Pippin the pony could have fallen into a mine-shaft along the Buckland River or been bitten by a snake after wandering off from the Ah Young's campsite.

Following three years of Pippin training with 12-year-old Angel - helping to abate scoliosis linked to the boy's cerebral palsy - the prospect of losing Pippin was devastating.

They were in fact camping to prepare for a Bicentennial Trail trek with Pippin next year, further supporting Angel's independence.

After Mrs Yeomans searched for two days with her husband, Tom Mullinar, she relayed her despondency to good friend Cassandra Thieme.

"I didn't sleep at all, the first night," Mrs Yeomans said.

"There was so much preparation, and when that happened I just broke, and my friend said, 'No, you're not giving up! I've watched you prepare for this for two years'"

Ms Thieme launched a request for help on Facebook, and the family could never have imagined the response.

Mr Mullinar estimated a couple hundred people gave their support to a search.

"There were those searching to those behind the scenes organising a food drive," he said.

"Some were trackers, there were people from the hunting community who knew the area.

"Just having that support around was incredibly helpful for us psychologically."

Tears were shared by many, including those who were at the campsite with Pippin when the family ducked to the river for 10 minutes, when the cheeky pony was finally found on Friday.

"We were looking in this bushy area where someone had suggested and it wasn't far from the camp," Mr Mullinar said.

"It was up a hill, which was unusual because it would have been hard for Pippin to get up it while hobbled.

"We were coming back down the hill to go home basically, and we heard his bell.

"We both stopped and said, 'Did you hear that?', and then heard him coming down.

"The excitement was incredible - we'd both lost hope."

The jubilation was shared by Angel.

"I'm happy we found Pippin," he said.

"I like riding. We go a few times a month. We go to the national forest."

The strength Angel demonstrates now is in stark contrast doctors' predictions at four days old he would have no voluntary movement.

"I was concerned that he was developing a scoliosis ... the Royal Children's said anything that improves his core strength was going to help," Mrs Yeomans said.

"That was the idea behind the trail, and to give a sense of independence.

"We originally had to have people holding each of Angel's legs and the back of his clothes because he was that wobbly."

But after three years of riding and training with occupational therapist Ruby Rowat, Angel can sit independently.

He is mostly looking forward to the Bicentennial Trail journey, which will happen early next year, COVID-permitting.

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"I don't know if it will be fun or boring. It might be a bit of both," Angel said.

The family shared their thanks to everyone who supported their cause, including those who have now donated a gofundme created by Ms Thieme to support the trail journey.

"The support was incredible and we are so thankful," Mr Mullinar said.