino

Domino has always been the ultimate all-rounder and happiest of hackers. He was an ex-riding school and RDA horse, so he has done a bit of everything and taken it all in his stride. For his owner Natalie, who has owned him for 16 years, he has always been a fun ride extraordinaire and, above all, her pal.

They have spent countless hours hacking together, exploring, having adventures and enjoying themselves. He was the sort of horse who made ordinary rides memorable and could turn the most mundane outing into an adventure.

Natalie has never been a fan of jumping, but Domino is the one horse she could genuinely trust enough to close her eyes and let him take the lead. “The trust between us meant I could do things I wouldn't normally have had the confidence to do,” she says.

“He wasn't about winning competitions or specialising in one discipline. His talent was being the horse you could turn your hand to anything with — and doing it honestly and with patience.”

Domino also spent time giving something back to other people. Natalie loaned him to Cotswold RDA while she went to university, and in 2014 he went to Barton End Stables, where he was used for riding lessons as well as RDA. “Knowing that he helped other people experience the joy and freedom of riding makes me incredibly proud of him,” says Natalie.

Now, aged 30, Domino is happily semi-retired at home with her. “He has arthritis, but he still enjoys his little ten-minute potters and being part of everyday life. I’ve never needed him to carry me across a show ring or achieve much; just to be happy, comfortable and with me is enough,” continues Hannah.

“After 16 years, I know every little expression, every quirk and every mood. I know when he wants something, when he is telling me off, and when he simply wants a fuss. He has given me countless memories, and I hope I've given him a life where he has always known how loved he is.

“Domino isn't my Horse of a Lifetime because of ribbons or achievements. He's my Horse of a Lifetime because he has been my constant for 16 years — and I genuinely can't imagine my life without him.”

Do you know a horse or pony who deserves to be nominated too? Find out more about our Horse of a Lifetime campaign and how to take part here: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/horse-of-a-lifetime/