CANNON HALL FARM FACES ANOTHER DIFFICULT CHAPTER AS FARMER RUTH’S FAMILY BATTLES CANCER

Behind the cheerful videos and familiar faces of Cannon Hall Farm, the Nicholson family has been going through an incredibly difficult period.

The Yorkshire farm, made famous through shows including The Yorkshire Vet and Springtime on the Farm, has recently faced a series of heartbreaking losses involving its beloved Shire horses — while Farmer Ruth and her family are also dealing with devastating news at home.

A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR CANNON HALL FARM

Cannon Hall Farm has openly shared the challenges surrounding its rare Shire horses with followers.

In July 2026, Farmer Rob became emotional after revealing that Ruby, one of the farm’s much-loved horses, had reached the end of her life.

Ruby was suffering from a serious decline in her condition, and after consultation with the farm’s equine vet Marco, the difficult decision was made to have her put to sleep.

Rob explained that he could not keep Ruby going while she was suffering, saying he trusted the veterinary assessment and believed it was the kindest decision for the animal.

The loss followed other heartbreaking moments involving the farm’s Shire horses.

THE LOSS OF LOTTIE AND HERKULES

In February 2022, the farm announced the death of Lottie, a giant 19-hand Shire horse who had become a much-loved member of the Cannon Hall Farm family.

More recently, in June 2025, the farm lost Herkules, a three-year-old Shire stallion.

Farmer Rob previously explained that Herkules had struggled to recover from colic before his death.

The losses have been particularly painful because Cannon Hall Farm has been working to help preserve the rare Shire breed and has shared the animals’ lives with thousands of followers around the world.

FIVE SHIRE FOALS BRING NEW HOPE

Despite the losses, the farm’s work with its Shire horses continues.

Cannon Hall Farm has introduced five Shire foals — Soldier, Iris, Athena, Captain and Major — and has documented their journeys online.

Some of the young horses have faced serious health challenges themselves.

The farm now offers visitors the opportunity to meet the foals and learn more about the difficult work involved in caring for and breeding the rare Shire horses.

The farm says thousands of people around the world have followed the animals’ stories, sharing both the triumphs and tragedies along the way.

FARMER RUTH FACES A PERSONAL FAMILY CRISIS

Away from the animals, another deeply personal challenge has affected the Cannon Hall Farm family.

Farmer Ruth’s husband, Dave, has been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and is undergoing intensive treatment.

According to a message shared by Cannon Hall Farm, his treatment has included chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The farm described Ruth as a special part of its family and appealed to supporters who wished to contribute to a fundraiser established for Ruth and her family.

The news has prompted an outpouring of support from people who have followed Ruth’s work with the animals and the farm over the years.

A FAMILY TURNING HEARTBREAK INTO SUPPORT

The difficult months have also highlighted the close relationship between the Cannon Hall team and its supporters.

The farm recently hosted an evening event with equine vet Marco to discuss the challenges faced by its Shire horses and remember those that had been lost.

The event was described by Cannon Hall Farm as an opportunity to reflect on what had been an “incredibly difficult few months” for the Shire horses.

At the same time, the arrival and continued care of the younger foals has given the farm another reason to keep moving forward.

THE STORY CONTINUES

Cannon Hall Farm’s latest updates show both sides of life on the Yorkshire farm: moments of excitement and new life alongside grief, illness and difficult decisions.

The farm continues to care for its animals while its staff and families navigate challenges away from the paddocks.

For the people who have followed Cannon Hall Farm for years, the story is no longer simply about a television programme or a popular farm attraction.

It is about a real farming family, the animals they have devoted their lives to — and the community that continues to stand beside them through both the happiest and hardest days.