Born: May 2010 | Arrived: June 2012

June 2012, a small black colt arrived at our gates. Two years old, barely over a metre tall, uncertain but curious. We called him Merlin, and he's been working his magic here ever since.

At just 8.2 hands high, Merlin's never let his size hold him back. He's got the confidence of a horse twice his height and the personality to match. Inquisitive doesn't cover it – he'll investigate anything and anyone, often with his teeth. A nibble here, a cheeky nip there if you're not paying attention. It's just his way.

Twelve years on, he's thriving. Grazing in the fields, mucking about with the other residents, charming every visitor who walks through the gate. His compact size and friendly nature made him a natural for our community fundraisers and school visits. The kids adore him, and he seems to know it – stands there patiently for endless pats and photos like he's doing everyone a favour.

In the summer of 2024, we were in trouble. Funding crisis, difficult decisions looming. BBC Breakfast offered us a slot to make an appeal. We took Merlin. What else were we going to do?

He was brilliant. Strained at his harness trying to get closer to the camera, gave the presenter a proper inspection, played up for the audience exactly as we'd hoped. The donations came flooding in. Saved not just him, but everyone here.

For a little horse, he's made a big difference. To our fundraising, our reputation, our future rescues. He's earned his keep ten times over, and he knows it.