CANNON HALL FARM SHARES MAJOR UPDATE AFTER HEARTBREAKING LOSSES AS YORKSHIRE VET FANS RALLY AROUND ROB AND DAVE

Cannon Hall Farm has shared a major update with fans after a heartbreaking run of losses left farmers Rob and Dave Nicholson facing some of the most difficult months in the farm’s history.

Fans of The Yorkshire Vet and Springtime on the Farm have been following an emotional period at Cannon Hall Farm, where the Nicholson family has recently had to say goodbye to several much-loved animals.

The latest developments have prompted an outpouring of support from viewers who have watched the family care for their animals on television and through social media.

Cannon Hall Farm, based in South Yorkshire, has now announced a special event featuring equine veterinarian Marco, who will discuss some of the challenges the farm has faced with its Shire horses.

The farm describes the past few months as an “incredibly difficult” period and says the event will reflect on the “heartbreaking loss” experienced by the Shire herd.

Rob left in tears after heartbreaking decision

One of the most emotional moments came in July, when farmer Rob was forced to make the difficult decision to have Ruby, one of the farm’s much-loved horses, put to sleep.

Ruby had suffered a serious decline in her health and was struggling to walk properly.

Rob explained that she was effectively living on three legs and that, despite the family’s efforts, he could no longer justify keeping her alive in that condition.

“We’ve reached the end of Ruby’s road, unfortunately,” Rob said at the time.

He explained that he trusted the judgment of the farm’s veterinarian, Marco, and did not want to prolong Ruby’s suffering.

The decision visibly affected Rob, who became emotional while talking about the horse and the difficult reality of caring for animals on a working farm.

Another devastating loss followed

The loss of Ruby was not an isolated tragedy.

In August, Rob and his brother Dave opened up about the death of Iris, another Shire horse at Cannon Hall Farm.

On their podcast, the brothers described it as one of their hardest weeks.

The episode, released August 27, was titled “It’s been one of our hardest weeks!” and focused on Iris’s death and the impact it had on the family.

Rob and Dave paid tribute to Iris while discussing what had happened and the emotional reality of losing an animal they had cared for.

For a family whose lives revolve around farming and animal care, these losses have been particularly difficult.

The animals are not simply part of the farm’s business. Many have become familiar faces to the public and are followed by thousands of people online.

A history of beloved animals

Cannon Hall Farm has experienced other painful losses over the years.

In 2022, the farm announced the death of Lottie, a giant 19-hand Shire horse, following a sudden decline in her health.

The farm described Lottie as a much-loved member of the family.

In 2025, the Nicholson family also mourned the death of Herkules, a three-year-old stallion who had struggled to recover from colic.

Farmer Rob previously explained that Herkules’ death had left the family deeply saddened.

These experiences have shown viewers another side of life at Cannon Hall Farm — one that is very different from the cheerful scenes often associated with a family attraction.

Rob and Dave continue working through the difficult period

Despite the losses, Rob and Dave have continued running the farm and sharing updates with their followers.

The brothers regularly appear in content connected to Cannon Hall Farm, where they discuss everything from livestock and farming challenges to the everyday running of the family business.

Their podcast has also become a place where they speak openly about difficult experiences.

The August episode about Iris gave listeners a more personal look at how the brothers process the loss of animals that have become part of their lives.

Rather than hiding the difficult side of farming, Rob and Dave have continued to talk openly about it.

That honesty has helped many viewers understand just how emotionally demanding working with animals can be.

The latest update gives fans a chance to hear from the vet

Cannon Hall Farm is now preparing to welcome equine veterinarian Marco for a special evening event.

The farm says the September 20 event will give visitors an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by its Shire horses over recent months.

The event comes at a particularly emotional time for the Nicholson family, following the deaths of Ruby and Iris.

It also gives fans an opportunity to hear directly from the veterinarian who has been involved in caring for the farm’s horses.

The farm’s current website describes the event as a chance to reflect on “what has been an incredibly difficult few months for our Shire horses.”

Fans continue to stand behind the family

The emotional updates have prompted sympathy from people who have followed Cannon Hall Farm for years.

For many viewers, Rob and Dave are familiar faces whose work has been documented through television, podcasts and social media.

Their connection with the public has grown because they regularly show both the rewarding and painful sides of farming.

The recent losses have therefore resonated with people who feel they have watched these animals grow and become part of the Cannon Hall Farm story.

Life at the farm continues

Despite the difficult period, Cannon Hall Farm continues to operate as normal and has a full schedule of events planned for the coming months.

The farm is currently preparing for its September Falconry Weekend before moving into its popular autumn and winter events, including the Pumpkin Patch, Bonfire and Firework Spectacular and Christmas attractions.

For Rob and Dave, however, the recent months have left a lasting emotional mark.

Ruby, Iris and the other animals who have been lost were part of a much bigger family story at Cannon Hall Farm.

And while the farm continues to welcome visitors and care for its remaining animals, the latest updates have reminded fans that behind the television appearances and happy farm videos is a family dealing with the difficult realities of life, loss and animal care.

For the Nicholson brothers, the work continues — but the memories of the animals they have lost remain very much part of the farm’s story.