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Second Chance: The heartwarming true story of a neglected horse who became a Mounted Police hero
A life-affirming true story of kindness, courage and one horse's extraordinary journey from a derelict paddock to the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police.
On a hot summer's day in Northern New South Wales, Mounted Police officer Tiffany Williams spotted an advertisement for a horse in the local paper – a Clydesdale-cross for a price almost too good to be true. On a whim, she and her husband drove out to see him.
Arriving at a drought-stricken farm, they bought the bargain-priced horse, but also discovered his brother, Toby – a badly neglected, ungainly horse bound for the knackery. The connection between Toby and Tiff was instant, and he turned out to be the most remarkable horse she'd ever encountered. A split-second decision sparked an astonishing journey from a brutal life in a desolate paddock to a flourishing career within the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police.
This moving true story about the extraordinary bond between horses and the humans who care for them reveals the power and the potential of a simple second chance.
On a hot summer's day in Northern New South Wales, Mounted Police officer Tiffany Williams spotted an advertisement for a horse in the local paper – a Clydesdale-cross for a price almost too good to be true. On a whim, she and her husband drove out to see him.
Arriving at a drought-stricken farm, they bought the bargain-priced horse, but also discovered his brother, Toby – a badly neglected, ungainly horse bound for the knackery. The connection between Toby and Tiff was instant, and he turned out to be the most remarkable horse she'd ever encountered. A split-second decision sparked an astonishing journey from a brutal life in a desolate paddock to a flourishing career within the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police.
This moving true story about the extraordinary bond between horses and the humans who care for them reveals the power and the potential of a simple second chance.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2024
16 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 10, 2024
Toby was only eighteen months old when Tiffany found him. She and Col had driven down from northern NSW to the Grafton area after Tiff saw an advertisement for a horse for sale. The price was too good to pass up, and Bundy was soon theirs. But Tiff spotted another horse in a different paddock. Toby was neglected, malnourished - it was hard to believe the two horses (half brothers) were "cared" for by the same person. When Tiff and Col returned the following day, Toby was minutes from being taken to the knackery. Tiff was angry and heartbroken - they took him home and lovingly cared for him until he started to improve.
Tiff's dream was to belong to the Mounted Police in Sydney. And she was on her way to being successful. Her mother's farm housed both Bundy and Toby, with Sid to care for them. Col and Tiff were both police officers, but worked out of different stations, and journeyed to the farm as often as they could. The amazing bond between Tiff and Toby was strong - she knew he was destined to great things. Could he join her in the Mounted Police squad? Or was it a pipe dream?
Second Chance is the amazing true story of Tiff, her love for horses which began when she was tiny, and the bond that she had between all her horses, but most strongly with Toby. Aussie author Diana Thurgood has written a remarkable story, including photos - that took fifteen years - which is poignant, emotional and incredibly heartwarming. I loved it! Highly recommended.
Tiff's dream was to belong to the Mounted Police in Sydney. And she was on her way to being successful. Her mother's farm housed both Bundy and Toby, with Sid to care for them. Col and Tiff were both police officers, but worked out of different stations, and journeyed to the farm as often as they could. The amazing bond between Tiff and Toby was strong - she knew he was destined to great things. Could he join her in the Mounted Police squad? Or was it a pipe dream?
Second Chance is the amazing true story of Tiff, her love for horses which began when she was tiny, and the bond that she had between all her horses, but most strongly with Toby. Aussie author Diana Thurgood has written a remarkable story, including photos - that took fifteen years - which is poignant, emotional and incredibly heartwarming. I loved it! Highly recommended.
January 10, 2024
Second Chance is the wonderfully uplifting biographical story of a police horse and the woman who believed in a young colt, destined to end up as pet food because he wasn't pretty. My sister Diana faithfully recounts the real-life story of Police Horse Toby and his saviour, Mounted Police Officer Tiffany Williams. It is an aspirational story for our times, where appearances all too often are rated more highly than ability and heart. Having the honour of reading the various drafts of this story, I can certainly recommend it to animal lovers everywhere and anyone with a soft spot in their heart for the underdog. It is full of laughter and pathos and reminds us that all we need to succeed in life, is one steadfast champion who believes in us.
To the previous reviewer who stated that Second Chance contained egoistic opinions of the author, I’m confused about how they were able to make that determination. Second Chance won't be release until the end of January, and I don’t have a published copy of the book, although I did read the final draft before it when to press.
To the previous reviewer who stated that Second Chance contained egoistic opinions of the author, I’m confused about how they were able to make that determination. Second Chance won't be release until the end of January, and I don’t have a published copy of the book, although I did read the final draft before it when to press.
November 5, 2024
A feel-good story about an amazing horse and his inspirational rescuer.
Having been brought up an a diet of horse stories (National Velvet, Black Beauty, My friend Flicka, Good Luck to the Rider etc) I really enjoyed this book which read almost as a novel it was so amazing.
Toby overcame the challenges of his early years, with the guidance of Tiff who recognised his intelligence and calm demeaner.
A life-affirming true story of kindness, courage and one horse's extraordinary journey from a derelict paddock to the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police. On a hot summer's day in Northern New South Wales, Mounted Police officer Tiffany spotted an advertisement for a horse in the local paper – a Clydesdale-cross for a price almost too good to be true. On a whim, she and her husband drove out to see him. Arriving at a drought-stricken farm, they bought the bargain-priced horse, but also discovered his brother, Toby – a badly neglected, ungainly horse bound for the knackery. The connection between Toby and Tiff was instant, and he turned out to be the most remarkable horse she'd ever encountered. A split-second decision sparked an astonishing journey from a brutal life in a desolate paddock to a flourishing career within the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police. This moving true story about the extraordinary bond between horses and the humans who care for them reveals the power and the potential of a simple second chance.
Having been brought up an a diet of horse stories (National Velvet, Black Beauty, My friend Flicka, Good Luck to the Rider etc) I really enjoyed this book which read almost as a novel it was so amazing.
Toby overcame the challenges of his early years, with the guidance of Tiff who recognised his intelligence and calm demeaner.
A life-affirming true story of kindness, courage and one horse's extraordinary journey from a derelict paddock to the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police. On a hot summer's day in Northern New South Wales, Mounted Police officer Tiffany spotted an advertisement for a horse in the local paper – a Clydesdale-cross for a price almost too good to be true. On a whim, she and her husband drove out to see him. Arriving at a drought-stricken farm, they bought the bargain-priced horse, but also discovered his brother, Toby – a badly neglected, ungainly horse bound for the knackery. The connection between Toby and Tiff was instant, and he turned out to be the most remarkable horse she'd ever encountered. A split-second decision sparked an astonishing journey from a brutal life in a desolate paddock to a flourishing career within the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police. This moving true story about the extraordinary bond between horses and the humans who care for them reveals the power and the potential of a simple second chance.
April 18, 2024
So glad a friend recommended this to me. It was a great and inspiring read.
March 31, 2024
What a horse Toby became. What wonderful horsewoman Tiffany Williams is. The story of their lives together is a tribute to the care and understanding by the clever horse and for Tiff who understood him. It is also a dramatic insight into the famous New South Wales Mounted Police. Every now and then a true and great animal story comes along. This is one!
March 14, 2024
This was such a heartwarming story and I loved following along with Toby and Tiff’s journey as they became a part of the Mounted Police. The photos at the end were also a great addition and it was great to see what Toby looks like and how beautiful he is.
March 2, 2024
An absolutely beautiful story.
I’m sad it’s over but loved every minute of this uplifting story
I’m sad it’s over but loved every minute of this uplifting story
July 9, 2024
I loved every chapter of this book.
I was honoured to watch Diana and Tiff speak at an authors talk at the library I work at.
Diana has described Tiff and Toby so wonderfully and I'm eagerly awaiting her next book.
Thank you Diana for telling Tiff's story. And Tiff and Toby - Thank you for your service ❤️❤️❤️
I was honoured to watch Diana and Tiff speak at an authors talk at the library I work at.
Diana has described Tiff and Toby so wonderfully and I'm eagerly awaiting her next book.
Thank you Diana for telling Tiff's story. And Tiff and Toby - Thank you for your service ❤️❤️❤️
May 27, 2024
A beautiful story about a horse and life. Tears of sadness and happiness.
Well written and easy to get through.
Looking forward to more from the author
Well written and easy to get through.
Looking forward to more from the author
November 17, 2024
A heartwarming story that I'd only recommend to horse lovers. It was an easy read but the writing was just okay. I liked seeing Toby's photos.
December 18, 2024
heartwarming and inspiring
January 18, 2026
Such a beautiful story - I’ve never cried and laughed so much throughout a book!
May 26, 2024
A beautiful, hard to put down story demonstrating the bond between (wo)man and horse. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend for an easy read that may make you tear up frequently.
September 29, 2024
Beautiful story of hope and comradery.. great read
July 5, 2024
Lovely and heart warming story.
May 18, 2024
Lightweight but affecting, this is the story of a neglected horse rescued and eventually entered into service with the NSW Mounted Police. "Toby" is a real gem and a credit to horse-kind. Hopefully he is enjoying his retirement now and that Tiff and her family are doing well.
September 3, 2024
I’m not a horse person but this is a beautiful heartwarming story. Very enjoyable
November 12, 2024
A nice story. Easy to read. One for horselovers.
June 1, 2024
Loved this book from start to finish. It resonated with my own daughters, who I could always see as part of the Mounted Police, having had an extreme passion for horses from a similar age to Tiff. Thank you Tiff, for sharing your beautiful journey with us and for the laughter and the tears along the way.
July 23, 2024
This book is a fantastic, heart warming true story. Loved learning about Toby and Tiffany's adventures and how lucky they were to have their lives cross paths. Easy to read. What an amazing bond they have.
January 23, 2024
SECOND CHANCE
By Diana Thurgood
If you’re up for a (mostly) feel good story, have I got one for you and, if you like animals, this is a must read.
A truly extraordinary tale about a horse that was literally less than 48 hours from dying and how he rose to fame in the N.S.W. police force mounted unit, the oldest in the world.
The horse’s name is Toby and Toby won the heart of Tiff, who originally went to a property to buy another horse named Bundy, which she did. However, she couldn’t get Toby and the almost life-ending state that he was in due to lack of feeding. She went back the next day and bought him and that was a tale in itself.
In fact, most chapters would almost be a book by themselves.
Toby’s problem was that apparently he was ugly (as a horse, dare I say!) but, as we’ve all heard, that’s only skin deep. This horse had substance beyond most others. His intelligence was paramount and, on one extraordinary occasion, he saved a woman from drowning, even though he’d never swum before.
There are characters in this book; Col, Tiff’s understanding husband, Sid, a horseman of deep insight who resided where Toby was initially boarded after his purchase and Don, the head of the N.S.W. Mounted Police who all had significant parts to play in Toby’s success story.
You ride with Toby all the way and want to pat him to congratulate him and congratulate Tiff on how they faced the world and overcame so many obstacles before he became a star of the force.
Sadly, mainly due to his breed who have a weakness, he had to be retired somewhat early but his stamp on the world is one that will last forever; bit like his owner really, who has succumbed to numerous falls off horses and works mainly on desk duties but is also the principal buyer for horses for the police.
It’s a wonderful story and gets my highest recommendation.
By Diana Thurgood
If you’re up for a (mostly) feel good story, have I got one for you and, if you like animals, this is a must read.
A truly extraordinary tale about a horse that was literally less than 48 hours from dying and how he rose to fame in the N.S.W. police force mounted unit, the oldest in the world.
The horse’s name is Toby and Toby won the heart of Tiff, who originally went to a property to buy another horse named Bundy, which she did. However, she couldn’t get Toby and the almost life-ending state that he was in due to lack of feeding. She went back the next day and bought him and that was a tale in itself.
In fact, most chapters would almost be a book by themselves.
Toby’s problem was that apparently he was ugly (as a horse, dare I say!) but, as we’ve all heard, that’s only skin deep. This horse had substance beyond most others. His intelligence was paramount and, on one extraordinary occasion, he saved a woman from drowning, even though he’d never swum before.
There are characters in this book; Col, Tiff’s understanding husband, Sid, a horseman of deep insight who resided where Toby was initially boarded after his purchase and Don, the head of the N.S.W. Mounted Police who all had significant parts to play in Toby’s success story.
You ride with Toby all the way and want to pat him to congratulate him and congratulate Tiff on how they faced the world and overcame so many obstacles before he became a star of the force.
Sadly, mainly due to his breed who have a weakness, he had to be retired somewhat early but his stamp on the world is one that will last forever; bit like his owner really, who has succumbed to numerous falls off horses and works mainly on desk duties but is also the principal buyer for horses for the police.
It’s a wonderful story and gets my highest recommendation.
January 28, 2026
A life-affirming true story of kindness, courage and one horse's extraordinary journey from a derelict paddock to the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police.
On a hot summer's day in Northern New South Wales, Mounted Police officer Tiffany spotted an advertisement for a horse in the local paper – a Clydesdale-cross for a price almost too good to be true. On a whim, she and her husband drove out to see him.
Arriving at a drought-stricken farm, they bought the bargain-priced horse, but also discovered his brother, Toby – a badly neglected, ungainly horse bound for the knackery. The connection between Toby and Tiff was instant, and he turned out to be the most remarkable horse she'd ever encountered. A split-second decision sparked an astonishing journey from a brutal life in a desolate paddock to a flourishing career within the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police.
This moving true story about the extraordinary bond between horses and the humans who care for them reveals the power and the potential of a simple second chance.
On a hot summer's day in Northern New South Wales, Mounted Police officer Tiffany spotted an advertisement for a horse in the local paper – a Clydesdale-cross for a price almost too good to be true. On a whim, she and her husband drove out to see him.
Arriving at a drought-stricken farm, they bought the bargain-priced horse, but also discovered his brother, Toby – a badly neglected, ungainly horse bound for the knackery. The connection between Toby and Tiff was instant, and he turned out to be the most remarkable horse she'd ever encountered. A split-second decision sparked an astonishing journey from a brutal life in a desolate paddock to a flourishing career within the esteemed stables of the Mounted Police.
This moving true story about the extraordinary bond between horses and the humans who care for them reveals the power and the potential of a simple second chance.
April 17, 2025
Anybody that has ever felt the kinship of an animal can relate to the story of Tiff and Toby, Second chance is ultimately a story of adversity and strength. A true and heart-warming story of an Australian underdog persevering.
There are so many things in this book that I can relate to myself and my own kinship with all of the pets I've owned in my life. It makes you reflect on every split-second decision and risk you've taken, those very risks shape who we are.
This is definitely a recommended read.
There are so many things in this book that I can relate to myself and my own kinship with all of the pets I've owned in my life. It makes you reflect on every split-second decision and risk you've taken, those very risks shape who we are.
This is definitely a recommended read.
May 27, 2025
Who doesn't love an underdog story or, in this case, an underhorse!!!
My mother in law gave me this book knowing it would be something I would enjoy. And I did. 4 stars as I struggled with the timeline at the start it jumped around a bit and I found myself being confused at what stage of the main character life we were at but once it flowed chronologically I thoroughly enjoy it.
Both the human and horse had many challenges along their stories.
I'm glad I stuck with it too the end and I'm so glad Diana put this horses story into a book for us all to enjoy 😉
My mother in law gave me this book knowing it would be something I would enjoy. And I did. 4 stars as I struggled with the timeline at the start it jumped around a bit and I found myself being confused at what stage of the main character life we were at but once it flowed chronologically I thoroughly enjoy it.
Both the human and horse had many challenges along their stories.
I'm glad I stuck with it too the end and I'm so glad Diana put this horses story into a book for us all to enjoy 😉
May 9, 2024
What an absolutely heartwarming story this was.
It certainly was destiny that drew Tiff to look at Bundy and then found Toby.
I was totally invested in Toby's recovery and training.
Poor Sid, losing both Jock and then Clyde as he did. He sounded like such a wonderful character.
I can't remember where I heard about this book now but I'm so glad I did.
It certainly was a story that needed to be told.
It certainly was destiny that drew Tiff to look at Bundy and then found Toby.
I was totally invested in Toby's recovery and training.
Poor Sid, losing both Jock and then Clyde as he did. He sounded like such a wonderful character.
I can't remember where I heard about this book now but I'm so glad I did.
It certainly was a story that needed to be told.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
Amazing story of a horse headed for the knackers yard that ends up the highest ranking police horse in Sydney.
I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming and came to me at the right time in my life as I’ve just adopted a horse myself and have written about the experience.
I particularly liked the author’s style which was tender and sensitive, portraying all the people who Toby was cared for by skilfully.
Really recommend this one, particularly if, like me, you’re a horse lover.
I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming and came to me at the right time in my life as I’ve just adopted a horse myself and have written about the experience.
I particularly liked the author’s style which was tender and sensitive, portraying all the people who Toby was cared for by skilfully.
Really recommend this one, particularly if, like me, you’re a horse lover.
January 31, 2024
Made me laugh and cry. A beautiful true story about the bond between a horse and owner and how they gave each other a second change at life.
Definitely a must read for any horse lover (or any animal lover for that matter)
Definitely a must read for any horse lover (or any animal lover for that matter)
April 27, 2024
Nice story because I’m a horsey girl but on the other hand it was kind of boring. I did read it quickly as it kept me interested due to the fact it was a true story but if it wasn’t for the horse I doubt I’d finish it but to be fair it's not what I'd normally read. At least nothing that bad happened which I wouldn't have liked!
May 3, 2024
This is a feel good, true story that I will never forget. A horse off to a bad start in life, a young woman living life by the seat of her pants and finding each other, saddled up, started living their best lives. I think every teen should read this story.
March 29, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Such an amazing story told with skill and humanity.
You don’t have to love animals to love this book but animal lovers will absolutely love it.
Can’t wait for Diana’s next book!
You don’t have to love animals to love this book but animal lovers will absolutely love it.
Can’t wait for Diana’s next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews