Farmer Robert was left tearful in a recent episode of Channel 5's Springtime on the Farm after confirming that Ruby the horse would need to be euthanised. The decision was made back in July, when Robert shared the news with fans on Instagram.
"We've reached the end of Ruby's road, unfortunately. [Our horse vet] Marco's been out this morning, and Ruby's on three legs," he told followers. "I just can't, in good conscience, keep her going like that," he admitted, adding that he trusted Marco's judgement: "I'm not going to stand in his way, because he knows his stuff. He's a great horse vet, and he's a really good guy. He knows that Ruby's race is run."
A family show with hard truths
Springtime on the Farm charts the ups and downs of daily life at Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire. The Channel 5 favourite is a family show, with Roger Nicholson and his three sons - Richard, Robert and David - working hard to keep the family business and their beloved animals well looked after. The programme gives fans an honest insight into the world of farming and never shies away from hard truths.
Over the years, the team has had to cope with heartbreaking tragedies, but they have always acted with kindness and love.
Remembering Lottie and Herkules
In February 2022, Cannon Hall Farm shared a sad update on its official website. Revealing that Lottie, a "giant 19-hand Shire" horse, was put to sleep after a "sudden decline in health," the team called her a "much-loved part of the family".
More recently, in June 2025, it was confirmed that three-year-old stallion Herkules had also died. Farmer Rob explained that his passing had left the Nicholson family's hearts "filled with sadness" after he struggled to recover from colic.
Personal challenges for the team
The people at Cannon Hall Farm make it what it is, and the team have also spoken about some of the personal challenges they have faced. In April, Anita, the wife of farmer David, confirmed that she was running a marathon for the British Heart Foundation in honour of her brother, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 48.
Speaking to the Barnsley Chronicle, Anita said: "I turned 60 this year and wanted to do something to mark that milestone and to honour Brian as I'm so very aware that he never got the chance to enjoy all the years that I have, and he is very dearly missed. Running for the British Heart Foundation makes me feel like I'm doing something positive through helping to fund research that can help others."
Another member of the team affected by family illness is Ruth, whose husband was recently diagnosed with cancer. In a heartbreaking Instagram post, Cannon Hall Farm told fans: "Whether you have met her on the farm, watched her caring for the animals online, or simply seen the warmth and dedication she brings to her work, you will know that Farmer Ruth is a very special part of the Cannon Hall Farm family."
The post continued: "Recently, Ruth and her family received devastating news. Her husband, Dave, has been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and is currently undergoing intensive treatment, including daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If you'd like to contribute to the fundraiser set up by our supporters for Ruth, you can do so here. The money raised will be there for Ruth and her family to use in whatever way helps them most in the months ahead."
