“WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD” — FARMER ROB BREAKS DOWN AS CANNON HALL FARM SAYS GOODBYE TO BELOVED HORSE RUBY
“WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD” — FARMER ROB BREAKS DOWN AS CANNON HALL FARM SAYS GOODBYE TO BELOVED HORSE RUBY
Behind the joyful scenes at one of Yorkshire’s best-loved farms, a heartbreaking summer brought difficult decisions, emotional goodbyes and the loss of cherished animals. For Farmer Rob and the Cannon Hall Farm team, Ruby was far more than just a horse.
SOUTH YORKSHIRE, UK — Visitors know Cannon Hall Farm for its friendly animals, family atmosphere and familiar faces from Channel 5’s Springtime on the Farm. But away from the cheerful farmyard scenes, the team has endured a deeply emotional period following the loss of several much-loved Shire horses.
Farmer Robert “Rob” Nicholson was visibly upset when he shared the news that Ruby, a beloved Shire mare, could no longer be saved. Her condition had deteriorated so severely that the team faced the painful decision to let her go.
A HEARTBREAKING DECISION ABOUT RUBY
Ruby had been struggling with serious mobility problems, and her condition continued to decline despite the efforts made to help her.
The farm’s equine vet, Marco, examined Ruby and advised that her condition had reached a point where continuing treatment would not be fair to her. Rob trusted the veterinary assessment, despite the emotional weight of the decision.
For someone who works closely with animals every day, knowing when to say goodbye can be one of the hardest responsibilities of all.
Rob’s emotional reaction reflected the bond he and the team had developed with Ruby over time. The decision was not presented as an easy choice, but as one made after considering the horse’s welfare and the advice of the veterinary professional caring for her.
MORE THAN ONE LOSS FOR THE SHIRE HORSE TEAM
Ruby’s loss came during an already difficult period for Cannon Hall Farm’s Shire horses.
The farm has also mourned Lottie, who died in 2022, and the stallion Herkules, whose death was announced in June 2025. These losses have been especially painful for a team committed to caring for and breeding the increasingly rare Shire horse. n and close veterinary support.
At Cannon Hall Farm, they are not simply part of the attraction. They are central to the farm’s work to maintain and promote the breed.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FARM’S FAMILIAR FACES
The Nicholson family and their team have built a loyal following by sharing the realities of farm life, including the moments that do not have happy endings.
Their willingness to discuss difficult experiences gives viewers a glimpse into the emotional side of animal care. While the public may see only a short video or television segment, the people looking after the animals live through the uncertainty, treatment decisions and grief themselves.
Ruby’s story is a reminder that caring for animals sometimes means making a decision that breaks your heart, even when it is believed to be the kindest option.
FINDING HOPE AFTER HEARTBREAK
Despite the losses, Cannon Hall Farm has continued caring for its remaining Shire horses and working to protect the breed.
In September 2026, the farm hosted an online event with equine vet Marco to discuss the challenges of recent months, including Ruby and the foal Iris, while also sharing updates about the horses still in its care and the future of its breeding programme.
The event offered supporters an opportunity to hear directly from the people involved and understand the veterinary challenges behind the headlines.
For Farmer Rob and the team, the memories of Ruby and the other horses remain part of the farm’s story—a story that includes not only joyful births and milestones, but also the painful reality of losing animals they have worked so hard to care for.
Ruby may be gone, but the affection the team had for her is clear.
For those who have followed Cannon Hall Farm over the years, her story is a powerful reminder of the bond between people and the animals they love.
