07 September 2026

Meet the ponies behind the Fun Food Show!

Photo of Barney the pony looking over a gate

If you follow us on social media, you have likely seen Barney, Nimbus and Pretzel trying different foods as part of their enrichment. What started as a way to challenge the minds of three young and energetic ponies, soon became an adorable and comedic video series titled “Barney and Friends Fun Food Show”.

Screenshot from the first food show video

Watch the first Fun Food Show here!

The idea to film the trio's enrichment came from Talita, our Norfolk Operations Manager, who is always coming up with new enrichment toys for our Sanctuary residents! Talita said: “I had been building toys for the boys when I saw a video online of someone feeding their pets different foods with their thoughts as captions, and I thought that would be the perfect video to do with Barney and his friends as they are so energetic and funny to watch!”

We loved Talita’s idea, and it quickly turned into a series, where different foods were offered to Barney, Nimbus and Pretzel - some more familiar (like apples), and some completely new (like greek yoghurt)!

Screenshot from the second Food Show video

Watch the second edition of the Fun Food Show here!

Unfortunately, life wasn’t always full of fun for this trio. Barney came to Redwings in December 2022 after being found upside down on a pile of rubble, he was only five months old. It took several weeks of veterinary care and gentle handling to help Barney physically recover and begin to build trust with people. Today Barney is a bold and friendly boy who is full of character, and a much loved resident at the Sanctuary!

You can read more about Barney’s story here.

Left: photo of Barney when he was found on a pile of rubble. Right: Barney now, a healthy pony.

Barney when he was found on a pile of rubble, and Barney now at Redwings.

Nimbus arrived at Redwings in March 2024 after Avon and Somerset Police contacted us about him. Nimbus was in a terrible condition; he was suffering from a painful skin condition called rainscald, his feet were overgrown, he was underweight and had two fractured teeth. We could instantly see he was a very sweet-natured boy, but he was so uncomfortable he didn’t want to be touched. Thankfully for Nimbus, we were able to provide the care he needed to allow him to recover into the lovely boy he is today.

You can read more about Nimbus’ story here.

Left: Nimbus when he arrived, very thin and with rain scald. Right: Nimbus now, stood in a field and healthy.

Nimbus when he arrived suffering from rain scald, and Nimbus now in a field at Redwings.

When Pretzel came to Redwings he was just two months old. He came in with his mother and 16 other cobs, several of whom were pregnant, who were all suffering from neglect in South Wales. Pretzel’s mum Bloomer had worked hard to care for him in difficult conditions, and upon arrival at Redwings our team stepped in to help her recover with medical and farrier care. Pretzel is now a playful boy who loves to try new things!

Left: Pretzel as a foal. Right: Pretzel grown up at Redwings

Pretzel as a foal when he first arrived, and Pretzel now as a youngster.

Despite their poor starts in life, Barney, Nimbus and Pretzel have found their feet inside the Sanctuary as a cheeky trio! You can find all of their adventures on our social media channels, or look below to find all of their ‘Fun Food Show’ episodes so far!