FROM being dumped on the side of a road to performing in competitions, he is the horse that has defied the odds and is now on his way to stardom.

Mr Barney, a small gypsy cob, was found tethered to a post on the high speed A27 back in 2012.

He was there for a number of weeks with no food, no water and his health deteriorating.

But one Whiteparish resident took matters into her own hands.

Claire Steel drove past the foal everyday while taking her daughter to school and couldn't bare to watch him suffer.

"He was developing worms and had nothing to eat or drink," said Claire.

"We left a note next to him to ask if the owner could contact us as we wanted to look after him. But he ate the note; he was that hungry!

"In the end we got the police (and local council) involved and, following their approval, they help us take him to our stables. From there, we nursed him back to health."

The gypsy cob then developed a loving friendship with miniature Shetland pony Cookie and three donkeys. The group became inseparable and, when parted, would call to each other incessantly until they were reunited.

However, just six months into his stay with Claire, it was discovered that Barney had a rugby ball-sized tumour and an emergency operation would be needed.

But vets told Mrs Steel that the foal only had a 50/50 survival chance and recommended that he be put down to avoid any further pain. This is something Claire, after rescuing him, said she just couldn't do and voted to go ahead with the operation.

Following several months of intensive rehabilitation, love and care, the courageous horse pulled through and has thrived ever since.

"It truly is a success story," admitted Claire, who know owns the Blackwater Equestrian centre in Wellow.

"He is now stabled at Blackwater with Cookie; it is just amazing the recovery he made."

Since moving to Blackwater in 2014, one of the centre's accomplished staff members, Yasmin Elkins, took a shine to Barney and started to put him through his paces.

Now four-years-old, the 14.1 hands Cob competes in a number of disciplines, including dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Barney also competed at The Romsey Show, claiming fourth in the Young Gypsy Cob section.

"Many people who were at The Romsey Show realised they had seen him at the side of the road in 2012 after the commentator announced it," added Claire

"Yasmin now wants to go even further with him. Our goal is Olympia (the world's biggest horse competing events, held in London); if we could get him there that would cap off an amazing journey."