WHEN the BBC's Animal Hospital featured Homer, whose ill-treatment and neglect had led to a head collar becoming embedded in his face and other wounds, the nation took him to its heart. Homer became a celebrity as the programme followed his recovery. Now he lives at the International League for the Protection of Horses' Glenda Spooner Farm in Herefordshire, which is where Andrea Calvesbert caught up with him.

Poor Homer has been bedevilled by one problem after another since the TV cameras left but slowly and surely he is recovering - testament not only to his spirit but also to the skill and dedication of those looking after him.

He recently had an operation to remove an abscess from his sinus, having suffered from problems off and on for over a year, however the vets don't think this problem resulted from the injuries caused by the headcollar.

He still has some infection in one area of the operation scar and also a fair amount of swelling which could take months to reduce, but he will probably have some permanent 'lumps and bumps' as a result of the surgery.

Not ready for rehoming, Homer is part of the centre's Adoption Scheme and at the last count had 385 adopters - evidence of the star quality of this horse ILPH's Janet Dale describes as a real 'people person'.

"He seems to have an ability to click with everyone he meets and he's always happy to pose for photos," she says. "When he was ill we were overwhelmed by the number of people who phoned and sent cards and donations to help pay for all the treatment he needed. I'm constantly amazed by how well-known he is - it's easy to forget when you're in the presence of a superstar 24/7! I don't think anyone realised just how much of an impact Animal Hospital would have." Very much a gelding of leisure, Homer's typical day will start with breakfast - and he loves his food! He has his medication and then his operation scars cleaned before being turned out.

He comes in mid-afternoon so there is time to scrape mud off him and clean his face again if necessary before tea and bed. He's always around the yard on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11-4 when the farm is open for visitors as he loves to meet fans.

Apart from his penchant for rolling in mud, Janet reckons they could all learn something from Homer.

"He has been through so much in his short life yet he neither bears a grudge nor treats anyone any differently," she says.