An animal-loving Witherley café owner has saved the life of a horse destined to be destroyed.

Angela Spencer, who owns The Saddlery Tea Room in Atherstone Road, is sponsoring four-year-old thoroughbred Barley after discovering his bleak future.

Angela opened the café just six weeks ago after being forced to close her coffee shop in the town because coronavirus social-distancing meant it was not financially viable.

"Resurrecting in the country has been fantastic," she told Atherstone Nub News.

"We've been flat out since opening.

"Thanks to this success I was in a position to step in and help Barley."

The Saddlery is proving popular with the equine community and when Tom Flannery and George Streather from T&G Sport Horses, in Lutterworth, dropped in for high tea Angela learned of Barley's plight.

"Tom and George had been offered Barley by a trainer who was going to have him destroyed if they couldn't take him.

"Barley hadn't made the grade as a show jumper or for eventing and, sadly, it's not uncommon for animals in that situation to be destroyed.

"Taking him on would have been a massive financial commitment for Tom and George's business - horses aren't cheap to keep.

"So I decided that if they could home him at their yard I would sponsor his upkeep.

"I'm delighted that they agreed to the partnership."

Angela has already visited Barley several times and has fallen in love with the gentle giant who already stands at almost 17 hands.

"He's gorgeous and has a lovely way with him.

"He's had a tough life so far and so he's being turned out into a field for a few months and then we will see if he can make it as a show jumper with gentler handling.

"If he is successful that will be fantastic and we will support him all the way.

"If not, then that's fine too."

The Saddlery customers will have the opportunity meet the latest member of the tea room team next month (Oct), when Barley makes a guest appearance.

"There's a working ménage right next to The Saddlery so Barley will be coming to host a meet and greet," added Angela.