Latest from Horse & Hound in Charity

Advice for horse owners who are really struggling financially – where to find helpful information if you can’t make ends meet

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:47:07 +0000

Do you feel like you can’t afford to keep your horse? Or perhaps you know someone in this situation? Online searches for “putting horses down for financial reasons” has increased by 133% in the last year, so the sad reality is that there are many people in this situation.

Many kinds of hardship – joblessness, the cost of living crisis or unexpected vet bills – could leave horse owners struggling financially. Saving money on horse costs can help to a point, but extreme financial pressures can leave owners facing painful decisions, such as feeding themselves and their family or their horse.

“More owners are reaching out for help and advice, especially as rising hay prices and bedding costs are being passed on to the consumer and the average price of livery increases,” explains Amanda Berry, head of equine operations at HAPPA.

Although she reports that the cost of living is having a “huge impact” on owners’ circumstances, Amanda adds that calls to HAPPA cite other personal difficulties, too.

“We are currently receiving a higher-than-average number of calls and emails from owners wanting to relinquish ownership. Ill health is the top factor, whether their own or a family member’s, rather than financial difficulties.

“Divorce and redundancy are also contributory factors for owners reaching out for help.”

Anne Whitehorn, welfare operations manager at Redwings, says the charity receives between 25 and 30 requests to take in horses a month.

“Priority for our very limited sanctuary spaces is given to those who need our specialist care, so sadly Redwings is unable to offer homes on request,” she said. “However, we are available to talk through owners’ circumstances and signpost options as best we can.”

The rising cost of hay and haylage is just one of the many financial challenges to owners this winter. (Image credit: Alamy/M J Perris)

Can I get financial support?

Unfortunately, there is no fund available for owners in financial hardship, says Fran Windle, UK support officer at World Horse Welfare.

“Although we cannot directly contribute financial support, our advice line is available in office hours on 01953 497238,” explains Fran. “Our friendly team will happily discuss a situation and offer advice and guidance to anyone struggling to care for their horses.

“Owners can also request a call from one of our team using the form available on our Help for Horse Owners page.”

Anne adds that advice for horse owners struggling financially is available from Redwings’ welfare line.

“We offer a non-judgemental ear that people often say is a great help in itself. Anyone wishing to call Redwings’ welfare line can do so on 01508 481008 or 01508 505246. Or, send us an email at welfare@redwings.co.uk.”

Will a charity take my horse on?

Amanda adds that charities’ limited resources mean they cannot take every horse on, and must prioritise cases in which the Animal Welfare Act 2006 is enforced.

“Charities that belong to the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) each have their own intake criteria,” she explains. “It is worth contacting each one individually and finding out if they have room.”

She recommends seeking advice from an equine charity.

“For those who want to relinquish ownership of an ex-racehorse, it is worth contacting Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). They provide funding for vulnerable thoroughbreds who began in the racing industry.

“HAPPA is a registered RoR centre, and can assist anyone who wants to rehome an ex-racehorse.”

Additionally, she suggests Horses 4 Homes, which facilitates the safe rehoming of equines.

“It aims to safely and effectively rehome and loan horses via its online listing and application platform.”

Fran echoes Amanda’s advice.

“World Horse Welfare and other charities will be very happy to provide advice and support,” she tells H&H.

“The Blue Cross Home Direct Scheme can help owners find new homes for horses if they are no longer able to care for them.”

Horse charities offer advice for horse owners struggling financially by phone, email or on their websites. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

How can I rehome my horse?

Horse owners struggling financially might consider loaning out their horse.

“When rehoming privately, ensure that it is undertaken responsibly and is done with a written agreement in place to identify both parties’ responsibilities,” says Amanda.

“Remember that as the lawful owner, you have a secondary responsibility to ensure a duty of care. Ensure that you keep in touch with the loanee and can visit to evidence that the horse is cared for responsibly.

“Also consider they might ask you to take the horse back at short notice.”

The charities advise owners who wish to sell or give away their horse to consider the risks.

Amanda advises that a horse with a job is much easier to rehome.

“For a horse that has a value and is in work, or is field sound and able to be a companion, then the option to sell on the open market is a sensible choice,” she says.

For some horses “free to a good home” may mean an insecure future. (Image credit: Alamy/Tim Gainey)

When it comes to giving horses away, Fran advises extreme caution.

“Be very mindful that as soon as the horse is out of your care, you have no control over their future wellbeing,” she warns. “We would always advise researching any potential new home very carefully – especially for a non-ridden horse.”

She says if a situation sounds too good to be true, alarm bells should ring.

What if my horse is elderly, sick or injured?

Owners in financial hardship might experience the devastating situation in which their old or ill horse’s specialist care is far beyond their means.

Difficult as it might be to think about, Fran says that euthanasia may be better for some horses than an uncertain fate.

“Sadly, we see too many cases where horses who can’t be ridden are passed along until they end up in a really poor situation.”

Anne shares these sentiments. “If the horse is older and has underlying health conditions, then euthanasia might be the best choice to make for them.

“Sometimes owners need reassurance from someone else that euthanasia may be the most appropriate choice for their horse. Hearing this from us can help relieve some of the pressure they feel when considering this as the kindest option.”

The BHS Friends At The End scheme offers support horse owners when it is time to say goodbye to their beloved equine companion. They provide free, confidential support to horse owners, carers, sharers, and loaners before, during and after the death or loss of a horse so that you don’t have to go through it alone.

Equine advice and support lines for horse owners

If you’re currently struggling to cover the costs of your horse’s care, then there is advice and support available to help you decide the right steps for you and your horse at this time.

BHS Friends At The End – 02476 840517
Blue Cross care team – 0300 790 9903
HAPPA – 01282 455992
Mare and Foal Sanctuary – 01626 355969
Retraining of Racehorses helpline – 01488 648998
Redwings welfare line – 01508 481008
World Horse Welfare advice line – 01953 497238

For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Fancy meeting Jagerbomb or a lesson with Pippa Funnell? Equestrian heroes back charity auction

Lucy Elder — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:08:05 +0000

The opportunity to train with eventing legend Pippa Funnell and to meet dressage hero Jagerbomb are on offer to help raise money for research into cancer.

Riders Leigh Smallacombe and Jo Moore are running a silent auction in aid of Cancer Research UK and have already beaten their fundraising target.

Lots include lessons with Pippa Funnell, Alex Bragg and Pammy Hutton, a meet and greet with Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, LeMieux goodies, sporting memorabilia, trips away, pet portrait sessions, event tickets, and more. All money raised will go to the charity.

“After having lots of close friends and family affected by cancer over the last year or so, Jo and I decided we needed to contribute,” Leigh told H&H.

“As a showjumper myself, I knew that the equestrian community would pull together so I reached out to some top names and asked for donations – as predicted they didn’t disappoint.”

Leigh added that she has been “totally overwhelmed” with the donations and there are “fantastic items” on offer from top names.

“These wonderful people never hesitated and having some of the top names donate makes us feel really proud to be an equestrian,” she said.

“Our aim was to raise £1,000 by the closing date of 22 December, but again equestrians have been amazing and we are already over our target!”

She added: “It’s so rewarding to see the community pull together and support a charity close to so many people’s hearts.

“Cancer Research UK is so important, and Jo and I would like to think that the auction will become a yearly event with more and more equestrians getting involved.”

For information and to bid, visit: https://uk.givergy.com/noregrets/

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Christmas cards – with a horsey twist, of course

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:17:11 +0000

I’m a traditional and love sending (and receiving!) a card, whether it’s Christmas, birthday or ‘thinking of you’. If you’re the same, why not let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them this year with one of our favourite horse Christmas cards. Many Christmas cards also support a charity and if you would specifically like to support an equine or equestrian cause, you can jump down to view the cards that support horsey charities.

Some cards are sold individually making them perfect for a special someone, while others are sold as a pack to send out to all your friends, so make sure you check you have the right amount before you buy.

My favourite horsey Christmas cards for 2025

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Thelwell Christmas Assorted Multipack

Pack size: Eight

View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Pony Nut Gifts ‘Santa’s Helper’

Pack size: Single, two, four or 10

View now at etsy.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Pony Nut Gifts Shetlands In Christmas Jumpers

Pack size: Single, two, four or 10

View now at etsy.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Donkey & Robin

Pack size: 10

In aid of Marie Curie and Save The Children.

View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Art Beat ‘Charity Nibbles’

Pack size: 6

In aid of Shelter.

View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Wrendale Designs ‘One Horse Open Sleigh’

Pack size: Up to 30

View now at amazon.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shetland Pony with Fairy Lights

Pack size: Up to ten

View now at etsy.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Thelwell ‘Showjumping Santa’

Pack size: Single

View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘Christmas Jumper’

Pack size: Up to 48

View now at etsy.com

Christmas cards supporting horsey charities

These cards are listed alphabetically by charity name.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Blue Cross

‘A gallop in the snow’

£5.99 for 10 or £15.45 for 30

View now at shop.bluecross.org.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Bransby Horses

‘Letters to Santa’

£4.25 for 10

View now at bransbyhorses.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre

‘Snowy Muzzle’

£6 for 10

View now at britishtrc.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Donkey Sanctuary

‘Festive Gathering’

£4.95 for 10

View now at thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equine Grass Sickness Fund

‘Best friends’

£2 for 10

View now at grasssickness.org.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Horse and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA)

‘Shetland in the snow’

£3.50 for 10

View now at happadirect.co.uk

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The Horse Trust

‘Samson in the snow’

£5 for 10

View now at horsetrust.org.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Injured Jockeys Fund

‘December Dawn’ by Caroline Cook

£8.50 for 10

View now at shop.ijf.org.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mare & Foal Sanctuary

‘Christmas Morning’

£4.99 for 10

View now at mareandfoal.org

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund

‘All is bright’ by Debbie Askew

£5.60 (including delivery) for 10

View now at mdirf.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Northcote Horses

‘Christmas Companions’ by Diane Smith

£5.50 for 10

View now at northcotehorses.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Redwings

‘Winter Fjord Pony’

£4 for 10

View now at redwings.org.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ride High

‘I asked for hay… not a sleigh!’

£5 for 10

View now at ridehigh.org

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust

‘To the stable’ by Jonathan Armigel Wade

£8 for 10

View now at thevoiceofracing.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

World Horse Welfare

‘Dancer building a snowman’

£4.50 for 10

View now at shop.worldhorsewelfare.org

What is the last posting date for Christmas?

To get your 2025 greeting cards to their destination in time for Christmas, the last guaranteed Royal Mail posting date is Wednesday 17 December (2nd class) and Saturday 20 December (1st class and Signed For).

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Amateur eventer aims for charity race with stoma: ‘I’d love to show another rider facing something similar what’s possible’

Pippa Roome — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:48:50 +0000

Amateur event rider Erin Donnelly is aiming to ride in her first charity race this autumn – and to raise awareness around enjoying a full, active life with a stoma.

A stoma or ostomy is an opening on the surface of the abdomen which has been surgically created to divert the flow of faeces or urine when a health problem means waste can no longer leave the body via the normal channels. People with stomas wear a bag on their abdomen to collect the faeces or urine, which they empty and change as needed. It is estimated that one in 335 people in the UK live with a stoma, according to charity Colostomy UK.

Erin, 26, has an ileostomy, which is a type of stoma where the opening is from the small intestine to let out faeces.

“In April 2021, I thought I had a stomach bug – I lost 10kg in 10 days, at which point my Mum said, ‘I think we need to go to hospital’,” said Erin, who was diagnosed with acute onset Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

“After three weeks of drugs, they started to talk about surgery. It was very quick – on Thursday they said they thought they were going to have to give me a stoma and take out my large intestine. Mum said surely there was something else they could do, but they said they didn’t think I would live to see Monday if we waited even over the weekend.

“I woke up feeling like a new person – so much better – and my first thought was how soon could I get back on a horse. My surgeon was amazing and said he thought I could be back riding within six weeks.”

Perthshire-based Erin has ridden since she was three and competes at British Eventing grassroots level with the now 20-year-old Irish Sports Horse Sherrygroom Clover Lad.

She said: “I had an amazing year when I started eventing again after getting my stoma – I did a BE90 and thought maybe I could get to the one-star Blair at in August. It was so emotional when I did because I didn’t even think I’d be eventing again.”

Erin Donnelly competing at Blair Castle. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Taking on a charity race with a stoma

Erin has also loved racing since she was young and at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, some friends went to a thoroughbred sale, where they bought five horses instead of one because prices were so low. They offered one to Erin and her mother Rhona, saying they thought the yearling – Split Stone, known as Marco – would develop into a good event horse.

“I broke him in myself and then we went to trainer Nick Alexander and asked if he’d have our scrawny thoroughbred – he ran in a few races but wasn’t very successful,” said Erin.

Erin’s charity Flat race is on 31 October at Wetherby, in aid of the British Horse Society.

“A friend did it last year, we went to watch and I thought, ‘I have to give it a go’. It’s only over a mile so there’s not much tactics involved, you just need to go for it,” she said. “We have to pass the jockey fitness test on 18 September, which I think is the hardest part.”

Erin originally intended to ride Marco in the race, but he has had a couple of nosebleeds so she now intends to transition the six-year-old into eventing and is on the look out for a horse to ride in the race. She is riding out at Nick Alexander’s yard to get fit.

“I used to go and ride Marco there and they are the most welcoming team,” said Erin, who fits in riding around working as a mechanical engineer in the water industry for RSE.

“It’s a hard job but I really enjoy it and they are very good about flexibility if I say something like, ‘I’ve got to go this afternoon, my horse has the dentist’.”

“I’d love to show another rider you can live a normal life with a stoma”

Stomas can be permanent or reversible; Erin’s is permanent and she has also had surgery to sew up her rectum.

Asked about the challenges of having a stoma operation and continuing to ride, she said: “One that people find really funny is that before the surgery I took my Pikeur jodphurs into the hospital to make sure I got it in the right position under them.

“When I was breaking in Marco and having to lie over him I was conscious of it – it’s those things you don’t expect. When I think back to when I first got it, it was a case of let’s try a first canter and then let’s try a first jump. The lead-up to the first event back was nerve-wracking as I didn’t know if I’d have the same strength, but it felt like constantly ticking off milestones.

“The first year I was really protective and the first time I fell off I was like, ‘Thank goodness, now I can stop worrying about that’. The longer I have it, the more I just get on with it.

“I have had a couple of surgeries since, the most recent in June 2022, and that one really made me think I need to go and push myself even more than I did before I had it.”

Erin sees the charity race as an opportunity to show people what is possible with a stoma: “When I was told I needed a stoma, I didn’t know anybody with one, so it was a huge thing for me to see people see living a normal life with one – I’d love now to be that person for someone who rides horses and is looking at having a stoma and wondering if they can still do all these things.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘It was relentless, but event riders are a different breed’ – Piggy March on the mixed emotions of finishing charity bike challenge

Pippa Roome — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:34:05 +0000

Piggy March spoke on Saturday (30 November) about the mix of emotions on finishing the Cycle4Caroline challenge, a 1,100km bike ride set up in memory of her sister-in-law Caroline March, to raise money for Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust.

Piggy and her husband Tom, Caroline’s brother, were among the riders who left Blair Castle in Scotland on 20 November and arrived at The Savoy in London on Saturday, 10 days later, having raised over £280,000. It had been a very tough 10 days; the riders battling the worst winter weather, falls and injuries.

“It’s definitely tested us to the limits – in some ways, more than I expected, but then, I was actually terrified of trying to do it. I thought, ‘I don’t even know that I can get up these hills or to the end of these long days’, because I’m not a strong, fast cyclist,” Piggy said. “But in a group, I’ve climbed some hills that if I was training, there’s no chance I would have kept soldiering on up – I’d have got off and cried or had a strop. It’s different when it’s the real thing, you’re with such amazing people, you have the adrenaline. It’s like I always said to myself coming into this – my legs work, shut up, get on and do it.”

Piggy also spoke about her relief at making it to the end, particularly with a larger group cycling the final stretch from Windsor to London.

“I’m just really glad we’ve done it, we got to the end, and everybody is okay. I felt quite responsible for all that lot today, it’s not nice with the traffic on the bikes. It’s a bit scary.”

On the challenges the core riders have undertaken over the past two weeks, the double five-star winner said: “It was relentless. Some days the weather was hideous. But we’re event riders, we’re a different breed, aren’t we? Whatever the weather is, you go out and you do it, and we all have that mentality, even though it took you to places where I think we all thought, ‘Well, normal people might think this is not possible.’

“We would have walked it. We would have got to that destination that night or at 2am, or whatever it might have been. If there was a way, every single person in that group would have got there. The strength of people’s minds through the whole week is the extraordinary thing. But we know that in our sport anyway – it takes you to difficult places, so we are quite resilient.

“We got to the end. Caroline would have loved it. She would have loved doing something like that.”

Piggy said there were some “incredibly pleasurable moments” on the journey: “There were parts on a nice, flat bit of road, getting some miles knocked off and quizzing Scotty [Ian Stark] about all his experiences, his horses, his systems. I loved learning.”

Piggy March on Cycle4Caroline: “You see how much the charities need support”

Cycle4Caroline has raised over £283,000 and donations continue to come in. Piggy said: “It’s awful talking money and asking for money, but when you actually start getting involved with the charities, you see how much they need support. I’m just glad that this does just make a bit of a difference and hopefully the amount will rise again.

“There are still things we’ll do in the future to help, because we know how much it is needed, but not on a bike again. I’ve done that bit, never again. It’s been no secret all the way through that I found it bloody uncomfortable and not pleasant, but that’s good as well. You push yourself through pain and we’ve had a lot of pain for a while, but it’s actually quite nice that it’s on the outside of your feelings, if that makes sense.”

Piggy March said she has been “wired” during Cycle4Caroline, sleeping terribly and waking up thinking she was still pedalling.

She said: “I’ve been way more stressy than ever I was with the horses. I think we just wanted to get it done, everyone to be safe, money to be raised, and then hopefully, a little bit of closure. Caroline and this will never be forgotten, but we just tried to make something good out of bad.”

Donate to Cycle4Caroline

Enter a fundraising raffle to win a saddle

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‘We’ve gone through every emotion possible and dug deeper than ever before’: charity bike riders complete 1,100km

Pippa Roome — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 11:00:08 +0000

The Cycle4Caroline riders finished their 1100km journey yesterday afternoon (30 November) at the Savoy Hotel, London – and have so far raised £282,667 for Spinal Research and the British Eventing (BE) Support Trust.

The ride was set up by Tom March, in memory of his sister Caroline, who passed away by assisted suicide in March this year after sustaining life-changing injuries in an eventing fall in April 2022. Tom and his wife, double five-star winner Piggy March, were joined by seven other core cyclists for the whole ride, while guests took on some legs. Around 50 extra riders, including some equestrian celebrities, joined for the final section yesterday from Windsor to London.

Asked how he felt after finishing Tom said: “I don’t really know. Obviously, you’re relieved and you’re pleased to get there, but in funny way, when there are so many congratulations and this and that, you actually don’t really feel anything.

“Our son Max was dragging me off to go and show me the London Eye and Big Ben, which obviously we just cycled past. But suddenly it was just me and him and it was quiet and I nearly burst into tears. I don’t cry, but it was just thinking of everything that’s happened and what we’ve all been through, for the last 18 months, the last six months or so since Caroline’s gone, the last 10 days doing what we’ve all done. But anyway, before I could burst into tears, Max was then shouting at me to come over here, so you kind of snap back to reality again.

“I’m sure there will be a time when it all sinks in and you can process what we’ve done and all the rest of it. In the end, the idea was to take something that was horrific and try to achieve something positive. So, hopefully the money keeps climbing and there’ll be someone out there that it helps.”

Tom March and Ian Stark lead the Cycle4Caroline riders across the finish at the Savoy Hotel, London. (Image credit: Tilly Berendt Media)

Fellow core rider and event rider Holly Woodhead said: “A big part of me is very emotional that we’ve all done it as a team. We literally have put every single bit of heart and soul into that mammoth challenge. I’m actually quite sad that it’s finished, but also happy that I don’t have to get on a bike tomorrow.

“We’ve spent every minute of the day together and what’s shown on social media is only a tiny, tiny snippet. What has happened behind the scenes and the amount of effort and determination throughout has been insane, especially in the conditions we’ve had. When you can’t feel your face, your feet, your hands, everything, and you just look over and think, ‘Yeah, we’re all in it together’ that’s team spirit for sure.”

The BE Support Trust ball took place at the Savoy in the evening, where the cyclists were guests of honour, the fundraising continued and guests heard from two riders who have benefited from the charities being supported – Nicola Wilson, who suffered life-changing injuries in a fall in 2022, and Saffron Cresswell, who was paralysed from the chest down in a fall at Bramham Horse Trials this year.

In a speech at the ball, BE Support Trust chair Ian Stark – who persisted with the ride after breaking his thumb in a fall on the penultimate day – said: “I’ve hated it, I’ve loved it, I’ve gone through every emotion possible. We’ve been on a bike for nine or 10 hours a day, dug deeper than we’ve ever had to before. We have a group of people who I’d give anything for and who are lifelong friends. I hate to admit it but for Caroline and the charities, I’d probably do it again.”

The other core riders were Nicola’s husband Alastair (BE Support Trust patron), Piggy’s sister and five-star rider Nini French, Racesafe director and former event rider Tommy How and Catriona Williams, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Trust founder. Brett Bullimore, husband of championship rider Sarah, was forced to withdraw due to injury following a crash on day three.

Celebrities join Cycle4Caroline for final push

Among those who joined the ride yesterday were William Fox-Pitt, Zara Tindall, Tina Cook and showjumpers Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker.

“I’ve done a little bit of training, but so little, but it was just fantastic to be part of it and just an amazing vibe out there,” said William. “I’m much fresher, obviously, than the core riders and they must be exhausted – I can’t imagine how their bodies are coping, but what an amazing thing to have done. I just really hope for the team that they’ve raised a good bit of money because we’re here for Caroline and really good causes.”

Tina Cook was persuaded to join for the final leg by a phone call from Piggy, saying: “I do feel like a bit like a cheapskate, joining in just to do the last bit, but I don’t cycle anywhere. I live on the South Downs so I have no wish to get on a bicycle and cycle up a hill. I thought about joining at some point, but didn’t want to hold them up. I was a bit embarrassed about it.

“I haven’t practised at all to be honest and going up Richmond Hill was very, very steep. I hate doing something though I’m not prepared for. It was a bit like the hare and the tortoise – some, like Zara and the showjumping boys, set off quick, while I was with [commentator] John Kyle and [BE CEO] Rosie Williams and we set a good pace and kept to a good rhythm.

“So I did enjoy it and realised what I could do with absolutely zero training. But I have utmost respect for those guys – to think that they were cycling two or three times the distance we did – and that would just be one day. No wonder they look absolutely exhausted. They’ve dug really deep and found a different side to themselves that they probably didn’t even imagine they had.”

Donate to Cycle4Caroline

Enter a fundraising raffle to win a saddle

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Riders host Macmillan coffee morning ‘with a difference’ – and raise more than £2,000

Becky Murray — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 11:25:54 +0000

Riders have held a Macmillan coffee morning “with a difference” raising more than £2,000 for charity – while showing the public the joy of horses.

On 28 September coach and saddle fitter Steph Bradley welcomed around 75 guests to her yard in Wrexham, where she hosted a quadrille display in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Two years ago I decided to hold a Macmillan coffee morning, but this year I thought I needed to make it a coffee morning with a difference,” Steph told H&H.

“With all the social licence discussions going on, I thought it would be lovely to get people from the local village and surrounding areas to come and see everyday riders and their horses having a good time, riding to music, and for them to see the horses enjoying it.”

A group of local riders took part; Steph and her daughter Fran, Sioned Roberts, Jess Thomas, Helen Connolly, Maggie Maloney, Max Cookson-Johnson, Ezmae Lockwood, Harriet Brimage, and Nikita Sullivan.

Steph designed a floorplan to music performed by the group, and Steph and her daughter rode a pas de deux with their horses Beau and Sydney. There was also hobby horse showjumping for the children – plus coffee and cake.

Steph said “this year’s coffee morning had even more meaning” – with Steph, Sioned, and Max all being affected by cancer.

“Earlier this year my vet noticed that I had a darker freckle on my head and he said I should get it checked. I was diagnosed with melanoma and in May I had a great big chunk of my temple taken away and a skin graft. I have a lovely scar on my head now, but I am free of the melanoma,” she said.

“We also had two amazing inspirational cancer warriors riding, 12-year-old Max and our lovely friend Sioned.”

There were two guests of honour on the day – para dressage star Georgia Wilson, who brought her silver and bronze Paris Paralympics medals along – and Steph’s Macmillan nurse Jeni Jones.

“I was really emotional after riding the pas de deux with Francesca, then Jeni walked up to me and said ‘Hello’, and I was in tears,” said Steph.

“I was one of Jeni’s last patients before she went on maternity leave so I had no idea whether she’d get the message and make it along, so for her to come with her newborn baby and her husband was so special.”

The day raised £2,074 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“We’ve broken our record which is great. It’s just nice to raise some money. There can be this perception about equestrians being a bit elitist, so it was lovely to show ‘Bob the cobs’ trotting round having a lovely time, and doing a really super job,” said Steph.

“I’m not sure how we’ll top it next year.”

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‘Sad news’ as Bransby Horses confirms reduction in staff – and plans to reduce equine numbers

Becky Murray — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:15:45 +0000

Bransby Horses has confirmed that 17 team members will leave the charity – as its restructure consultation to address a forecasted £2.5m deficit concludes.

In June the charity announced the “extremely difficult decision” to put 17 jobs at risk of redundancy following a strategic review to address the “unsustainable” forecasted losses.

Today (28 August) a Bransby spokesperson confirmed the “sad news that it is losing 17 valued team members” after the financial challenges left the charity with “no choice but to restructure its operations”.

Bransby chief executive Jo Snell said “any process of this kind is always difficult”.

“We’ve worked closely and collaboratively with everyone affected to ensure colleagues were fully supported and to minimise compulsory redundancies wherever possible,” she said.

“While these 17 roles are no longer part of the structure, we’ve been able to significantly reduce the number of compulsory redundancies to just two through our voluntary redundancy scheme, redeployment efforts and natural attrition; 14 team members opted for voluntary redundancy and one additional employee has chosen to leave to pursue new opportunities.”

Ms Snell added that since announcing the restructure the team had been “incredibly moved by the public support”.

“Their support and generosity mean the world to us and we’re enormously grateful to the many people who have got in touch with offers of help or suggestions on how we can generate more income, all of which we’re reviewing and exploring where practically possible,” she said. .

“Bransby Horses has been transforming the lives of equines for more than 50 years and we believe our new operating model will ensure we’re able to continue to deliver on every aspect of our important work, albeit at a slightly reduced scale in some cases, while significantly easing the financial pressures we’re currently facing.”

The charity will continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses – but it “anticipates” that its 290 resident equines at seven yards will reduce to approximately 250 equines at five yards over the next 12 months. The visitor centre will remain open.

The Bransby spokesperson said the charity aims to offset this reduction in numbers through its continued partnerships with fosterers and equine welfare partners, as well as “by resolving as many welfare concerns in the community as possible”.

It is anticipated the charity’s new operating model will “deliver much-needed savings amounting to £1.3m”. Phase two of the project, which involves reviewing assets and facilities, is under way to identify any further cost reduction or income generation opportunities. The review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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Cycle ride along UK’s longest bridleway to raise money for paralysed event rider

Pippa Roome — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:26:58 +0000

Friends and family are undertaking a five-day cycle ride, Cycling for Saffron, along the UK’s longest bridleway to raise money for injured young event rider Saffron Cresswell.

Saffron, 23, became paralysed in a fall while competing in the under-25 CCI4*-L at Bramham Horse Trials in June and will require specialist high-tech rehabilitation to enable her to live life to the fullest, following the NHS’s support.

The ride will take place over five days, from 7-12 October, when the riders will cycle 205 miles along The Pennine Bridleway from Derbyshire, through the Yorkshire Dales, to Cumbria.

“We hope you can support as generously as possible on this crazy adventure we are about to undertake to help Saffron with her very long road ahead. If not, we would love to be waved on along the way,” said the riders who are cycling for Saffron.

Sarah Franklin, who is coordinating Cycling for Saffron, said: “Saffron has taken me and my home-bred boy Up Mulberry Street on the most amazing journey in eventing right through to CCI4*-L level, an adventure that I never imagined I would experience. Now, I wholeheartedly wish to support Saffron on her current journey.”

Saffron shared an update on Facebook this week in which she said that she is still in Pinderfields Hospital, just over 10 weeks after her fall, and will be there for about another eight weeks.

“I have learnt many things in this time with the help of the wonderful physios, how to dress myself and wash myself, how to put my shoes on, tie up my hair and get out of bed being a few of the very basic tasks that we take for granted,” she said.

“I have also more recently learnt how to get in and out of a car with help, how to pull a wheelie in my wheelchair and how to turn myself in bed.

“I am doing my best in my rehab. I go to the gym every day and am enjoying that side of things and they are trying to get my body in the standing position to try and help my blood pressure, which has been one of my biggest problems since my injury.

“I am going to try hard for the next eight weeks and I’m sure for a very long time after to see if I can get my legs working at all again.”

Saffron said she “could not be more grateful” to the British Eventing Support Trust for their help and also thanked her “wonderful friends and family”.

Sponsor Cycling for Saffron here or check out the Facebook page here

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‘I was lost and grieving, I needed a challenge’ – Piggy March on 1100km charity cycle ride

Pippa Roome — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:49:22 +0000

Piggy March has spoken about why she’s taking part in the 1100km Cycle4Caroline bike ride, in aid of Spinal Research and the British Eventing (BE) Support Trust, and in memory of her sister-in-law Caroline March.

The Badminton and Burghley winner said at the launch of the event yesterday (19 August): “I’ve been eventing for 25 or 30 years and I love our sport, but I’ve realised over the past few years how fine the line is between enjoying a wonderful sport – not worrying about anything but whether you’ve won a rosette or had two fences down – and what really matters, which is family life, the people you care about. And I’ve seen how easily things can go wrong.”

She added: “I hate exercise, but I was mentally lost at the beginning of the year. I didn’t have any horses to aim for the Olympics and I was lost and grieving. I needed a challenge.”

Cycle4Caroline will involved Piggy March, her husband Tom and six other riders cycling from Blair Castle to London from 20-30 November, with the aim of raising £500,000 for the charities involved.

“It was important we did something that is going to be tough – to say, ‘Shut up, you’re lucky to have legs that still work, get to the top of that hill’,” said Piggy. “It’s important to put something back into the sport, to help other families in the future and give people the best possible quality of life after a serious accident.”

Piggy said she and bicycles are not natural friends: “I’d not been on a bike for years before we started training and one of my first memories is falling off a bike and breaking my nose when I was about eight years old.”

She added that she is used to sitting on a horse so the forward position of being crouched over handlebars is a different sort of conditioning for her body.

“I keep having to get off and lie down,” she said.

The riders are scheduled to arrive at the Savoy Hotel in London on 30 November, in time for the BE Support Trust ball at the venue that evening.

“I said to Tom, ‘Can’t we arrive a few days earlier?’ If we get to the Savoy for the ball and are still able to walk and talk and hold a glass of champagne, it’ll be a small miracle!” said Piggy.

Find out how to support Cycle4Caroline

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Piggy March among those tackling epic Cycle4Caroline ride to raise half a million pounds for charity

Pippa Roome — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:51:37 +0000

Double five-star winner Piggy March and her husband Tom will lead a group of eight cyclists on a 1,100km ride from Blair Castle to London this autumn, a challenge named Cycle4Caroline.

They will aim to raise half a million pounds for Spinal Research and the British Eventing (BE) Support Trust in memory of Tom’s sister Caroline, who passed away in March this year after sustaining life-changing injuries in an eventing fall in April 2022.

“It’s been very difficult for all her friends and family and we found ourselves a bit lost in terms of where we were going and what to do with ourselves,” said Tom, explaining that the idea for the ride came out of a discussion over lunch with former event rider Tommy How, now a director of body protector manufacturer Racesafe.

“He was talking about riding from London to Paris, then Piggy said she’d be up for that and another beer later, it was spiralling out of control.”

The ride will start at Blair Castle on 20 November and finish at the Savoy Hotel in London on 30 November, the day of the BE Support Trust ball at the venue. Along the way, it will take in all the British CCI4*-L and CCI5* venues – Blair, Bramham, Burghley, Badminton and Blenheim – as well as Belsay, Chatsworth and Windsor.

Joining Tom and Piggy on Cycle4Caroline will be Tommy How, Ian Stark (chair of trustees for the BE Support Trust), Piggy’s sister Nini French, event rider Holly Woodhead, Brett Bullimore (husband of medal-winning event rider Sarah) and Alastair Wilson, who is joint-patron of the BE Support Trust with his wife Nicola Wilson, who suffered life-changing spinal injuries in a fall at Badminton Horse Trials in 2022. Special guests will join for sections along the way.

Holly Woodhead, Tom March and Piggy March lead the Cycle4Caroline riders at the launch event. (Image credit: Jason Bax)

Training has started for most of the core participants, with some good-natured joshing at the event launch today (19 August) at Piggy’s yard in Maidwell, Northamptonshire.

“It’s downhill from Scotland to London – what can go wrong?” said Alastair.

Tom explained gently: “That’s not the case – and there’s a reason everyone cycles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, which is the prevailing wind, but we only learnt that after we’d set the route, so we’re looking forward to lots of wind in our faces in November.”

The group’s route will involve some significant hills when they stop in at Ian Stark’s home near Selkirk – “I wasn’t sure that was such a good idea, looking at the topography map,” said Tom – as well as when they visit Chatsworth.

“Having a support system is fantastic”

The group hope Cycle4Caroline will raise £500,000 through donations and partnering with businesses. The money raised will be split equally between Spinal Research and the BE Support Trust.

Alastair said: “The BE Support Trust were very good to Nicola and me when we were in trouble two years ago. When you are at rock bottom, having a support system to get hold of you is fantastic.

“You can lose your sport, your business and it’s a lonely place to be. And they help people with less serious injuries, too.”

BE Support Trust general manager Jane Hunter-Walsh said the money will be “transformative” for the charity, which was founded in 2021 to support the physical and mental health of BE competing members. It has helped more than 60 people since then.

“The average beneficiary has six sessions, at a cost of £540, and when someone has a life-changing injury, supporting them can run into six figures,” she said.

Tom said “having a safety net there to help in that moment of need is invaluable”, going on to talk about Caroline’s passion for new technology and developments in spinal cord research.

“We wanted a charity beyond equestrian, which is fighting to make people’s lives better when they have suffered a spinal cord injury,” he said.

Spinal Research has been operating for 40 years and is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research worldwide to develop effective treatments for paralysis caused by a spinal cord injury. Someone in the UK suffers a spinal cord injury every two hours, many of them in car crashes or everyday situations such as falling down the stairs.

Tara Stewart, chair of Spinal Research, said this support “couldn’t have come at a better time” because the charity is finally at the stage where function-restoring therapeutics are being tested in human trials, offering real hope that curing paralysis will be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century.

The support team for Cycle4Caroline includes cycling trainer Sara Symington (double Olympic cyclist and now head of Olympic and Paralympic programmes at British Cycling), physio Ash Wallace, bicycle mechanic Alan Rayner, Sarah Skillin (founder and director of marketing agency EquiConsulting) and Pippie Polson and Piggy’s head girl Amy Phillips, who are leading on logistics, marketing and partnerships.

Find out how to support Cycle4Caroline

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‘An amazing, bright, loving person’: rider organises charity show in her son’s memory

Becky Murray — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 18:02:01 +0000

A rider is using her passion for horses to raise funds for brain tumour research, in memory of her son who died aged 27.

Christine Nicholls has organised the The Ollie Nicholls Showing Show, taking place at Broads Equestrian Centre, Barnby, Suffolk, on 8 September, in memory of Ollie, who died in November 2023.

The show is raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity, a global research-led charity “committed to saving and improving lives”.

Christine told H&H that Ollie was diagnosed with a stage three cancerous brain tumour in April 2022, and died 19 months later.

“Ollie was an amazing, bright, loving person. He was the baby of our family and losing him at 27 knocked us all for six,” she said.

“Ollie started riding at the age of 11 at a local riding school, then rode for the next four years before taking up his passion for skateboarding. He still used to spend a lot of his spare time at our yard, and even towards the end Ollie, however unwell he was, still managed to come to see the horses daily. His happy place was at home with us and his two dogs Rosie & Lola.”

The show, which Christine plans to run annually, has 29 classes including ridden and in-hand sections, plus championships. There will also be a raffle with prizes donated from a number of equestrian retailers and local businesses.

Christine is also starting a winter dressage league at Broads Equestrian in October, with the proceeds going to The Brain Tumour Charity.

“I am absolutely humbled at the support we have had from major companies and smaller businesses. I thank them all – without them we wouldn’t be able to run the show,” she said.

“We are hopeful that one day more can be done for others that are unlucky enough to find themselves in the same position that Ollie was. Ollie will always be remembered. He was kind, thoughtful and funny; one of those people that you will only ever meet once in a lifetime. That’s Ollie Nicholls!”

For more information and to enter the show contact: ollienichollsshowingshow@yahoo.com.

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Fears rise in ‘unwanted’ horses will overwhelm charities this winter

Becky Murray — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 21:03:18 +0000

Charity rehoming figures remained steady in 2022 – but concerns have been shared that an “increase in unwanted horses could be just around the corner”, as the cost-of-living crisis remains a major worry.

As inflation, fuel, and energy costs soared across the UK this year, there are few who have not been affected, including in the equestrian industry. Statistics from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index 2022, a UK-wide survey, showed the cost of living crisis is potentially “one of the biggest threats to the welfare of animals across the country”.

The RSPCA took in 365 horses by December, and a charity spokesman told H&H the RSPCA is “extremely concerned” about the impact of the ongoing crisis on owners’ finance, and consequently their equines.

“A worrying trend we saw at the end of summer is that the condition of some equines entering our care was very poor – often around 0.5 body condition score,” he said, adding that this was a “huge red flag”.

“There are other signs of the crisis starting to impact equines, with charities which accept them from the general public reporting more approaches from owners regarding potential surrender of their horses or asking for advice about care costs.”

The RSPCA rehomed 186 equines last year, which left the charity in a “better position at the beginning of winter than it might have been”, but the spokesman said capacity issues at RSPCA centres mean it is continuing to seek horse fosterers to help look after the equines in its care.

Bransby Horses took in a similar amount of equines to previous years, with 155 admissions between January and November. But in the same period it had 50 calls from owners looking to sign their horses over owing to financial difficulties. The charity is concerned an “increase of unwanted horses could be just around the corner”.

“We think the number of requests to charities to take in equines from private homes is steadily increasing across the board and we are concerned routine care could lessen as people struggle financially – which in turn will be compromising welfare short- and long-term,” said Rachel Jenkinson, Bransby welfare manager.

“We understand the current financial situation is putting increased strain on owners. All we would say is please do not lose hope – give Bransby Horses a call if you are struggling, we are here to help and can signpost you to possible solutions.

“While it is sadly not possible for us to say yes to all private intake requests, we will always respond to welfare concerns, abandonments and those in immediate danger.”

A Bransby spokesman added that ”demand continues to be high” for rehoming, with 109 equines placed in foster homes during 2022.

Redwings chief executive Lynn Cuttress told H&H it had been “a year of consolidation” for the charity, given the cost-of-living challenges.

“We’ve had to be shrewd and negotiate the best terms we can get on everything we purchase and are still facing huge increases in feed and hay bills plus electricity and other utilities,” she said, adding that despite the “ongoing difficult circumstances” the charity was able to take in 109 horses and ponies this year up to December.

“We’ve worked hard to find homes for 147 equines between January and November. We hope people will continue to support the important rehoming work of registered charities next year but would urge people to think carefully about taking on a horse at this time,” she said.

A World Horse Welfare spokesman told H&H at the end of 2022 its four centres were at around 75% capacity, and the “strong demand” for rehoming had helped keep space going into winter.

“As winter bites, we are alert to the predicted effects of increased cost of living,” he said.

The charity had rehomed 312 equids this year by mid-December and taken in 274, not including foals born at the rescue centres.

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‘Without a word, he taught me everything’: truck driver pays tribute to rescue horse with Christmas work

Becky Murray — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 20:51:01 +0000

A truck driver will spend his Christmas Day caring for 300 rescue horses and ponies as a “way of saying thank you” to the horse who taught him “the greatest lessons in life”.

Will Gee has been volunteering with Bransby Horses since 2017.

“There was a horse called Denzel in my village who had lived in a field near my house for about 10 years. There were a few problems with him and eventually I called the Bransby welfare hotline,” said Will.

“Another villager was feeding him and this caused Denzel to gain so much weight that he developed laminitis.”

A member of the Bransby team visited Denzel and he was taken into the care of the charity, where Will continued to visit him.

“I could see how much happier he was there and after a while I asked if I could help out. After a few weeks of training I was able to start volunteering on one of the yards,” said Will.

“I muck out the stables and help with the daily checks once a week. I’ll be there on Christmas Day and we will all have Christmas dinner together at Bransby’s cafe. It’s great really, I live on my own and my family don’t live nearby, so I really love being at Bransby at this time of the year.

“If it hadn’t been for Denzel I would never have found the charity or become involved in volunteering for them. Without saying a word, Denzel taught me everything about what is important in life.”

A Bransby spokesman said Denzel lived at Bransby for many years, but he has since died. The spokesman added that the impact Denzel had on Will “will last a lifetime”.

“The plight of horses is overlooked far too easily. I feel like people don’t always see their struggles in the same way they do for cats and dogs,” said Will.

“I hope more people visit or support Bransby Horses and see for themselves what amazing animals they are.”

‘I’m trying to get people to talk about dying’: charity calls for owners to put plans in place for their horses

Becky Murray — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 09:43:31 +0000

Owners have been encouraged to have the “difficult conversation” around their wishes after they die – and reminded of the support available to them.

Bereavement charity Widowed and Young (WAY), which offers support for people aged 50 and under who have lost a partner, set up a horse-related sub-group this year following a rise in members who have been left horses to look after when their partners have died, but are not always equestrians themselves.

“It’s traumatic when a partner dies, but when you have to manage their horses as well, it’s a lot, and people have to take on a role they might not have had before,” WAY chair Jo Sedley-Burke told H&H.

“Generally, we don’t like talking about death, and it’s quite often left until somebody is ill. But that conversation is really important – and positive things can come out of it. It’s horrific when your partner dies, but to know that you’re doing what they want can really give you some peace.”

The group offers peer-to-peer support and there are plans for international dressage rider Dan Sherriff to host a yard visit to meet some of WAY’s members and provide support and advice on some of the issues they might be facing.

“Our members really support each other with horse advice and suggestions, so people are receiving support as widows but also from an equine perspective,“ she said.

Former wills and probate solicitor Emma Gray, a WAY ambassador who has been involved in forming the charity’s horse sub-group, lost her husband Simon in 2016. Simon was a keen equestrian and took the couple’s children riding and when he died, Emma wanted her children to be able to continue with their passion. She has since learnt everything she can about horses and now has two on loan.

“Because of Simon’s death, I’ve written a letter saying what I want to happen with the horses; I’ve kept up-to-date lists about what they need, where their passports are and all the stuff someone needs to know,” said Emma, who runs Rainbow Hunting, a free resource providing guidance on funeral planning, wills and powers of attorney.

“I’m trying to get people to talk about death and dying – it’s going to happen to us all one day. Even if it’s the beginnings of a conversation, it’s better than nothing. Wills and legal documents are the backbone, but what people need to talk about are things like who will look after the pets, what it means and what they want to happen to them. Is there a friend or relative they’d like to have them or is the horse on loan and, if so, where is the loan agreement kept? There’s so much that people just don’t talk about.”

The Blue Cross runs Pet Peace of Mind, a free service where people can apply to register their pets – including horses and ponies – and when they die, the charity will take in the animal and find them a suitable home. The charity also provides suggested wording that can be included in an owner‘s will stating their animals are registered with Pet Peace of Mind.

“The service is in place to put people’s minds at ease if anything were to happen to them – once you’re registered, you can almost put it to bed and know it is there,” said Emma Hinds of the Blue Cross.

“At the moment, it is usually the older generation that apply, but it’s really important to get these things in place at any age. You don’t know what’s around the corner and this gives you that peace of mind – and your family as well. We have had cases where there are younger people affected and it really does help at the time when they’re in need.”

Hopes more young lives can be ‘redefined’ with transformation of dilapidated London site

Becky Murray — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 20:03:33 +0000

A charity hopes to continue helping hundreds of disadvantaged young people when it moves to a new site at the end of the year.

North London-based Strength & Learning Through Horses (SLTH), which provides mental health and education services for children and young people – and is home to 10 horses – must be out of its current Edgware site by December when the lease comes to an end. Although SLTH has received a lifeline from Barnet Council with the offer of a 25-year lease on a new premises, the charity must raise £150,000 to transform the “dilapidated” site.

The new site at Barnet (Image credit: creditUnknown)

SLTH co-founder Rosie Bensley told H&H the charity provides services for around 500 children and young people from around London every year.

“The young people that come to us are at the point of real crisis; where nothing else has worked and they are not going to school. Many won’t go and talk to a therapist and a lot of them are not leaving the house, but they will come and see us and the horses,” she said.

“Horses are hugely powerful in engaging young people and helping break down their barriers. The way we work is the young people start to build a relationship with the horses, and through that they start to trust our staff. Over time this transfers to re-establishing trust in teachers at school, or the therapists and teams they’ve been referred by. We’re the stepping stone that helps to re-engage these young people back with society and education.”

SLTH has a mixed herd of 10 horses, including Connemaras, warmbloods and former racehorses.

“We look for horses that will reflect and show all sorts of different emotions and behaviours. What our horses have in common is they’re all very sensitive and highly attuned,” said Rosie.

“I think people think of therapy horses needing to be very quiet, but that’s not what we want. We want our horses to give feedback to the young people.”

Rosie said the charity’s work allows young people to “re-define” themselves.

“We see huge improvements in confidence, self-esteem and well-being. Often a young person might come with the label of being a troublemaker, or the one with ADHD, or the anxious one, but when they come here those things don’t matter any more. They become the one that is really patient and good at helping the anxious horse, or the assertive one that is good with the bolshier horses,” she said.

“It’s those skills that then help young people to identify themselves and they can transfer this back to other environments.”

The charity has a long-term fundraising target of £600,000 to build a purpose-built equine assisted therapy centre at the 30-acre Barnet site including classrooms and workspaces, and barns for the horses. £100,000 has already been raised via the charity’s supporters, but in the short-term SLTH must raise £150,000 in order to move the horses by the end of the year and put in facilities to continue its work. The remaining funds will be raised in due course via further fundraising and grant applications.

“The site is completely dilapidated and we really need to raise the money to get it up to scratch so we can move our services. The £150,000 will be used to install an arena, sort the fencing and parking, and put in some temporary classrooms,” said Rosie.

Rosie said raising the funds will be a challenge for the charity and the hope is to expand SLTH’s profile.

“We don’t want to think about what happens if we don’t raise the money; we’d potentially have to close our doors until we manage to raise the money to get the site fit – or reduce the amount of work we do. Whatever way you look at it, it would mean young people missing out,” she said.

“We’re well-known within the mental health services in London, but in terms of the general public nobody really knows we’re here because we’ve always just quietly got on with things and focused on the young people. Our current site is quite small and hasn’t allowed for us to invite the public down and show what we’re doing but we hope with changing sites we can raise general awareness, particularly in the equestrian population.”

Rosie said SLTH would be “hugely grateful” for any donations or support.

“If you’ve been around horses everyone knows how much they can help with our mental health, so to have people believe in a charity like us so we can keep helping young people, would mean the world,” she said.

Donations can be made via the SLTH crowdfunding page.

‘Not just a bang on the head’: mental health campaign encourages riders to ‘re-think concussion’

Becky Murray — Fri, 13 May 2022 12:03:04 +0000

Riders are being encouraged to “re-think” concussion – and the effects it can have on mental health — in a new awareness campaign.

During national Mental Health Awareness Week (9-13 May), equestrian mental health charity Riders Minds has revealed its new “Head First” campaign.

A Riders Minds spokesman said the project had been launched following the “concerning” results of a study by Charles Owen, which revealed six in 10 riders suffer from depression after a concussion. More than 1,000 riders took part in the study, carried out last year by University of Sussex MSc student Charlotte Ricca, which also found that 30% of riders who suffered from depression went on to continue to suffer from prolonged mental health problems.

As part of the campaign Riders Minds has created the “Head First checker”, a comprehensive tool to allow people to identify any signs of change, including to brain function and mental health, and the early warning signs to look out for. The tool incorporates four key areas; cognitive changes, mood/behaviour, physical signs and altered sleep pattern.

“More than 25% of riders have suffered from depression, and riders who have experienced five or more concussions are twice as likely to suffer from a mental health condition as a result. The importance of protecting our heads and monitoring signs of concussion/mental health is vital,” said Riders Minds chair Victoria Wright.

“We also know that a mental health condition following a head injury does not necessarily occur immediately afterwards, it can take six months to a year after the incident to take effect. The objective of Riders Minds has always been to support the mental health and well-being of all equestrian people and we feel extremely proud that the connection between mental health and head injury has finally been brought to light in the equestrian industry like it has in rugby, American football and other high-impact sports.”

Mental health specialist Sylvia Bruce, who is responsible for the Riders Minds’ website content, added that the campaign aims to get equestrians to “re-think” concussion in horse riders as not “just a bang on the head”.

“It’s a brain injury. And, if our brain is injured, our mind can be injured too, with potential far-reaching implications on our mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

The Head First checker and mental health support can be found at www.ridersminds.org.uk.

Rescue mare gives birth to healthy foal, as charity awaits more new arrivals

Becky Murray — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 16:02:25 +0000

Bransby Horses has welcomed a newborn foal – with two more on the way – following a large-scale rescue this year.

The charity was involved the multi-agency rescue of 40 Welsh mountain ponies following the sudden death of their owner in February. Five ponies were taken in by Bransby, with others going to World Horse Welfare, the Blue Cross and HAPPA.

One of them, Periwinkle, gave birth to a healthy colt, named Cobalt, on 28 March.

“Periwinkle is being an amazing mother – she strikes the perfect balance between being protective but also being very happy to let us handle her baby,” said Bransby animal reception centre team leader Lauren.

“She wasn’t producing a lot of milk in the beginning but fingers crossed feeding is now going well for them both. Cobalt’s bloods showed he has a good level of antibodies which means he got plenty of colostrum. His confidence is growing day by day and he loves scratches and playing with our sweeping brush when we are tidying up.”

Auburn and Tawny, who were also in the herd, are expected to give birth “imminently”.

“From not being able to get anywhere near Tawny and having to herd her into a stable, we can now catch her safely, lead her around the yard to be weighed and groomed, plus this means she can also begin her foot work,” said Bransby equine welfare assistant Mia surname. “It’s been a really long process to gain her trust but we are heading in the right direction.

“Auburn will do just about anything for food so she has been easy to win over.”

The other ponies taken in by Bransby were Ivory, who is now playing “aunty” to Cobalt, and Bongo, who arrived as a stallion but has since been gelded.

“Currently none of these ponies, including Cobalt the foal, are on view to the public but we hope in time this will change,” said the Bransby spokesman.

RDA announces plans to support 10,000 more participants in new strategy

Becky Murray — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:12:58 +0000

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has announced an “ambitious” new strategy, with plans to support an additional 10,000 children and adults by 2025.

The charity has set out a three-year plan focusing on key areas; growth, resources for groups, structure, participants and volunteers, brand and sustainability. Plans include opening 40 new groups and 30 new accessibility mark centres (commercial riding schools trained by the RDA), developing new activities and expanding non-ridden activities, including programmes to support mental health, and recognising the part RDA can play in “social prescribing”.

New interim chief executive Paul Ringer, who replaces Ed Bracher next month when he leaves the charity after 17 years at the helm, told H&H the charity needs to “get ambitious” in what can be achieved.

“We are an organisation with an army of passionate and highly skilled volunteers – that’s the lifeblood of the charity,” he said. “The reality is we were hit by the pandemic in terms of numbers of riders and volunteers, and that’s not going to suddenly just bounce back, but there’s every hope with the right support our groups can really start to thrive again.

“Growth will need to be led and owned by groups locally, and supported centrally in a way that makes sense. There are some locations where we’d like to see more centres, and we’re here to do some hand-holding with groups trying to get back to pre-Covid levels.

“We’re trying to take a broader view about the widest range of people who can benefit from the RDA family or being around horses, and that’s where some of the new activities will come into play. Riding isn’t for everyone, but there’s also benefits from non-ridden activities that we can offer beyond the obvious and traditional.”

Mr Ringer said there are some “challenges” to overcome, including sourcing suitable horses which has been a major issue for the charity (news, 6 May).

“We know this continues to be a battle, and we are working on an equine plan looking at different solutions, from training young horses to raising more funds for buying horses,” he said.

“We’ve got to look at all options because if we’re just waiting for a single-solution response we’ll be waiting a long time and missing an opportunity to help more riders – and that’s not OK.”

RDA president the Princess Royal said the new strategy signals “a moment of change and opportunity”.

“United by our goal to bring the benefits of horses to as many disabled people as possible, we have a chance to make even more of a difference to communities all over the UK,” she said.

“During my visits to RDA groups I have seen first-hand the life-changing impact of our activities, brought about by that unique combination of participant, horse and volunteer. Now as we look to strengthen our groups and grow our reach, we will explore new ways for people to benefit – with horses at the heart of everything we do.”

Disabled riders’ charity has eight weeks to raise £425,000 to secure its home

Becky Murray — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 19:03:02 +0000

A charity founded more than 50 years ago to help disabled riders is appealing for support to help secure its future as the land it occupies is to be sold.

The Margaret Haes Riding Centre in Holcombe, Bury, has been given until 31 March to raise £425,000 to buy the site, before it goes on the open market. The charity was founded by Margaret Haes, who saw the benefits of riding for people with disabilities, and today the centre hosts160 disabled and able-bodied riders.

Debra Batchelor, who sits on the charity’s management committee, told H&H that after Margaret died in 2008, her estate was split and the riding centre was eventually sold to its present owner, from whom the charity rents the land. She said the charity could potentially continue to lease the land if it is sold, but wants to secure its future by buying it.

“We want some certainty that if we invest in the site, we’ll actually be around to enjoy it. Any lease would be for a short period, you have the question of rent reviews, breaks in leases, and you wonder what the rent might be in a few years’ time,” she said.

“As a charity, when applying for any grants or public funding from, say, Sport England, organisations want the peace of mind that you’re going to be there for at least seven years with no breaks in your lease – plus a lease restricts us on what we do with the buildings.”

The charity, which has 15 horses and ponies, has included the buying price, stamp duty, fees, plus a “little bit extra for the unknown” into the £425,000 fundraising goal. Donations can be made at the the centre’s Crowdfunding page here.

“We’re a relatively small charity, which is why this is such a big challenge. We benefit all sorts of people in addition to our riders; we offer supported volunteer placements for young people with additional needs, placements for students, we have apprentices, so we try our best to spread our reach to all parts of the community,” she said.

“If we owned the land we believe we could offer even more. We would like to create an education room in the future and offer professional courses with our British Horse Society-accredited coaches.”

Debra said the fundraising target is a “big ask” but that the charity is “very determined” and has taken inspiration from London-based charity Park Lane Stables, which raised £1m to buy its home when the centre’s lease was not renewed.

“When we first looked at this we thought ‘No way we can achieve this’, but Park Lane gave us a little bit more hope, they managed to achieve it but it was a long journey. We’re hopeful that success could be repeated,” she said.

“To raise the money would be wonderful, because we know the impact the centre has on our riders, their families and their carers. We can’t thank people enough for any donations, everything counts.”

Help rescued horses after Storm Arwen destroyed their shelters

Becky Murray — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 13:03:03 +0000

A welfare charity is appealing for donations after its horse shelters were destroyed by Storm Arwen.

The SSPCA is trying to raise £40,000 to replace three shelters which were destroyed, and hopes to add new shelters to the Aberdeenshire site’s other fields to improve outdoor grazing areas.

Storm Arwen hit the UK on 26 November and brought gusts of up to 98mph in some parts of the country, causing huge amounts of damage and almost a million properties to lose power.

SSPCA Aberdeenshire animal rescue and rehoming centre manager Louise Griese said staff were “devastated” to arrive at the charity the morning after the storm to discover the shelters had been “totally levelled”.

“Thankfully, there were no horses in the shelters at the time and no people or animals were hurt, which is the most important thing,” she said.

“Shelters allow the horses to graze outside while still offering protection from the elements. Many of the horses in our care come from backgrounds of abuse and neglect so having time outside to exhibit natural behaviours like grazing is an important part of their rehabilitation.”

One of the charity’s horses who relies on the shelters is 26-year-old cob mare Eigg.

“Eigg came into the centre in March 2020 as part of a large group seized on welfare grounds. When she arrived she had lice, a large worm burden, her feet needed to be trimmed and her teeth were overgrown,” said Ms Griese.

“The veterinary team took blood samples due to her age and condition and they came back positive for equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). The staff at the centre fully clipped her and it took several special medicated baths to kill the lice. We worked closely with our vets to help Eigg with her teeth and she has had several dentals over her time with us to help with her eating.”

In 2021 after court proceedings concluded, Eigg was signed over to the SSPCA.

“Eigg is still in our care waiting for the perfect retirement home but until then she knows she’s happy and safe here,” said Ms Griese.

“We’d be so grateful for anything people could spare towards these shelters and we know the horses in our care will be too.”

Charity ‘desperately’ appealing for help following Storm Arwen

Lucy Elder — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:54:27 +0000

A Scottish-based equine charity that works with vulnerable young people and military veterans is desperately appealing for help following the trail of destruction left by Storm Arwen.

Horseback UK founders Emma and Jock Hutchinson had no power, light, heating, hot water or phone connection for six days, and a herd of 33 horses to care for.

Significant repairs are needed to buildings and shelters as a result of the storm’s force.

“After a tough 18 months we were thoroughly enjoying getting back to work, so to be thwarted again really tested our resilience,” said Emma.

“The storm has done a lot of damage and we desperately need to repair or replace the field shelters for the horses. The herd is pretty tough and can cope with quite a lot but the relentless rain and wind we get can wear them down and have a negative impact on their health.

“And when it snows, they really do need a place to shelter. These horses are part of our family and we are pulling out all the stops to get them the shelter they need as fast as possible. We desperately need donations to help pay for the materials to build and repair the shelters.”

The charity, based in Aberdeenshire, helps veterans and vulnerable young people acquire new coping strategies, life skills and build resilience, by working with horses.

Emma said the destruction from Storm Arwen has also led to the decision to create a “storm fund”, to help the charity weather any future unexpected challenges.

“We get no Government or council funding, so we are completely reliant on donations,” she added.

“It is the generosity of the public which enables us to do our work. If we could gather a new fund, it would help us to do additional practical things, like build new field shelters for the horses to protect them against wind and weather, and invest in a generator to keep the lights on.

“But it would also act as a bulwark against unheralded events, like pandemics or shifts in the economy. We want to make sure that Horseback UK can rely on the sturdiest foundations. Whatever the literal or metaphorical weather, we need to be able to go on helping veterans with life-changing injuries, as well as the young people we work with in the local community.

“We want to ensure that our future is stable, however unstable the external world can sometimes seem. And that is our next, dedicated mission.”

For more information and to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/horseback

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‘Together we can’: match-funded campaign to make twice the impact for rescued horses

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:01:45 +0000

A herd of 15 thoroughbreds rescued as winter closed in are among the horses who will benefit from a seasonal match-funding charity initiative.

From today (30 November) until 7 December, as part of The Big Give #ChristmasChallenge21, every penny donated to World Horse Welfare via the Big Give website will be match-funded, doubling the amount raised by the charity.

As an example of the horses who will be supported by donations, World Horse Welfare has shared the story of the thoroughbreds, who had been left at a farm in Devon after an eviction and whose needs were not being met.

The landowner used the Control of Horses Act to gain ownership of the thoroughbreds, who were then signed over to World Horse Welfare and removed to the charity’s premises.

Donate online

“The costs for such an operation, however, are significant, and the horses’ removal is just the beginning of a lengthy and expensive process, with each horse being carefully looked after, assessed and rehabilitated by the charity for many months before, hopefully, being ready to rehome,” a spokesman for World Horse Welfare said.

Charity field officer Jon Phipps added that he had been working with the herd for some months.

“They were all on the cusp, they were all lean and we didn’t want them to drop any more weight,” he said. “If we didn’t remove them before winter proper, we were going to have a serious welfare issue.”

Seven of the mares went to the charity’s Hall Farm, manager of which Sue Hodgkins said: “The mares will be turned away until after Christmas, which will give them the opportunity to decompress and settle into their new environment. During that time, we will be assessing their behaviour in the field with each other and the grooms.

“These thoroughbreds are the lucky ones; they will receive five-star treatment from the day they arrive to the day we can hopefully find them a new home. We rely on public donations to allow us to continually rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses that come into our four farms from across the country. Without public donations our work would not be possible.”

The spokesman added that all donations under the Big Give, the UK’s leading match-funding platform that brings together charities and donors, will “make a huge contribution to securing the future for these horses and others like them”.

“One donation, twice the impact. Together we can.”

Stud owner takes on biggest challenge yet in wheelchair in memory of friend Rory Gilsenan

Becky Murray — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:33:18 +0000

A stud owner is taking on her biggest challenge yet as she attempts to raise £100,000 for charity in memory of showing producer Rory Gilsenan.

Sharon Mynard plans to complete a “virtual push” around the coast of Great Britain in her wheelchair to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. She plans to complete the 2,795-mile journey on 26 July 2023, which marks 40 years since the day she broke her neck in a riding accident and became confined to a wheelchair.

Sharon, who previously completed a 26.2-mile marathon in her wheelchair, is taking on her latest challenge once again in memory of her friend Rory Gilsenan, who died on 22 April aged 50 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2018, and for others such as her partner Tim Belfield. Tim has had two low-grade brain tumours removed; in 2006 and November 2018.

“I see too much of it,” said Sharon. “I have a friend whose little girl has just lost her dad to a brain tumour and it seems like everybody I speak to has been affected by the disease. It’s so under-funded compared to other cancers, too, which I didn’t realise and I don’t think other people do either.

“Perhaps the scariest thing though, is the number of children and young people it affects – that’s the most heart-breaking thing for me.”

Sharon will need to push more than two hours each day to achieve her goal.

“I’ll probably do 99% of it here at home. It will be boring as hell, especially this time of year when I can only push inside the stable block and where there’s lots of turning, which will make it much harder – I can probably only go 100 yards before having to slow down and turn back again,” she said.

“I’m not as fit as I could be but I’ll build myself up slowly. I’ve got enough horses fit over the years to know that for longevity you’ve got to take it slowly and go from there. I think what worries me most is the sheer commitment. I know we’re going to have bad weather and, although I’m not a sick person, I’m going to get a bad cold and wake up thinking: ‘I really don’t want to do this’, but I’m stubborn and will want to get to that finish line.”

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said the charity is incredibly grateful for Sharon’s support in helping fund vital research into brain tumours.

“It’s hard to comprehend just how much commitment this challenge will require from her but we’re sure her determination and belief in the cause will see that she triumphs,” he said.

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is calling for a national annual spend of £35m in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia and is also campaigning for greater repurposing of drugs.

To donate visit Sharon’s JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sharon-mynard2.

Suspected fractures, unusual prep and first-timers: equestrians get ready to take on London Marathon

Becky Murray — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 20:15:53 +0000

Determined equestrians are preparing to tackle the London Marathon for equine charities and other good causes.

The 26.2-mile challenge returns in-person on 3 October, following last year’s event being held virtually owing to the pandemic. The virtual marathon will also return, allowing runners from all over the world to take part.

Livery yard owner and coach Rachel Silcock will run in aid of charity Victa, which supports blind children and their families.

Rachel, who turned 50 this year, told H&H it had been “fairly tough” getting the long runs in while running Gamston Wood Livery, as well as teaching at camps over summer.

“Luckily I’m a member of a fab running club, the Worksop Harriers, who have been a massive support as I only took up running a few years ago,” she said.

“Running is a massive benefit for your mental health and gives me a break from the horse world that can be a little intense at times. I come back from each run more enthusiastic for my teaching and my yard. I think horse people tackle long distance running with a quiet determination, you only need a pair of running shoes and have to put one foot in front of the other – it’s so much easier than competing with horses!”

Visit Rachel’s fundraising page here.

Dressage coach and rider Lili Brooksby-Dalby of Brooksby Dressage, will take on the marathon for Brooke and has raised more than £7,000 to date. Lili asked her social media followers to send videos of themselves performing dressage tests for her to judge, in return for a donation to her marathon fundraising pot.

Lilli (left) with Hannah (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“People from all over submitted their tests. I’m incredibly fortunate so many of my friends rallied around and donated prizes and sponsored rosettes and trophies. Their kindness has been nothing short of an inspiration to keep pushing the miles as a totally unfit, sport allergic, lazy fitness person prior to this!” said Lilii, adding she will run the marathon alongside her friend Hannah Doyle.

“Hannah has been great for me. She helped me through my first 10k and we have done all our long runs together. I find running with her so much easier than when alone.”

Visit Lili’s fundraising page here.

Also running for Brooke is Elissa Bucher, a dressage trainer and owner of Defago and Djoe Dimaggio, who are campaigned by Katie Bailey.

Elissa (left) pictured with Katie Bailey on Elissa’s Djoe DiMaggio (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Elissa, who took up running in April, told H&H she nearly had to withdraw from the London Marathon with a suspected stress fracture in her pelvis but received the ok to run last week.

“A pain started around two weeks ago and it turns out I have aductor tendinopathy, which I’ve been told is even more painful than a stress fracture!” she said.

“I’m determined to complete the marathon – if I want to do it, I just have to push through. I’m not in peak condition but I just think about the horses Brooke support and the pain they have gone through – what I’m going to be going through is a miniscule of that.”

Visit Elissa’s fundraising page here.

World Horse Welfare has a number of runners taking part in the London Marathon this year including Gerard Bedson and vet Katie Offer. Gerard is the husband of the charity’s field officer Becky and has had an “unusual” preparation during the past eight weeks as he trains on a treadmill while working offshore in the North Sea.

To support Gerard visit World Horse Welfare’s website here. Donations for Katie can be made here.

Yards, charities and inspiration honoured at annual awards

Becky Murray — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 19:03:36 +0000

Equestrian establishments, charities and inspirations were among those to be celebrated at the fourth annual SEIB Insurance Brokers Awards.

The ceremony took place at the Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warwickshire, on 8 September, and featured four categories; livery yard, riding school and Riding for the Disabled Centre (RDA) of the year awards, charity awards, an SEIB and Horseworld inspirational award, and an SEIB and National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) lifetime achievement award.

Barrow Farm RDA was named RDA centre of the year, Contessa Riding and Training Centre took the small riding school title, and Triley Fields Equestrian Centre was named large riding school of the year. Berries Farm Liveries won DIY livery yard of the year, and Folly Fields Farm Livery the full livery award.

“The quality of care, teaching and horse management we have seen in this year’s livery yard, riding school and RDA awards has been magnificent. For these top yards nothing is overlooked and standards across the board are exceptional,” said panel judge Richard Ramsay.

The Horse Trust won the charity award, as voted for by the public, and received £10,000 and a commemorative plaque. Nine other charities received £33,000 between them; Bransby Horses, World Horse Welfare, and Proteus Reptile Trust received £2,000, SiMBA £2,500, Me & Dee £3,000, Brent Lodge £3,500, Missing People £4,000, Children’s Heart Unit Fund £6,000 and Epsom RDA £8,000.

“We’re immensely grateful to SEIB for making this hugely generous award available, particularly after such a terribly tough time, and to all the people who voted for the Horse Trust to receive these funds,” said Horse Trust director of research and policy Jan Rogers.

Sophie Gifford, who founded the Great Horses for Health Relay ride which aims to promote mental health and raise money for equine charities, received the SEIB and HorseWorld inspirational award. The relay, which received more than 10,000 entries, started on 2 May in Yorkshire and concludes in the south-west in October.

“I am so grateful and proud to have been awarded the inspirational award. So many people have worked very hard to pull together events across the UK so this award is a testimony to their enthusiasm and commitment,” said Sophie.

The SEIB and NAFD lifetime achievement award went to Nigel Lymn Rose, chair of A W Lymn – The Family Funeral Service.

‘Inspirational’ horse relay featuring thousands of riders raises £10,000 by halfway point

Becky Murray — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 06:03:58 +0000

A horse relay featuring thousands of riders has reached the halfway point, and already raised more than £10,000 for charity.

The Great Horses for Health Relay 2021 started in Yorkshire in May and will have covered 11 regions across UK over six months. Participants choose their own routes in their local areas, which are recorded on a map, and the relay “baton” is passed to the next regions at a pre-arranged Covid-safe event.

The fundraising event, created by rider Sophie Gifford, aims to boost participants’ mental health and highlight how horses can help with wellbeing. It is raising funds for seven charities: the Riding for the Disabled Association, Redwings, Bransby Horses, North Wales Horse Watch, HorseWorld, Hope Pastures and Horseback UK.

A spokesman for the relay said many “life stories” have emerged since the start of the event including that of Jayne Watson and her horse Stanley, whom she rescued in 2006 as a neglected five-year-old.

“Jayne suffered a marriage breakdown and was going through a difficult time in her life. The pair built an inseparable bond that was tested to the limit when in 2017 Jayne and Stanley suffered a horrific road accident,” he said.

“Through Jayne’s devotion and determination, Stanley and Jayne returned to health and were able to carry a baton for the relay during the North West region stage.”

Sophie said so many “heartbreaking but inspirational” personal stories have come out of the relay.

“For many people horses have helped them through extremely difficult periods of their life including lockdown and hugely improved their mental health and wellbeing. We started to fundraise in May and as of the beginning of July we’ve passed the halfway mark in our journey across the UK, and raised more than £10,000 for our charities,” she said.

The relay garnered royal backing in the form of the Duchess of Cornwall as patron, while mounted police forces, top riders and footballers have shown support including Carl Hester, Laura Tomlinson, Dickie Waygood, Rio Ferdinand and Glen Hoddles.

Participants can still register to take part in the relay at www.horses4health.co.uk. People can ride, carriage drive, or take part in-hand. Individuals can also cycle or walk.

(Image credit: Sophie Gifford)

The Great Horses for Health relay starts on 2 May in Yorkshire and will take place in 11 regions of

(Image credit: Sophie Gifford)

Royal backing for 10,000-rider relay

The event, which starts on Sunday (2 May) has surpassed more than 10,000 riders

Memorial plaques vandalised and money stolen from welfare charity wishing well

Becky Murray — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 20:33:34 +0000

Bransby Horses has been targeted by thieves who stole from a wishing well and vandalised memorial plaques in a “heartbreaking” attack.

A spokesman for the Lincoln-based charity said the theft from the well occurred between 11 and 14 July, while the vandalism to the plaques – 13 of which were damaged – was during a “spate” of occasions during the past few weeks.

“Many people know we have a wishing well on site near our children’s play park and we encourage visitors to donate spare change and make a wish. We are sad to report the contents of our wishing well was recently stolen. The incident took place while we were closed to the public so there is also the issue of trespassing, both of which have been reported to the police,” said the spokesman.

“Not only is it distressing to know someone would go to these lengths to steal from a charity, but the spare change people toss into the well soon adds up and provides essential funding to help us continue our work rescuing and rehabilitating equines in need.”

The spokesman said the plaques are a way for the charity’s supporters to remember loved ones and provide somewhere special to visit.

“We discovered some of the plaques had been kicked down while others have been scratched, rendering the inscriptions illegible. It is heartbreaking to know someone has attacked these plaques. There is a cost involved to fix or replace them and as you can imagine, this completely unforeseen spending will have an impact on finances,” he said.

“Bransby Horses has and will continue to contact those affected by the damage and fix or replace any damaged plaques. We are taking steps to discourage any further acts of vandalism. It goes without saying that we are deeply saddened by these events and are treating the matter seriously, working with the police.”

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the charity on 01427 788 464 or via mail@bransbyhorses.co.uk or contact Lincolnshire Police.

(Image credit: Bransby Horses)

Heartbreak as charity’s equine ‘rock star’ put down aged 10

(Image credit: Bransby Horses)

Royal backing for 10,000-rider relay

The event, which starts on Sunday (2 May) has surpassed more than 10,000 riders

(Image credit: Bransby Horses)

Heartbreak after adder bite claims the life of elderly gelding

Becky Murray — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 13:51:29 +0000

An elderly gelding who had found “a new lease of life” since his recent move to a sanctuary has been put down after he was bitten by an adder.

Freshfields Animal Rescue in Caernarforn, North Wales, welcomed 30-year-old Ty at the end of May following his owner’s death. The gelding arrived at the charity underweight and had started treatment for arthritis.

Groom Vanessa Williams told H&H Ty had settled in “brilliantly” and become friends with the charity’s other elderly horses, 35-year-old Sally and 32-year-old Cherry.

“When he first arrived he looked very tired. He had a full MoT from the vet and we were feeding him four times a day,” she said.

“In three weeks he put weight on and he loved his old girls, they all went out together every day and would come into the big agricultural building at night. He really had found a new lease of life.”

Vanessa said last Thursday (8 July) she noticed Ty lying down a lot, which “wasn’t unusual” for him.

“I’ve always been concerned about his back end as he was very weak so he would often lie down. On Friday morning I arrived and he didn’t come out of the building so I brought his breakfast over to him. I noticed his right hind leg and sheath were extremely swollen and boiling hot to touch,” she said.

“The vet arrived and said he’d been bitten by an adder but we couldn’t see a wound. His leg was getting bigger in front of us and spots of serum were bursting out. His heart was racing and he kept going down and struggling to get back up.”

The “heartbreaking” decision was made to put Ty down.

“The vet was concerned he was going to have a heart attack and he was in distress. I just wish we could have done more,” said Vanessa.

“He was an absolute gentleman, he loved his cuddles and scratches. He wasn’t with us long but he really pulled on our heart strings. We’re devastated.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: Freshfields Animal Rescue)

Mare rescued with semi-feral M25 herd stands reserve champion in her new life

(Image credit: Freshfields Animal Rescue)

Heartbreak as charity’s equine ‘rock star’ put down aged 10

(Image credit: Freshfields Animal Rescue)

Vanessa said the vet warned that cloudy but warm weather conditions are favourable for adders, and the charity hopes to make more people aware of the risk.

“The vet has seen other adder bites and knew straight away that’s what it was. When Ty was collected by the disposal man he said he’s seen lots of bites on cattle too,” she said.

“I’ve known dogs to be bitten but never a horse. We have rehomed nearly 20 horses in the past year so we have more grass than usual and it’s been the perfect environment for them. We want others to be vigilant and if you’re ever in doubt, to contact your vet.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Advanced eventer hit hard by lockdown runs 100km in 14 hours

Sarah Radford — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:25:31 +0000

An advanced event rider and trainer has finished strongly in a 100km (63-mile) ultramarathon just a year after starting to run modest distances during the first lockdown — and has raised £2,000 for charity.

UKCC level four coach Victoria Gallantree, who usually works long hours teaching,“fell between the slats of the self-employed” last March and found herself “stuck at home”.

“I finished off my masters degree (in professional sports science) and thought ‘what am I going to do?’” she said. “I went for a run and did one mile, then thought I’d increase it to two miles the next week, and then for every week I’d add a mile on. A milestone came on New Year’s Eve when I ran a marathon.”

When lockdown restrictions began to ease, Victoria, who has previously competed at Blenheim and Bramham, began to run between clients, rather than using her car.

“I didn’t have to use fuel and I just ran round in my riding clothes with my hat, looking quite ridiculous.” she said. “My clients would provide me with breakfast, lunch and coffee!”

After a while, people began asking Victoria “what she was doing it for”, so she opened a JustGiving page and started raising funds for Macmillan.

“I thought Macmillan was one of the charities that had really suffered. I used to hold coffee mornings for them at the yard, so they were the one I went for,” she said.

Victoria, 48, who also runs a counselling practice, then spotted a 100km race in Northumberland, organised by Run The Wild, while browsing the internet in the early hours of the morning.

“I thought ‘do you know what, I’m going to do something big’,” Victoria said.

As a warm-up, she completed the Three Peaks Challenge in May — which involves climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis within 24hrs — in 8 hrs, while “still wearing my jodhpurs”.

Her other preparations for the event included running 30k twice in one weekend, as well as shaving off her hair for charity, which meant she “didn’t have to carry the weight of a hairbrush” in her rucksack.

“I also decided I should buy some proper equipment at that point, so I took my shorts to run the 100k!” Victoria said. “Someone bought me some decent trainers and I was getting to the point where my little watch’s battery couldn’t keep power for the whole run, so I had to get an upgrade.”

During the run, Victoria had to battle rain and driving wind but completed her first 100k in an impressive time of 14hrs, finishing 40th of the 133 female runners who ran in the non-stop category.

“I was in 19th at one point but I didn’t realise so I stopped for lunch and had a mooch around some stalls,” she said.

A tough point in the arduous challenge came at the 90km mark, when Victoria drew on her equestrian experience to see her through.

“During the last 10k, people were vomiting,” she said. “It made me think how after cross-country day at a three-day-event, horses can be dehydrated and quiet and you have to walk them.

“That’s what 90k felt like, like I needed to look after myself at that point. I went to the medics wrapped in a duvet, gave myself a hot chocolate, talked to myself, told myself ‘I’m fine’ and reminded myself that I was not going to let Macmillan down or my sponsors down,” she said.

“I used to point-to-point, where you can only think forward with only one desire to keep going. I thought of that, and it also reminded me of the scales of training. I was thinking ‘rhythm, balance, push and straightness’ and it helped me focus.

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(Image credit: Victoria Gallantree)

Equine vet to run 100K in a month in aid of grass sickness

‘The difficult thing is a lot of clients become friends over the years, so having to tell someone I consider

(Image credit: Victoria Gallantree)

Personal trainer’s solo marathon effort in memory of lost riders

Katie was inspired to raise money for mental health charity Riders’ Minds, and the IJF (who have recently launched an

“I was also reminded of something Lucinda Green taught me, that the last three fences of a cross-country course are the first three fences of the next one — so I thought the same way about my last 3k. In the end the final 10k felt easy.”

Apart from a “very sore left toe”, Victoria said she was doing well after the race and was thinking about taking part in other events in the series next year.

“I’m aware of other ultramarathons, like the Marathon de Sables, but I really like riding horses and I am training for my fellowship, so I think I’ll probably go back to focusing on that instead!” she said.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Royal backing for 10,000-rider relay

Becky Murray — Sat, 01 May 2021 12:03:27 +0000

An epic fundraising relay featuring more than 10,000 riders kicks off this weekend and has attracted a royal supporter.

The Duchess of Cornwall has been announced as the patron of the Great Horses for Health Relay 2021. The event starts on Sunday (2 May) in Yorkshire and will take place in 11 regions of the UK over five months. Participants have two weeks to choose their own routes in their local areas, which will be recorded on a map, and the relay “baton” will be passed to the next region at a pre-arranged Covid-safe event.

The relay is the brainchild of rider Sophie Gifford, who came up with the idea during lockdown. The event aims to highlight how horses can have a positive impact on mental health, while raising funds for equine charities HorseWorld, Redwings, Hope Pastures, HorseBack UK, Bransby Horses, North Wales Horse Watch and the Riding for the Disabled Association.

“We are incredibly grateful to HRH the Duchess of Cornwall for accepting the invitation to become our patron. As a keen equestrian herself, Her Royal Highness understands how horses can help have a positive impact on our wellbeing,” said Sophie.

“To have the duchess as our patron is also a huge boost for our equine charities, which have struggled through Covid and are in need of support to continue their vital work.”

Sophie is being supported by a group of volunteers, and a team from HorseWorld in organising the relay. The event is open to all “horse lovers” and people can ride, carriage drive or take part with horses in hand. Individuals can also cycle or walk.

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(Image credit: HorseWorld)

The Great Horses for Health relay starts on 2 May in Yorkshire and will take place in 11 regions of

Riding routes map tool aims to prevent riders becoming ‘the forgotten road user’

The tool will gather data on equestrians’ use of routes, such as tarmacked roads that are not slippery, railway crossings

(Image credit: HorseWorld)

Horseworld chief executive Peta Ingram said the charity is delighted to welcome the Duchess of Cornwall as patron.

“We hope that with her support we will be able to connect with the horse loving community across the UK, to celebrate together the positive power of horses and help raise funds for equine charities,” she said.

Registration for the event at www.horses4health.co.uk.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Personal trainer’s solo marathon effort in memory of lost riders

Sarah Radford — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 12:03:05 +0000

A personal trainer who specialises in working with riders is setting out on a solo marathon next weekend (May 1-2) to raise money for two equestrian charities.

Former eventer and freelance groom Katie Bleekman will be tackling the 26-mile run for mental health charity Riders’ Minds and the Injured Jockeys’ Fund (IJF).

While many marathons have been cancelled because of the pandemic, Abbotts World Marathon Majors, which runs the world’s “big six” marathons, have been encouraging people to undertake “virtual” marathons, where they run individually wherever in the world they might be.

Katie, who is based near Cullompton in Devon, plans to run a route taking in portions of the coastal path between Dawlish and Exeter, setting off on either 1 or 2 May.

“I was meant to be running the Manchester marathon but because of Covid it changed to the autumn,” said Katie, who has already run several marathons including Amsterdam and London. “I will be doing this one as part of an Abbots World race — they give you a race number and you submit your time, which helps with keeping accountable.”

Katie was inspired to raise money for mental health charity Riders’ Minds, and the IJF (who have recently launched an initiative with clinical psychologist group Changing Minds) following the deaths of former jockey James Banks and Riders’ Minds founder Matthew Wright.

“I met James once or twice through having some of the same circles of friends and the news [of his death] hit me quite hard, it’s very sad to lose someone at a young age,” Katie said. “Then there was also Matthew’s passing, as well as Liam Treadwell last year.

“While everyone struggles, I particularly wanted to do this to raise awareness of men’s mental health — it seems men in their 20s and 30s find it difficult to talk about what they’re going through. It’s a huge issue in the equestrian world.”

She added that she also felt the charities were good choices as they worked directly with governing bodies of the sport.

“Horsey people have a habit of plugging on without stopping to think about themselves and they don’t always realise how bad a place they’re in,” she said. “I like to do things that challenge me and takes me out of my comfort zone. I don’t enjoy running marathons while I am doing them but running 26 miles alone is nothing compared to someone who is really struggling through mental health problems.”

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(Image credit: Katie Bleekman)

British breeding comes together to support mental health in Matthew Wright’s memory

Matthew, who was open about his mental health struggles, died last month, and was well known in breeding circles as

(Image credit: Katie Bleekman)

Thousands donated to mental health support in Matthew Wright’s memory

The service is available to all those who ride and love horses

(Image credit: Katie Bleekman)

Katie has already been on one 20-mile training run and although she has suffered a “bit of a knee niggle”, hopes to be on target for the marathon next week.

“I’m hoping I can persuade a couple of people to run a few miles with me for a bit of support,” she said. “When I did Amsterdam and London the atmosphere was incredible, so it’s going to be a very different experience.”

Katie is hoping to raise £5,000 for the charities, which will be divided 50/50. Donations can be made via JustGiving.

Katies’s progress can be followed via her Instagram.

Eight-year-old racing fan to complete running challenge with help from well-known trainers

Becky Murray — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 07:33:50 +0000

A young racing fan raising money for charity aims to complete her fundraising challenge next weekend with a little help from some well-known trainers.

Eight-year-old Freja Thackray from North Yorkshire is raising money for Racing Welfare by running 20 lots of 2,021 metres in 2021.

Freja’s mum Mary, a racehorse owner, told H&H her daughter has always been around racing and has a love of horses.

“She was fortunate to go to Cheltenham last year, she just loves all of it,” said Mary.

“She likes the Flat because it’s quicker and more exciting but she also likes National Hunt because you can get those really unusual David and Goliath kind of wins; she likes the victory in adversity stories.”

Freja was keen to raise money for the charity, having met Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow at Newcastle racecourse last year.

“Freja was chatting away to Dawn about what the charity does and she came away and said ‘We can do something for that, Mummy’, and that’s what we did,” said Mary.

“She’s been around racing her entire life and known jockeys who have had to retire through injury, or had to change career due to injuries on the gallops, and she’s very aware of the help Racing Welfare gives.”

Freja, who has been running at local racecourses and yards, will run her final lots next weekend at the yards of trainers Charlie Longsdon, Martin and Belinda Keighley, and Fergal O’Brien.

“We’ve had some really kind offers from trainers and a lot of support from the racing community,” said Mary. “Freja is beyond excited.”

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(Image credit: Mary Thackray)

‘Wonderful reflection of unwavering support’: charity hits £500k Covid appeal target

‘I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who has donated during what has been a tough time for so

(Image credit: Mary Thackray)

Record-breaking 77-year-old pilot to take on epic ‘Donkathon’

The fundraising trip, which will start at North Moreton in Oxfordshire on 25 June, will take in 27 stops and

(Image credit: Mary Thackray)

The original fundraising target was £500 but to date Freja has raised almost £4,700, through her JustGiving page and other donations.

“She would have been thrilled with £500 but to raise this much is unbelievable,” said Mary. “She knows it will help a lot of people but she says ‘we’ve got more to do and we can help more people’. She is blown away by the support. The aim now is to get to £5,000 if we can – 10 times the target would be mind-blowing.

“Charities need help now more than ever because they haven’t been able to fundraise in the normal ways they would, but equally the people you’re asking to donate are facing tough times too, so people have been incredibly kind and generous with their support.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Urgent appeal to help cover £100,000 hay costs for rescued horses

Becky Murray — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 17:03:52 +0000

A welfare charity has launched an urgent appeal for donations to help cover the extra £100,000 it has had to spend on hay this winter.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary said it has been forced to spend the extra to feed its 1,500 equids as extreme wet weather meant the charity was facing a hay shortage.

“After heavy rain and flooding at Christmas followed by last week’s snow and subsequent thaw, the sanctuary has had to use much more of its hay supplies than usual to ensure its residents have been kept well fed,” said a Redwings spokesman.

“Unfortunately yields from our own harvest last year were down 30% due to the very wet start to the growing season, and a national hay shortage has pushed up prices by as much as 40% from some suppliers.”

The spokesman said as the charity is fully funded by public donations, the extra spend has put pressure on the sanctuary’s “already tightened” budgets.

“With so many horses to look after we plan our supplies carefully for each winter but the recent incredibly poor weather, lower yields and increasing prices have created a perfect storm where we find ourselves appealing for extra support,” said Rachel Angell, head of the charity’s Norfolk equine operations.

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(Image credit: Redwings Horse Sanctuary)

Eight-year-old donates pocket money to help struggling equine charity

“She knows it’s very hard for them and she wanted to spend her money on feeding the horses”

(Image credit: Redwings Horse Sanctuary)

Whispering Willows sanctuary owner banned after 137 horses removed and two put down

“Sadly, when things went wrong, these horses suffered the consequences”

(Image credit: Redwings Horse Sanctuary)

“Conditions have been particularly difficult at our Norfolk sites where the clay soil has left fields waterlogged for longer, delaying the arrival of the spring grass and forcing us to use more hay to make sure our horses stay healthy.”

Rachel added that Redwings has found a supplier who can provide the right quality and quantity of hay, but said the pandemic has placed significant pressure on finances.

“We urge anyone who can, to consider a donation to ensure we can purchase any further hay we may need and continue to provide specialist care for our rescued horses, now and into the future,” said Rachel.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Eight-year-old donates pocket money to help struggling equine charity

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 07:03:19 +0000

An eight-year-old girl who donated her pocket money to an equine charity hit hard by lockdown has now raised another £190.

Evie Cordwell saved up £20 given to her by her grandmother and donated it to Hope Pastures in Leeds, which like all sanctuaries has barely been able to raise any funds for the past year.

Evie dropped off the envelope last last month but did not leave her details, leading to a Facebook appeal to find and thank her.

Hope Pastures manage Leonnie Martin told H&H the past year had been “incredibly tough”.

“We’ve had a few children raising money for us but that particular young lady and her mum just handed the envelope in and we had no way of saying thank you,” she said.

“The post got such a good response, with people saying what a lovely young woman she was, and we managed to get in touch and have sent her a letter.”

WE HAVE FOUND EVIE – Thank you – We are incredibly lucky to have lots of very kind junior supporters – it is so…Posted by Hope Pastures on Monday, January 25, 2021

Evie’s mother Lindsay told H&H Evie also adopted Hope Pastures pony Sago; it was a present from Lindsay’s mother, and asked if she could also donate the pocket money her grandmother had given her.

“She knows it’s very hard for them and she wanted to spend her money on feeding the horses,” she said. “She’s a very kind girl, who would give you her last penny. I’m very proud.”

Evie has now started a reading challenge in aid of Hope Pastures, which had raised £190 by Friday (5 February).

Leonnie said Hope Pastures is hugely grateful to all those who have supported the charity, including those taking part in its Big 30 challenge, which asks supporters to raise £30 each, £1 for each of the horses and ponies who can be kept on site.

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(Image credit: Hope Pastures)

Two-year-old rider and Shetland take on challenge to support struggling riding school

The tiny rider is aiming to help the rising school, which has “hit rock bottom”

(Image credit: Hope Pastures)

‘I can’t bear to think of closing’: riding school’s £15,000 monthly costs with no income highlights lockdown reality

‘I’m trying so hard to be positive but I go home at night and think ‘What the hell am I

(Image credit: Hope Pastures)

“We’re an incredibly small charity and when our former volunteer India Evans said she’d fundraise for us for nothing, it was brilliant. She’s been absolutely superb. We’ve had people knitting, or doing little acts of kindness; kids have really gone for it in lockdown and it’s been brilliant.”

Leonnie said with almost all the year’s events and fundraising lost, the charity is struggling, but she praised its “fantastic” supporters, including Sarah Lenton, who gives hours of her time to help.

“These acts of kindness from our supporters who give what they can afford. The kindness of our volunteers and the dedication of our staff have really kept our spirits up in what have been very trying times.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Major step forward in campaign to save London riding stables

Lucy Elder — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:13:49 +0000

A community riding centre faced with eviction has taken a major step forward to secure its home as fundraising efforts ramp up.

Park Lane Stables in Teddington, southwest London, is aiming to raise £1m to buy its home as the landlord wants to sell.

The site has now been listed as an asset of community value (ACV), which is a significant step towards securing its future in London.

“ACV status is really important as it really strengthens our cause,” centre manager Natalie O’Rourke told H&H.

“It buys us some time as it means that we have the right to bid and that the landlord cannot sell it to another person without first offering it to us to buy.”

The stables, which is a registered charity, serves the community as a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and Pony Club centre, and is a safe haven for children who can be referred there by the local authority and schools. As well as offering riding lessons, Park Lane Stables also welcomes those who benefit from spending time with horses on the ground.

Staff and ponies from the stable have been cheering the local community through the lockdowns by letting people know what time they will be exercising the horses, so they can come to their windows to wave.

pic.twitter.com/7My3kWGuQt pic.twitter.com/7My3kWGuQt— ParkLaneStables ? (@ParkLaneStables) January 21, 2021— ParkLaneStables ? (@ParkLaneStables) January 21, 2021

The stables, whose history dates back hundreds of years, was put forward for ACV status to Richmond Council by local community group, the Teddington Society.

Natalie said the fact the society took the time to do that on their behalf “really makes us feel we are part of the community”.

“The donations and comments make us feel so supported and realise how important the horses are to everybody,” said Natalie.

“We’ve had people reach out to us who used to come here in the 1950s and 1960s as well as people whose lives have been touched [by the horses here]. It’s really strengthening; it’s like scaffolding around us to keep going when we hear all the kind words people say about the horses.”

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: Park Lane Stables)

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The charity has raised 15% of its target, with funds currently standing at just over £159,000, and Natalie added they are pushing hard to keep the momentum going to secure the remaining 85% ahead of the February Crowdfunder deadline.

For more information and to donate, click here

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Welfare warning as elderly mare colics after trespassers feed her

Sarah Radford — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:18:07 +0000

A rescue charity has reiterated warnings to the public not to feed horses after trespassers fed so many carrots to a 25-year-old mare that she suffered colic.

Angie Bird, a volunteer for Horse Sense Wirral, found Tilly down in the field when she did her morning checks. She noticed numerous pieces of dropped carrot on the ground.

Vet Helen Braid of Leahurst Equine Practice was called and diagnosed Tilly with spasmodic colic. She was treated with bute and Buscopan and later made a full recovery.

When the charity spoke to neighbours and checked a local resident’s CCTV footage later in the day, they saw people had entered Tilly’s paddock and fed “a lot” of carrots to the elderly mare.

Charity chairman Amy Pirie said: “People had climbed over the gate, which has a sign explaining not to feed the horses anything, due to them having EMS [equine metabolic syndrome], the sign explains EMS in non-horsey terms as well.

“Fortunately Tilly has made a full recovery, but if we hadn’t found her so early it would have likely been fatal, she was very poorly.”

The CCTV footage was passed on to police and Amy said she encouraged anyone who saw people feeding the horses to question them, as if it was any of the charity’s volunteers they would be “only too pleased you have taken the time to ask”.

“Sadly, other people have since come forward to say that this kind of behaviour has been fatal to their horses, so we want to do anything we can to publicise this issue and stop people feeding horses they don’t own,” Amy added.

Amy founded Horse Sense Wirral in 2009 and the charity now houses around 60 horses and ponies and has rescued more than 140 in total.

This year’s intake has included four mares and some very young colts from the Carneddau Mountain in Wales. The herd is not owned but local farmers act as guardians for the ponies’ welfare.

The charity became involved with the herd after rescuing a colt, Copper, who had been abandoned on the mountain and attacked by the native ponies last year. He is now thriving in the charity’s care.

Horse Sense Wirral have subsequently joined in the farmers’ annual November round-ups.

“We removed two mares with foals at foot in 2019, but four mares, two of which had foals at foot, and an additional six very young colts this year, as there were a lot of late foals this year and the decision was taken that it was best for them to come to us, to receive the extra care and nutrition they required,” Amy said.

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(Image credit: Horse Sense Wirral)

Yearling dumped on hillside attacked by wild stallions

Even if he had been accepted by the herd, he would never have survived the winter

(Image credit: Horse Sense Wirral)

NHS worker’s mare kicked by field mates as walkers feed horses scraps

‘People think they are the only family visiting and don’t realise they are the 20th family to stop that day’

(Image credit: Horse Sense Wirral)

“It’s been amazing to watch, as we geared up for hand-rearing, the mares within hours took on the foals. One mare, Blodwyn, fed her own, plus another three — the behaviours seen among truly untouched ponies are amazing.”

Amy added that the ponies were coming on well with their handling and once castrated would be looking for forever loan homes “to make room for their brothers, sisters and cousins” next year.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the colts from this ancient herd can contact Horse Sense Wirral through their Facebook page.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Countryfile presenter appointed president of equine charity

Becky Murray — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 12:56:57 +0000

A BBC Countryfile presenter is the new president of an equine welfare charity.

Matt Baker will help promote County Durham-based Here4horses’ work of caring and rehabilitating sick, injured and neglected equines.

The charity, which launched in 2018 and is a member of the National Equine Welfare Council, also focuses on providing advice, information and training on all horse-related matters.

A spokesman for Here4horses, which has 34 ponies in its care, said former One Show host and County Durham-born Matt has had a “lifelong interest” in animals. The presenter, who recently raised £4m for Children in Need by completing his 10th Rickshaw Challenge, regularly returns to his home county to visit his parents, who farm near the charity’s base.

“There is an unbelievable spirit at Here4Horses. Founder Wendy Suddes and her team are just brilliant at what they do, giving every possible chance to horses and ponies that have been neglected and need help,” said Matt.

“The care and dedication is second to one, confirmed by the stable mates who come to greet you for a nuzzle. It is a very special place.”

Continued below…

Watch the Horse & Hound Awards 2020 virtual ceremony

Here4Horses chair of trustees Nicola Endersby said Matt “stood out” for the president’s role.

“His connection with animals and links with the north are important to us. We also love his engaging personality and innate altruism,” she said.

“We hope he will play an integral role in increasing public understanding of equine health and welfare by arousing interest in our important work and generating support. The team are very excited for the future,” added Wendy.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Times tough for charities as Covid effects start to bite H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:49:22 +0000

Charities were facing a tough time even before the second lockdown was announced. H&H speaks to welfare organisations large and small to find out how the pandemic has hit their work, and what happens next

CHARITIES are facing a tough ask as the reality of the economic impact of Covid starts to bite, even before the second lockdown.

Welfare charities have taken significant financial hits as the vast majority of in-person fundraising events have been forced to cancel and visitors have been restricted, and charity shops have also faced periods of enforced closure.

This all comes at a time when many are under additional pressure or demand for their services as a result of the pandemic, and many are lobbying the government for more support. While they are all finding new ways to allow them to continue vital work, charities big and small are highlighting the stark realities and just how much difference even small gestures can make.

Lynn Cutress, chief executive of Redwings, which employs more than 300 staff and is responsible for more than 2,000 equines, said Covid has had a “profound impact”.

“The temporary closure of our visitor centres meant we saw a loss of income of over £250,000, while the cancellation of events like the county shows, the increasing costs of PPE and an 11% rise in internal welfare costs, such as the running of our horse hospital alone (around £1m a year), have further tightened budgets,” she told H&H.

“While we’ve always been a very financially prudent organisation, as a charity 100% funded by donations from the public, this year’s extremely challenging turn of events has meant Redwings will now be operating at a deficit for months or even years to come.”

The charity has used furlough (“it’s been incredibly useful”) and joined its voice to a number of others appealing to the Government for more sector-specific funding.

“The pandemic arrived in the middle of what was already an incredibly challenging welfare landscape,” said Ms Cutress.

“Throughout it all we were determined we would not stop rescuing horses despite the pandemic.”

Redwings has taken in more than 130 horses and ponies this year and its vets and officers have continued to assist in large-scale multi-agency operations.

Rehoming

Like many other charities, it had to suspend rehoming between March and May, with knock-on effects including using external boarding for some intakes. Redwings has rehomed 49 ponies since the programme restarted, with “project ponies” in particular demand.

Ms Cutress thanked “every single one” of the charity’s staff for their “incredible creativity and innovation” enabling the charity’s work to continue safely and the supporters who have helped them through with donations including feed, carrots, rugs and even bicycles.

The Mare & Foal Sanctuary in Devon faced a loss of revenue between March and June of around £160,000. Its income dropped overnight following the enforced closure of charity shops and the sanctuary had to furlough 25 staff.

Saturday’s (31 October) announcement means that it is again facing closure of its shops, from today (5 November), but both the online store on its website and its eBay charity shop remain open.

“We need all the support we can get to sustain our sanctuary, especially now our charity shops are temporarily closing once again,” fundraising director Dawn Vincent told H&H.

Sue Burton, founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex, believes the charity is facing a funding gap “in excess of £337,000” owing to cancelled events and fundraising activities. The deficit is estimated at around £10,500 a week.

“As always, we are deeply indebted for everyone’s support. Every winter is tough due to the spiralling costs, but this year will be extremely difficult. We implore the public for help. If they can’t donate, we really hope they can shop with us,” said Ms Burton.

Communities For Horses in South Wales works directly with communities to prevent welfare issues and has been hit to the point that its salaried equine welfare officer role is at risk.

“We work in one of the most deprived areas of the country and the people we work with have been severely impacted by the pandemic. As a result, they need our support more than ever,” a spokesman for the charity told H&H.

“We are a very small charity relying on in-person fundraising and network building and have been hugely affected in terms of fundraising by the challenges that Covid has thrown at us. In addition to that, the demand for our services has increased.

“Some of our funding has typically been through grants and this year there has been a huge increase in competition for funds, which has had a significant impact on charities. For us personally, this lack of funds in practice has put our role of equine officer in jeopardy. We will continue to do what we can, but without the funding it is really difficult.”

Sally Crawford, executive director of engagement and income generation at Bransby Horses in Lincolnshire, told H&H the charity is forecasting a loss of £500k this year.

“This does include the flood impact (on farming in particular), but I think it’s important to include this as we’ve gone from one crisis in November 2019, straight into another in March 2020,” she said, adding that the figure would have been higher without the furlough scheme, local government grants, careful managing of spending and cutting back on all but essential capital investment.

She added the closure of the visitor centre, shop and cafe from March to July had a significant impact on its trading income, on-site donations and sponsorships.

“The charity relies heavily on income received through gifts in wills each year and due to an anticipated six- to 12-month backlog at the Probate Registry, we expect this to have an impact on our cash flow,” she said.

“It’s fair to say that we expect Covid to have an impact well into 2021, especially for our legacy income and should we experience further lockdowns and restrictions on our ability to trade.”

The rehoming halt meant the number of equines Bransby was able to rehome was down around 30% earlier this year, and the charity is working to get back on track.

“Our teams will continue to be there for horses in need during the lockdown period and beyond into the winter through our rescue work,” said Emma Carter, Bransby executive director of equine welfare. “There is a concern across the charity sector about the demand for our services with the economic impact of Covid-19, putting horses at risk and the overload for charities, which have been stretched for capacity for the last five years.”

Bransby has more than 350 horses across two sites and has split its teams in two so that if one has to self-isolate, the other can pick up the care.

“Working safely through Covid-19 has been our biggest challenge ever. Our teams have been fantastic though, and their caring and compassion for the horses and each other still inspires me every day,” Emma said.

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‘Our way of saying thank you’: how the equestrian world is giving back to NHS workers

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Mark Phillips: Please, take these rules seriously H&H Plus

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Fund set up to help equine charities with ‘inevitable tidal wave of welfare cases’

‘There is no capacity within the UK’s equine rescue system so it is vital, as we start to rehome animals

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Delight as competitive showjumping to restart next week

Showjumping is one of the first amateur sports in Britain allowed to restart

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Racing takes the lead as other sports prepare to follow H&H Plus

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Major equine welfare charity to remain closed to the public until 2021 H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:20:33 +0000

Despite visitor attractions being allowed to open from 4 July, some welfare charities have decided to remain shut so they can focus their efforts on caring for the equines in their charge. H&H finds out which centres are now opened with Covid-19 secure measures in place and which are delaying reopening until a later date...

As the equestrian world focuses on a new normal, some charities are reopening to visitors – but others will remain closed as the impact of Covid-19 means they must prioritise resources.

Under step three of the Government’s guidance on easing lockdown restrictions, visitor attractions may open from 4 July.

The Horse and Pony Protection Association’s Shores Hey Farm has reopened with restrictions, and Bransby Horses reopens on 8 July – but World Horse Welfare, the Horse Trust, the Donkey Sanctuary and Redwings remain closed.

Bransby announced changes including additional picnic fields and a click-and-collect café service, and visitors cannot touch horses.

“We’ve been working hard to ensure new hygiene and social distancing measures are implemented in a way that still allow our supporters to enjoy a memorable visit,” said Bransby chief executive Jo Snell.

Meanwhile World Horse Welfare’s four visitor centres will not open until February 2021.

“While we love having visitors, this adds additional risk in terms of keeping our centres ‘Covid-secure’. The protective measures we would need to put in place would also inevitably involve taking valuable time from staff to ensure measures were being followed,” said Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare chief executive.

“The charity’s priority over the coming months has to be rehabilitation and rehoming, as each horse that is rehomed makes space for another. With all four farms at full capacity, making space for the large number of welfare cases expected later is vital.”

Mr Owers added the charity is “very mindful” about the financial implications of remaining closed, but said it is a matter of priorities.

“The pandemic is having a significant financial impact across all our income sources, including fundraising events cancelled and delays in receiving the gifts left to us in wills,” he said.

“On the upside, while we were not able to rehome horses for a few weeks, we have now rehomed more in 2020 than at this point last year, and legacy income is beginning to pick up again, so through juggling priorities we should be able to cope with the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.”

Jeanette Allen, chief executive of the Horse Trust which is shut to the public until at least September, agreed being closed has had a financial impact.

“The closure will have cost in the region of £80,000 to £100,000 in lost income from entries, the tea room, merchandise sales and hiring our barn for events,” she said. “On top of that we will lose the less easily quantifiable support from visitors choosing to sponsor a horse, pony or donkey having met them.

“We are still battling with lower than usual staffing levels as a result of the pandemic so bringing horses in and out of stables for opening is not essential but is a strain on resources, and caring for them is of course where we are focusing those resources. Every organisation will make decisions that are suitable for their visitor experience.”

Redwings said its reopening situation is “under review” and the Donkey Sanctuary will remain temporarily closed.

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All in a day’s work: former Royal Marines Commando and Horseback UK founder H&H Plus

Horse & Hound — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:35:37 +0000

Horseback UK’s Jock Hutchison on using horsemanship to help people at their lowest ebb regain self-esteem – and why dogs can’t do the same job, as told to Kate Johnson

I used to be a Royal Marines Commando. My wife, Emma, and I originally moved to our farm to breed horses, but I heard about 16 young men who had returned from Afghanistan with life-changing injuries, and felt they needed a purpose. We invited them to stay and taught them to ride, but we learnt that it was the ground-based work and forming a team with the horse that was more psychologically effective.

Horsemanship is the epitome of leadership because you don’t have a choice but to be a leader with a horse. It needs you to be a leader, it’s an anxious critter. People say, “Can’t you do this with dogs?” No. A dog will love you no matter what you do, a horse won’t. You need to make it feel secure, especially when it’s away from the herd. If that trust isn’t there, you’re building on sand.

When we started, 80% of the people were ex-military and physically injured. It’s evolved, now 80% are mentally injured and not from the military. We over-preached initially, but we realised we needed to let the horses do the talking. Leadership is kindness, patience and bringing out the best in an individual, not telling them what to do. It’s exactly the same in the Marines. There’s a misconception about how we in the military look after ourselves. I was never shouted at; if I really didn’t want to become a Royal Marines Commando, no amount of yelling would make me.

When I first walked through the gates, I was told, “One day you might have the privilege of being responsible for these troops.” We were told we served them, they did not serve us. You can’t be a successful leader unless you look after your people.

We had a group of 15 who were “disengaged from the educational process” – not going to school – for a huge array of reasons. It’s not the kid’s fault 90% of the time. One girl – an autistic girl of 12 – broke my heart. She never said a single word, but she loved one horse. Even in the team games, it was just that one. At the end of a 15-week day-release course, she stood up and gave a speech to everyone. I’m emotional about that even now.

We have 34 horses. We need that many, as horses can’t do this week in and week out. They absorb the angst and begin to resent it, so they go back into the herd for a few weeks. And we need to pair people with the horse with the right energy level; we’re trying to create wins for them. If you can lead a half-tonne animal, you can lead your own life again.

Horses are the perfect combination of power and fear; their brains are wired to respond by legging it. The key to working with them is to use their anxiety to help face your own. It’s the thought of the thing, like a plastic bag to a horse, not the actual thing, that causes anxiety 99% of the time.

I’m surprised how gentle, perceptive and empathetic horses are to people who are hurt, especially mentally. I was born with my love of horses, and I was worried some would say, “It’s not for me,” but they haven’t.

One man had experienced war at its most brutal. He was completely locked in; he wouldn’t connect, wore sunglasses, always carried a haversack. He did the course, and stayed an extra day. He knew how to ride well so I took him up into the hills.

He said, “Stop here,” got off his horse and took off his pack and took out a rope. He said, “I’ve been carrying this around. I was going to hang myself, but I’m going to bury it under a rock. I’m not going to need it.”

You have to see the impact horses have to believe it; they will teach you how to be a better human being more quickly than any human being can.

Ref Horse & Hound; 4 June 2020

8 wonderful rescued horses looking for knowledgable new homes

Seib insurance brokers — Thu, 28 May 2020 07:24:30 +0000

As the pressure on equine welfare charities remains high as they deal with the ongoing equine crisis, horses that have successfully been rehabilitated need to move to new homes in order to make space for emergency cases that need urgent care.

Alongside this week’s charity special issue of Horse & Hound (out now, issue dated 28 May), here are eight rescued horses that have been nursed back to health and are now looking for wonderful new homes…

World Horse Welfare

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Name: Primrose

Height: 12.3hh

Age: 14

About: Primrose is a cob mare who is looking for a new home as a project pony. She has recently started basic work, including physio and pole exercises, and has the potential to make a lovely ridden pony. Primrose has a very kind, calm temperament and is based at Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, in Somerset. Find out more: rehoming.worldhorsewelfare.org

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Name: Chancer

Height: 13.1hh

Age: nine

About: Chancer is a cob gelding who is ready to be rehomed as a project driving pony. He is happily long-reining around the farm and has had a driving harness on which didn’t faze him in the slightest. Chancer has lovely manners and is based at Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, in Aberdeenshire.

Find out more: rehoming.worldhorsewelfare.org

Horse Trust

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Name: Gabriel

Height: 12.1hh

Age: four

About: Gabriel is a lightweight cob gelding who is looking for his forever home. He was born at The Horse Trust when his mother, Eve, was rescued from a field with lots of other abandoned ponies. Gabriel is really good to handle and enjoys coming in for a groom and some pampering. All of the grooms think of him as a superstar. The grooms have started doing some training with Gabriel. He his currently being backed to harness and with the correct training in the home he could make a nice child’s ride and drive.

Find out more: www.horsetrust.org.uk

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Name: Jack Sparrow

Height: 13.2hh

Age: three

About: Sparrow is a thoroughbred type gelding. In March 2017 he was found by Highways England and Avon & Somerset Police after being abandoned at the side of the road with two of his friends. He was only nine months old at the time, and was severely underweight and covered in lice. He recently had his eye removed due to his poor start in life. It causes him no problems though and doesn’t stop him running around the field with my friends. Sparrow is now in good health and is looking for a home as a companion. He is good to handle and enjoys a nice groom. He is also good for the farrier and the vet.

Find out more: www.horsetrust.org.uk

Blue Cross

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Name: Prince

Height: 14.2hh

Age: 11

About: Prince, who is a cob cross Arab type, is looking for a non-ridden companion home. Prince is a sweet gelding, who is looking for a companion home where he can be pampered and spend his time with some new field friends. Once settled into the environment, he is good to groom, catch and lead. Prince has lived in a mixed herd while being at the Rolleston rehoming centre in Staffordshire, and is good within the herd environment. Prince can live out 24/7 with access to a shelter or be part stabled.

Find out more: www.bluecross.org.uk

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Name: Bandit

Height: 12.2hh

Age: three

About: Bandit is a super-cute cob, who is an up and coming youngster, who could make a great project for someone. He has spent the past few years in a loving Blue Cross loan home and is now looking forward to a new adventure where he will one day be a child’s riding pony. He is based in Burford and is good to handle in all ways — he can sometimes need some positive encouragement when it comes to the farrier as he can be a little cheeky at times though.

Find out more: www.bluecross.org.uk

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RSPCA

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Name: Lilly

Height: 13.3hh

Age: four

About: Lilly, who is a New Forest cross breed, is full of character — very cheeky and incredibly intelligent. She picks up new things very quickly, including how to open gates! She is a bit of a show off and loves to strut her stuff in the field, showing off her very flashy trot. She also likes to think she is racehorse when she races our tractor up and down the field. Lilly came to the RSPCA emaciated, starving and fighting for her life. It took her a long time to come round, but she has now made a full recovery. She is very people orientated and loves to be groomed. She has only very lightly begun to do some work in-hand as she is only four years old. She also has a few medical issues which may affect her ability to be ridden, however we are still investigating this. These issues wont stop her potential to be a lovely companion pony or low level in-hand showing pony. She is based at the RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.

Find out more: www.rspca.org.uk

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Name: Hope

Height: 15hh

Age: five

About: At five years old Hope, a thoroughbred crossbreed, is proving to be a very loving girl. She does, however, have a huge amount still to learn and will need someone very caring and experienced to teach her. Hope has learnt to wear a bridle and be led in-hand during her stay with the RSPCA. Hope can be a little nervous when being groomed, but has gained confidence, and has made an improvement while being at the centre. Hope was found in a collapsed state as a young foal, within hours of death . She was infested with worms, covered in lice and had diarrhoea. She has made an amazing recovery and is now finally ready to start looking for a new home. She can be a little nervous when being groomed, but has gained confidence, and has improved while being at the centre. Hope will need a very experienced home which has dealt with youngsters before. She is very good around the mares she is turned out, and will be homed as a companion pony only due to her previous history. Hope is based at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.

Find out more: www.rspca.org.uk

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Carrot donations, wheeled horses and star jumps: charities look to alternative fundraising measures

Becky Murray — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 16:14:43 +0000

Charities are looking to alternative fundraising opportunities as members of the public get behind them during lockdown restrictions.

While visitor centres are closed and events cancelled, activities including sponsorship, donations, and art sales could help raise vital funds with support from the public.

Brooke, the Horse Trust, Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and the RSPCA are among those to sign up to the national 2.6 Challenge. The challenge involves picking an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and completing it on 26 April – when the London Marathon should have taken place, while raising sponsorship for a charity. All activities are welcome, from running 2.6 miles to doing 26 press-ups, baking 26 cakes or giving up chocolate for 26 hours.

As part of the 2.6 challenge, RSPCA staff at the charity’s West Hatch centre in Somerset took on a 26-metre race on ‘Ponycycles’ (wheeled model horses). A further race is planned on 26 April to be live-streamed on the centre’s Facebook page.

Dance ChallengeHaving been challenged to perform this dance by RSPCA Ashley Heath, it quickly became apparent that we are not natural dancers!! Thank you Ashley Heath, it certainly lifted our spirits yesterday <3Posted by RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre on Thursday, April 16, 2020

In a separate fundraising effort, racehorse trainer Harry Dunlop’s son Tom, 14, is raising funds for the Lambourn Group of the RDA. Tom has set himself the challenge of raising £1,000 by running one or two of the Jockey Club Estates Lambourn gallops daily, until he completes 26 miles – which he aims to do by 26 April.

“In the lockdown I got a bit bored and wanted to do something to help a charity and I thought about the RDA,” said Tom.

“In the past my old pony Flicker had been used by an RDA rider and I saw how much happiness it gave to her. I also read about their struggles in the local newspaper, so I thought by raising money during this pandemic I could help keep them going.”

Remus Horse Sanctuary is asking supporters to “help from their sofa” via Give As You Live, a cashback website for registered charities. It works by users signing up to the website and selecting Remus as their chosen charity, then when they orderfrom a choice of online retailers, a percentage of the transaction amount is donated by the website to the charity.

The Moorland Mousie Trust, which runs the Exmoor Pony Centre and aims to promote and protect the breed, is appealing for support via donations. The charity said during the spring and summer seasons it usually generates around £45,000 from activities and events at the centre and is hoping to raise £35,000 to help reduce its losses during the pandemic.

A young volunteer, Georgia, has completed 620 star jumps on a trampoline – more than her 500 target – for Dublin-based charity My Lovely Horse Rescue. Georgia has raised €510(£446) to date, with donations still welcome in aid of the welfare charity.

Article continued below…

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Animal welfare and other charities miss out on government support packages H&H Plus

(Image credit: Brooke)

Equine charities among those hit by coronavirus pandemic

(Image credit: Brooke)

The Donkey Sanctuary’s residents in the charity’s Sidmouth and Leeds centres have welcomed carrot donations from supermarkets Waitrose and Morrisons. More than 150kg of carrots have been donated providing a “much-needed treat” for the donkeys, and they will be also used for enrichment activities.

Art for Cure, a charity raising funds for breast cancer care and research through selling fine art, sculptures and photograph is holding an online exhibition of equestrian and field sports art and sculpture. The event, taking place at www.artforcure.org.uk on 7 May at 6pm, will feature the work of more than 100 artists.

The charity’s founder Belinda Gray said: “We are very excited to present this extraordinary collection of art to include so many wonderful pieces for the horse and country sport enthusiasts. All money raised is personally monitored and channelled where it is intended.”

Animal welfare and other charities miss out on government support packages H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 13:39:56 +0000

When chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £750m government support package for frontline organisations last week, animal welfare charities were not mentioned. H&H finds out what impact this is likely to have on equestrian organisations in the voluntary sector...

Equine and animal welfare charities struggling during the coronavirus pandemic do not appear to be included in emergency government funding.

H&H has reported that charities have been hit hard by movement restrictions, as visitor centres close and open days and other events have had to be cancelled, as are the shows at which the charities often had trade stands.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £750m government support package for frontline organisations last week, but animal charities were not mentioned.

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), which has set up an emergency appeal to support its groups that have lost all income from activities, said it understands the government’s focus, essentially on charities delivering immediate and frontline support during this crisis.

“But it means thousands of community groups like RDA groups are at risk of closing permanently before the crisis is over,” a spokesman told H&H.

The RSPCA told H&H its staff have continued to work, and thousands of animals are still being cared for.

“But our resources are strained and our fundraising has taken a huge hit,” she said.

“Times like these show just how crucial charities are to support the most needy in society and although this package is a start, it is just not enough to safeguard the voluntary sector to ensure we will continue to be there for the most vulnerable, whether human or animal, into the future.

“We are keen to see the detail of the aid package but we have been designated essential workers by the government with a crucial role to play rescuing animals and supporting owners through these tough times. We believe that our services are vital and that we should be able to access the available aid to make sure we can continue to provide these services.”

A Treasury spokesman said: “Our £750m of funding will support charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis. All charities have access to support including the coronavirus job retention scheme, which enables them to furlough staff.”

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