27 May 2026

We love Rehoming - Sam Gamgee found his Frodo in Guardian Linda

We love rehoming at Redwings! When our Guardians offer a home to one of our horses, whether ridden, unbacked or as a companion, they aren’t just helping their new best friend - they are also helping us open our gates to more horses in need, and find perfect homes for those who don’t need to stay inside the sanctuary!

As with any horse, life with rehomed horses can come with unexpected challenges. We are grateful to have so many amazing Guardians who meet these challenges head on and embrace the adventure, such as Linda and her Redwings Shetland pony Sam.

Two photos of Shetland pony Sam in his paddock

Sam enjoying his time outside in his paddock.

Sam Gamgee came to Redwings as a yearling in 2002 after being rescued from Devon with a large group of feral Shetland ponies. His group were named after Lord of the Rings characters, and Sam’s adventure had only just begun!

Linda reached out to Redwings looking for an independent companion for her horses. She said: “I had been gifted a Redwings Adoption by a friend - which I still maintain today, sponsoring handsome Fox - and I loved the work of the charity, so they were the obvious place to start our search.

“After speaking with the Rehoming team they paired me with Sam, and he was the perfect choice! On the day he arrived he walked straight into his stable and immediately started eating.”

Photo of Shetland pony Sam using snuffle mats

Sam using one of his snuffle mats to hunt for snacks!

At first, like many horses moving into a new environment, Sam was shy around people and it took time to catch him in his paddock, however, Linda was determined to gain Sam’s trust.

Linda said: “We started with working in the paddock alongside him so he could look at what we were doing. Sometimes we would just sit and read while he snuffled around. Gradually he became curious so would come closer, and the trust built from there!

“The Sam we have today is a confident and interactive soul who loves the company of his human friends. Strangers do still get the side eye and have to earn his trust, and it took several years for our wonderful Redwings home checker Barry to be able to give Sam a treat! But once you earn his trust he’s the sweetest.”

Sam showing off in the arena!

Sam doesn’t let his small size hold him back from living life to the fullest! Linda explained: “Sam enjoys lots of in-hand and liberty activities at the yard and in the arena. He’s a fan of pole work and loves a treat puzzle. He has a bucket filled with flattened water bottles that we scatter treats in, but he quickly realised if he throws all the water bottles out he can reach the treats much faster!”

“He was also a star at a recent ‘spook busting’ clinic. All the other horses were anxious about at least one of the obstacles, Sam sailed round them all! He also likes to do agility, and he always tries out a new obstacle before my two mares. He’s very helpful for figuring out how to make them harder or easier!”

It isn’t just in the arena that Sam shines, but also in his day-to-day care, Linda said: “Our special time is always when my two mares have been turned out and Sam helps me muck out. We do a lot of mutual grooming and cuddling so it makes mucking out last a little while! Sam is very chatty, and he makes this unique little sound when we are talking together.”

Photo of Sam the Shetland pony at a spook busting clinic

A very brave Sam at a ‘spook busting ‘ clinic.

Unfortunately, as Sam has gotten older he has experienced a few health complications. He was diagnosed with Cushings in 2018, started inhalers to support his breathing a few years later, and was diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS, a disease with some parallels to human diabetes) after a routine blood test. With the support of Redwings, Linda adapted Sam’s life to ensure he could continue to thrive and receive all the support he needs: “Sam is amazing for all his treatments and blood tests, and continues to be a bright and playful boy!

“Due to his Cushings, Sam grows a very thick coat that we clip a few times a year to help him regulate his body temperature. Before this he had never worn a rug, but now he loves his rugs, especially on a rainy day!

“Because of his Cushings and EMS, we do have to restrict his turnout at certain times of year. We swap his paddock time for the arena, where he loves to play with his humans and his toys!

“Sam is truly loved by everyone who knows him; from his friends and family, to the vets, physio and dentist. His gentle, kind and inquisitive nature never fails to make someone smile.”

A photo of Sam the Shetland pony using an inhaler

Sam receiving some of his treatments.

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Rehoming with Redwings

When you choose to rehome a rescue horse, you aren’t only helping your new friend! You are also giving your own horse a much needed companion, and creating space in the sanctuary for the next horse in need.

Linda described rehoming with Redwings as: “My experience of being a Redwings Guardian has been great. They have always been there and supported us through Sam's various health issues.”

Learn more about rehoming with Redwings and see who is currently looking for a loving home of their own here.