World Horse Welfare’s Rescue and Rehoming Centres reopening to the public on 18 August.

UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 11, 2021 / World Horse Welfare’s Rescue and Rehoming Centres across the country reopening to the public on 18 August.

The staff and ponies at World Horse Welfare’s four Rescue and Rehoming Centres in Aberdeenshire, Lancashire, Norfolk and Somerset can’t wait to welcome visitors back when they reopen on 18 August after more than a year closed to the public. A new easy-to-use ticket booking system has been launched to manage numbers of people visiting and to keep both staff and visitors safe. Tickets can be booked on the individual farm pages at https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/visit-us 

Lisa Gardiner, Centre Promotion Officer at Belwade Farm in Aberdeenshire, said: “Everyone at Belwade Farm is getting excited to welcome back familiar and new faces when we reopen. Whilst we have been closed the yard have been busy helping a large number of rescues, rehabilitating them ready to go to new homes.” 

Maxine Langley at Hall Farm, Norfolk said: “There is certainly plenty to see and find out about and you can even see our new ‘Bugingham Palace’! The horses and ponies are enjoying the wonderful weather and summer is a truly lovely time of year here. The Feed Bucket Coffee Shop will also be reopening, offering delicious food and refreshments – and there is a lovely outside picnic area to enjoy as well” 

Sally Page from Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset said “We have a wonderful herd of horses and ponies, including some gorgeous foals, just waiting to see you all again and don’t forget that our Coffee Shop will be open for a drink and a bite to eat after you explore our new walks out amongst the fields. We have some exciting upcoming events too.”  

Zoe Clifford from Penny Farm near Blackpool said: “Come and see what we have been doing and find out about the horses and ponies that are here – each has a different story to tell. We said that there would be celebrations here when we finally reopened, and after having to reschedule a number of times we really are going to mark the occasion!”

Check the website (https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/visit-us) or individual farm social media accounts for details of opening days and times as they vary across the farms. 

With the impact of Covid-19 causing a 20% decline in income the charity is introducing a small charge for visiting the centres at Hall Farm, Belwade Farm and Glenda Spooner Farm to help support the visitor facilities. The charge for a general visit is £3 each, with children under 5 free. Entry to Penny Farm remains free, but tickets still need to be pre-booked.

ENDS

Note to editors 

For more information please call Su Delve on 01953 497248, 07826 871682 or email sudelve@worldhorsewelfare.org  

About World Horse Welfare:  Visit our website here: www.worldhorsewelfare.org 

World Horse Welfare (Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384), is an international horse charity that improves the lives of horses in the UK and worldwide through education, campaigning and hands-on care of horses. Since we were founded in 1927, our whole approach has been practical, based on scientific evidence and our extensive experience, and focused on delivering lasting change across the full spectrum of the horse world. 

In the UK our dedicated network of Field Officers investigate and resolve welfare problems, and we run four Rescue and Rehoming Centres where horses in need can receive specialist care, undergo rehabilitation and find loving new homes through our rehoming scheme – the largest of its kind in the UK. Our international programmes alleviate the suffering of thousands of working horses by providing essential knowledge for horse owning communities in the developing world. We also work tirelessly to change legislation and attitudes to horse welfare through campaigns and education, including our founding campaign to end the suffering endured by the tens of thousands of horses transported long-distance across Europe to slaughter each year. We support the responsible use of horses in sport, and are independent welfare advisers to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA). 

World Horse Welfare relies on voluntary donations. Our supporters are our lifeblood and we always aim to fundraise in a caring and responsible way. Our fundraising activity is governed by the Fundraising Regulator but we also go much further to ensure our supporters feel valued and protected. Find out more at: http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/our-pledge-to-supporters