Charming Prince named Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser Pet of the Year

Prince, the charming horse from Chineham, is this year’s winner of our annual Pet Idol competition.

He won the most votes from a list of 92 finalists that included dogs, cats, bunnies, lambs and a snake.

READ MORE: Basingstoke Gazette Andover Advertiser Pet Idol finalists

Prince is owned by Courtney Jayne Dodds who said she “loves him to bits”.

Courtney, who was excited to hear that Prince won the big prize, said her horse is in fact “just like a big Labrador”.

“When I first got him five years ago, he was quite scared of people. And so the first year I just took my time with him, getting him to trust people and knowing that life isn't gonna eat him.

“He's just a character that most people absolutely love. And he's really come out of his shell now, and quite happily just stand there with you and give you a lick.”

Courtney with Prince

Courtney said she first fell in love with horses with she was 10-11.

“I always loved horses. I've always tried to help with them wherever I can.

“I started by volunteering at a livery yard down the road from my house in Chineham. And eventually I ended up stumbling across Prince’s advert. I fell in love instantly. I saw him and knew that I had to carry him home.”

Courtney said Prince is ridden about five times a week. Being an older horse, it keeps him ticking over and he likes “having a job to do”.

“Prince regularly has physio. He's got remedial shoes because he’s got a few health conditions. I'm now looking to take him to the beach at some point and give him swimming lessons and have him on the water treadmill.”

Courtney with Prince

Courtney, who “absolutely loves working with horses”, said she also has the support of her parents and some very close friends to look after Prince.

SEE ALSO: Red Arrows to pass through Basingstoke as part of Farnborough Airshow

All the finalists of the pet idol competition were published in our special supplement on Thursday, June 24, with a picture of each animal, giving them and their owners their much deserved five minutes of fame.

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