A family in the UK bought a young Connemara pony named Enzo for their 18-year-old daughter, only to discover days later that he suffered from the genetic condition hoof wall separation disease (HWSD). The horse, purchased for £5,000 saved by the girl's grandparents, had to be retired at age four due to hoof issues. The owners shared their story to alert others in the equestrian community.
In autumn 2025, Olivia Hall, then 18, used £5,000 saved by her grandparents to buy a horse she planned to take to Sparsholt College. Her grandfather, battling cancer, named the pony Enzo before passing away shortly after the purchase. Olivia's father, Graham Hall, described the double loss as devastating for his daughter.
The family viewed Enzo and liked his calm demeanor. They arranged a vet check despite the seller's claim that the passport from Ireland was delayed. The vet reported the hooves as 'tatty' but raised no major concerns and proceeded without the passport. The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society and British Connemara Pony Society require HWSD testing for foals, with results stamped in passports, as it is a recessive genetic condition affecting the hoof wall, causing it to crack and break easily.
Days after bringing Enzo home, a farrier examined his hooves and questioned if he was a pure-bred Connemara. Checking the passport, recently provided by the seller, revealed a red stamp confirming HWSD. 'She came home and got the passport, with its lovely green wallet around it, pulled the back page out, and there was a big red stamp, saying he had hoof wall separation disease,' Graham Hall told Horse & Hound.
The farrier advised retirement and careful hoof management, as riding was not possible. Olivia, who passed a five-stage vetting and found Enzo 'super calm, really sweet and well mannered,' was heartbroken, especially amid her grandfather's death. The seller dismissed the issue, claiming Enzo could be ridden and that many horses have the condition without effects.
Olivia, now studying equine science and business management for equine-assisted therapy, messaged the seller, who directed her to her husband. He insisted the condition rarely affects horses. The family rehomed Enzo with Claire Smilie for retirement; without her, euthanasia might have been necessary. Graham Hall, experienced in horses, urged awareness: 'If we can stop one person going down this road, telling the story is worth it.'
Olivia echoed, 'I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through this; it’s awful.'
