In a heartwarming tale of equestrian dedication, Tallyho, a magnificent 14-year-old Suffolk horse standing an impressive 18 hands high, has completed a remarkable 1,000-mile journey to return home to Coxwell Stud in Britain. What makes this story even more special? This rare breed powerhouse features hooves “the size of dinner plates” — a testament to the Suffolk’s renowned strength and substance.
From Foal to Island Icon
Tallyho’s incredible journey began in 2005 when Heather Glockling’s parents bred the stunning gelding at their stud. “My parents bred Tallyho in 2005,” Heather explained. “He was seen by a Mallorcan lady when he was a foal at a show, and she bought him and took him home.”
For over a decade, this British-bred beauty became a beloved fixture of Mallorca’s community. Breaking into harness work, Tallyho became a Sunday regular, delighting islanders with his presence as he drove around the scenic Spanish island. Beyond his driving duties, he worked tirelessly on local farms and charmed crowds at children’s parties and festivals — truly living his best life as a working horse.
A Change in Circumstances
Around 2012, life took an unexpected turn for this noble horse. Following a change in his owner’s circumstances, Tallyho was temporarily placed in the care of another person. “When he returned, he was not in a good way,” Heather recalled.
The situation on the island grew increasingly difficult. By 2018, the owner made the difficult but compassionate decision to find Tallyho a new home. Environmental challenges were mounting: severe weather battered the island, crops failed, and the pasture simply wasn’t coming through. To make matters worse, the island’s mosquito population was taking a toll on the horses. With no viable options to relocate him elsewhere on Mallorca, the owner knew it was time for a bigger change.
Coming Home to Coxwell Stud
“The owner wanted to do what was best for him, so she contacted my parents,” Heather shared. “They didn’t have room for a gelding at their stud, so my husband David and I paid for him to come to us.”
The decision proved worthwhile. Since arriving at Coxwell Stud, Tallyho has transformed. The once-struggling horse has steadily gained weight and regained his vitality. “He’s doing really well,” Heather beamed. “He’s very calm and quiet and takes everything in his stride, and his feet are the size of dinner plates.”
A Testament to Suffolk Character
Tallyho’s remarkable story celebrates everything we love about Suffolk horses — their incredible size, strength, and gentle temperament. These rare draft horses are known for their distinctive color (always chestnut), immense power, and surprisingly calm dispositions, making them perfect for both work and companionship.
With his enormous dinner-plate hooves firmly planted on British soil once more, Tallyho has earned his retirement and the peaceful life he deserves. His journey — from beloved island icon to his rightful home — reminds us why the equestrian community is so special. When it comes to taking care of our horses, we truly go the extra mile.