News
Posted on June 30th, 2020
Bransby Horses reopens to public on 8th July after keeping spirits up during Lockdown
Lincolnshire-based equine charity, Bransby Horses, is delighted to announce that they will be reopening their doors to the public at 10am on Wednesday 8th July 2020.
The site is still free entry and initially will be running at reduced days and hours, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 3pm.
In line with the UK Government response to the coronavirus, the Charity is asking visitors to ensure they adhere to social distancing regulations and plan for their visit by finding more information and FAQs at www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
As well as a newly refurbished Gift Shop and Donated Goods Shop and additional picnic fields, visitors can now pre-book a packed lunch or breakfast, through the new Click and Collect Café service that will be available on the Charity’s website from Tuesday 7th July.
The site in Bransby, which welcomes thousands of visitors each year, closed to the public on 20th March 2020. During Lockdown the Charity has been busy keeping the hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that live at the Bransby and Barlings sites, safe and well. Since March, measures have been in place to keep employees healthy and safe, strictly following Government guidance including social distancing, office employees working from home where appropriate, high standards of on-site hygiene and strict sanitation.
Jo Snell, CEO at Bransby Horses says: “We are so looking forward to welcoming back visitors to our Bransby site, especially as we have so much outside space for our visitors to enjoy.
“There will be some changes to the normal ways of working for our employees and visitors, as is to be expected. And though petting of our animal residents won’t be allowed, visitors can still enjoy watching our equines at a safe distance whilst walking in the miles of beautiful countryside we have here.
“We’ve been working hard to ensure that the new hygiene and social distancing measures are implemented in a way that will still allow our supporters to enjoy a fun and memorable visit to our Bransby site. The new Click and Collect Café service, our outside Café takeaway kiosk and additional visitor welcomers will all help support the extra social distancing measures that have been put in place. We’re all very excited to see all the smiling faces we’ve missed for so long.”
Bransby Horses keeps 1000’s of supporters entertained and comforted during Lockdown
Bransby Horses’ teams have also been dedicated to keeping their supporters entertained during Lockdown. Local care homes have received regular hand written updates to be read out by care employees, whilst on social media, as well as virtual video tours as part of their Keep on Keeping on campaign, one particular donkey has given and received a lot of hope and joy during the nation’s challenging period.
Raising spirits every day, a social Donkey resident, named Nipper has been visiting many horse, pony, donkey and mule friends and sharing his tales to nearly 30,000 followers! For the three months of the 2020 Lockdown, March, April and May, every morning, a positive, uplifting tale of Nipper’s adventures around the Charity site was posted on the Charity’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The response from their supporters has been incredible, so much so, that the Charity is now creating a set of collectible postcard stories, ready for Christmas 2020.
Of the hundreds of comments received, here are just a few that summed up the impact the tales have had on the thousands of readers:
“Nipper, and of course your two legged friend [who interprets for you] thank you for showing the way through these horrible, crazy days. Your posts have been an anchor of positivity to cling to. For a lot of people separated from family and friends the presence of animals in our lives has been a blessing.”
“Thank you Nipper and your friends for the wonderful musings. They get read at work, and are a joy to everyone. As already suggested a little book of ‘Nipper’s Musings’ would be most appreciated by many. Take care all of you at Bransby Horses and continue with your amazing work. Stay safe.”
“Thank you Nipper for your ponderings…you are so widely read!! You have given much calm in this storm. Stay safe…”
“Thank you Nipper, you sure have helped me through this horrible time with your lovely words.”
Posted on June 29th, 2020
Local Horse Charity Needs Your Support at Virtual Open Day Sunday 5th July
Remus Horse Sanctuary is struggling to survive whilst experiencing extreme weather conditions alongside increased vet, medication and food bills – whilst assisting in welfare issues across the county – without its normal summer fundraising events, due to Covid-19.
Since lockdown on 23rd March, Remus Horse Sanctuary has been managing with a small, skeleton staff, who have been required to care for its 200+ animals. Like so many small charities, it has had to cancel all of its fundraising efforts and is struggling to survive. As a result, its Summer Open Days have turned virtual and the charity will be hosting a further event on Sunday 5 July from 1pm to 5pm across social media.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary said,“this is the third event we will have hosted virtually and we are learning with every one. But our fundraising is down dramatically and we are struggling to survive right now.
“Last week was one of the tougher weeks at Remus, where everyone was pushed to their limits! The weather was so incredibly hot which made it difficult to work in, especially when doing such heavy work. We have been short staffed due to sickness and holiday so have had fewer staff working much harder in such heat. The torrential rain floods the road into us and our fields, meaning we have to walk in and out of work, then the extreme heat plays havoc with the animals.”
To try and mitigate the huge financial loss, the charity has been organising its Open Day’s virtually across its Facebook and Instagram platforms – until it can re-open to the public.
The next Virtual Open Day will take place on Sunday 5th July 1pm until 5pm. “Instead of you coming to us, we will come to you, by social media. Please, do join us!” said Ms Burton.
The charity will be sharing messages from the humans that work at the Sanctuary and from its animals, via photograph and video. It will also have merchandise for sale, information on conservation, enrichment, a tour of the yard and much more!
Those interested in finding out more about how the Sanctuary is coping during this time and in joining one of its virtual Open Days, can visit: www.facebook.com/RemusHorseSanctuary and www.instagram.com/remushorsesanctuary. Details of all of the charity’s Open Days can be found online at: www.remussanctuary.org/event-category/open_days/.
Ms Burton summarised, “Over the past week, we have experienced sore feet in some of the animals, chest infections, colic due to the heat, bloating and a jaw infection. All of this on top of the whole financial situation caused by Covid and all fundraising being stopped and money starting to dry up, so we really could have done without the added costs of the vets coming in every day this week and extra medications.
“From a welfare point of view, we have been crazily busy having to deal with cases all over the county from an absolutely emaciated mare to a decomposing foal dumped in the hedgerow. These are such sad and difficult times for us all.”
Any help you can offer by way of donation, fundraising or otherwise would be very much appreciated. You can contact Sue Burton at the Sanctuary on tel: 01277 356191 or by email to info@remussanctuary.org.
Posted on June 29th, 2020
Endurance GB poised to resume sport in England
Endurance GB is poised to resume the sport in England following steps towards further lifting of COVID 19 restrictions by the Government.
The endurance season will reopen for entries on 29th June 2020 with a series of small-scale pleasure rides aimed both at enabling riders to get back to their sport while ensuring organisers are able to put key social distancing and hygiene measures in place.
The first ride in the calendar is at Park Farm, Stanford on Avon on 12th July with rides in Cheshire, Derbyshire, Cornwall and Hexham the following weekend. Endurance GB are confident that competitive rides will also be back on the calendar very shortly.
However, plans to resume the sport in Wales are on hold until further announcements by the Welsh Government.
Entry numbers at the first scheduled pleasure rides will initially be capped to around 40, depending on the event, to ensure that social distancing can be maintained both at the venue and sufficient space can be kept between riders on the trail. Start times will be staggered to ensure that no more than six people meet at the ride.
Esther Young, Operations Director said: “We are entering uncharted water in resuming the sport and while everyone is excited at the prospect of being back out there, there will be new systems and measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety.”
To ensure safe management of events, entries will be processed online through Endurance GB’s new website for all levels of event, and attendees will need to complete a health screening form.
A thorough risk assessment will be conducted before each event and additional cleaning and hygiene measures will be in place. Camping and corralling to be allowed in line with government guidelines, but no socialising will be possible in groups of more than six.
Phil Nunnerley, Chair of Endurance GB said: “There is no doubt that this is the moment we have all been waiting for and there will be both cheers and sighs of relief when the first riders head off at the first pleasure ride. However, the health of members, officials and supports is our priority and a significant amount of work is going into making sure that none of our venues unwittingly becomes a vector for disease transmission. We are very hopeful that as the season progresses, we will see a resumption of bigger rides and longer distances with the caveat that we remain flexible and able to react quickly to any new Government advice.
“Once again, I would like to thank all those on the board as well as our ride organisers and officials who have done so much to safeguard the future of the sport through this crisis and for the membership for their patience and support. Our endurance community has shown its true strength during this crisis with an impressive support network being there for everyone from members who are key workers to those who are shielding – staging a safe return to the sport will be our chance to thank them for their efforts.”
Photo: Emma Husband and LTF Kalisha at Barbrook, Derbyshire – which will be one of the first rides to resume this year
Photo credit: Kerry Dawson
Posted on June 27th, 2020
BEF update: use of indoor schools permitted from 4 July
British Equestrian has had confirmation this evening from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that equestrian indoor arenas will be permitted for use from 4th July in England.
Riding/driving in covered arenas from 29th June in Scotland was approved by sportscotland following work done in collaboration by horsescotland and BHS Scotland. The use of indoor facilities in Northern Ireland has been permitted since 23rd June.
British Equestrian Chief Executive Iain Graham commented; “This will be welcome news for many who have been patiently waiting for the government’s agreement. We have gone to great lengths to explain the nature of equestrian indoor schools and today we finally made the breakthrough. I’d like to thank the teams at DCMS and Sport England for working and reasoning with us on a daily basis. We’ll continue to press for change in Wales and are hopeful for a successful outcome here too.”
Posted on June 26th, 2020
SEIB Insurance Brokers make four shortlists in the UK Broker Awards
SEIB Insurance Brokers have been shortlisted for national insurance industry awards. The UK Broker Awards have been set up to provide national recognition for companies in the insurance industry and SEIB have made the shortlist in four separate categories. Hosted by Insurance Age, the winners of the prestigious UK Broker Awards will be announced in an online ceremony on the 11th September.
In achieving shortlisting for these awards, SEIB has highlighted their commitment and ability to respond to the ever-changing needs of their customers. SEIB has been shortlisted for the Covid-19 Response Award, showing the effectiveness of the company’s agile response to the challenges posed by Covid-19. SEIB hosted one of the first virtual – or online – awards ceremonies back in March, with the SEIB Giving ‘Virtual’ Awards. The SEIB team successfully pulled off this new style of awards at very short notice.
SEIB has also been shortlisted for the Marketing and Customer Engagement Award, the Claims Team Award and the Customer Service Award at the UK Broker Awards.
SEIB’s Financial Director, Bipin Thaker said; “To be shortlisted for this selection of categories at our industry’s main awards is a great boost. Everyone at SEIB, without exception, works so hard to make sure they are on hand to help our customers. The lock-down has been the first time that most of our team has worked from home and the service they have provided throughout has been brilliant. We are very much looking forward to the online ceremony of the UK Broker Awards.”
Putting something back is embedded in the culture of SEIB. Alongside supporting their staff through insurance qualifications and many other development initiatives, the company sponsor several employees to help them in reaching their equestrian goals. The SEIB team also do a huge amount for local and national charities through various means, from taking part in ‘Mud n Madness’ team events, right through to the SEIB Giving Awards.
For more information about SEIB Insurance Brokers please visit www.seib.co.uk.
Posted on June 25th, 2020
The Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing Cancelled
STATEMENT FROM PETER PHILLIPS, EVENT DIRECTOR:
It is with great regret that we have had to cancel the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing in August this year due to Covid-19 restrictions and other related issues. We were simply not able to guarantee the medical cover and other key resources to ensure the safety of our competitors, volunteers, officials and estate staff which is paramount to all of us at the Festival.
We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding in bearing with us in what has been a challenging and uncertain time for all.
It was hoped that we could plan a five day competition later in the year but following lengthy discussions with British Eventing there was still uncertainty regarding the latter part of the fixtures calendar at the time this decision had to be made and there was too great a risk for us that not enough would have changed in the world to plan an alternative competition.
Bookings already taken for this year’s event will be rolled over to next year, but refunds will be made on any applications made. To apply for a ticket refund, visit here with your order number and postcode.
British Eventing CEO Jude Matthews has confirmed that qualifications for the 2020 Novice Restricted, Intermediate and Open British Eventing Championships will be carried over to the 2021 Festival of British Eventing. Combinations qualified for 2020 Novice Regional Finals will instead be able to compete in the 2021 Novice Regional Finals. All qualifications being carried over will be subject to eligibility as per the BE Handbook.
We would like to thank all our sponsors and partners in the Festival for their continuing support and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing 6th – 8th August 2021 (subject to confirmation from British Eventing).
Posted on June 16th, 2020
Exmoor Pony Society virtual spring show goes global!
While the COVID-19 pandemic may have stopped most public gatherings, it hasn’t stopped Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) from bringing hundreds of ponies and their owners together online. The society’s first Spring Show attracted more than 200 entries – including international entrants – by going ‘virtual’ on 15th June.
EPS serves as the formal guardian of the Exmoor pony breed, and maintains the official studbook for the breed which is classed as ‘endangered’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. With plans for the physical Spring show thwarted, EPS was inspired to make it happen online. The Exmoor Pony Festival in August has already been cancelled, and the much anticipated annual breed show in August is also under discussion, and the idea was to bring some much needed morale to pony enthusiasts.
Show Secretary and EPS trustee Jenna Payne developed the concept and made it a reality with the help of the Showing Scene website and some dedicated Exmoor pony enthusiasts who sponsored classes and championships. With 26 categories and the usual expectation of high standards of showing, she created a video to guide people on how to prepare their pony for entry – as well as getting the photography and video right for the judges.
Each entry required a video alongside two still photographs. These were posted onto YouTube and have each attracted hundreds of views. The entries were then reviewed by the highly experienced and qualified judging panel, and the results posted the EPS website.
Jenna Payne, says: “Showing of ponies is a very serious task, and we run our own and affiliated shows across the country. Lockdown has made this impossible, but making the show virtual provides similar kudos to the owners and breeders.
“Overall, this event has been a surprising hit with Exmoor pony enthusiasts. When I booked for my rosettes to be made, I’d predicted up to 30 entries, but once entries opened they just kept coming and coming! I was completely overwhelmed by how much support the event has received and it’s really humbling.
“To close on 217 entries just blew every expectation and I’m pretty confident that it’s the largest Exmoor pony show in history as well as the first international – having had two exhibitors from Sweden. We’ve even had a phone call from a chap in Washington DC asking how he can view the show. It’s been mind blowing really for a rare breed to have support such as this.”
The winners, videos and photos can be found via www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk and their Facebook page.
Photo: Exmoor Pony Society trustee Jenna Payne with two of her Exmoor ponies.
Posted on June 16th, 2020
British Dressage: Competitions return from 1st July
British Dressage Statement:
Following further advice from the government and Sport England, British Dressage is pleased to announce the resumption of affiliated competition activity in England, with effect from 1st July onwards. Further announcements from the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales are expected later this week and BD will update plans for those two regions accordingly.
This date coincides with the start of our winter qualification period, although competitor numbers will initially be restricted in order to meet the current government guidelines that allow groups of up to six individuals from different households to have contact at any one time. We are anticipating that there will be a further relaxation of restrictions with effect from 4 July onwards, which we hope will include the use of indoor facilities for sports and recreation purposes.
BD competitions, including standard and Quest shows, will recommence as per the calendar listed on our dedicated BD online fixtures portal, which is in the process of being updated over the next 48 hours, based on the latest information and feedback we have received from our venues.
We have been consulting with our organisers over the past few weeks to inform this process and have received a very positive response, with a good proportion ready to resume competitions at the earliest opportunity. However, it is important to stress that venues will only return to competitive action when they are confident that they can fully comply with the social distancing, public health and hygiene measures required to safely operate within government restrictions.
Competition entries, which will need to be made online, will open from 17 June onwards to provide at least two weeks’ lead time for venues to make the necessary adjustments and implement any changes required in order to meet the procedures and protocols we have put in place in our guidance to organisers.
We have also been in consultation with our judges, who will play a crucial part in the return to competition – and over three quarters have indicated that they are happy to make an immediate return to judging. Taking their feedback and expressed preferences on board, judges will initially either officiate with a writer from their own household or support bubble, or score for themselves with comments and summary provided at the end of the test. Three minutes have been added to each test time to allow effective social distancing for competitors and to provide additional time for judges to complete test sheets.
As a condition of entry, competitors are required to adhere to government restrictions and follow all guidance outlined in our COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures. These will be updated before competitions recommence, based on the updated government advice issued over the course of the next two weeks.
As part of our resumption plans, we have taken the decision to allow a three month amnesty on the requirement for horses to have an equine influenza booster within six months of competing. We appreciate that a number of veterinary surgeons were only able to carry out emergency work during lock down, so this will allow a transitionary period from 1 July through to 30 September for members to get their horse vaccinations up to date. However, the 12 month requirement still applies and any horse who missed their annual booster will need to restart the vaccination process, in accordance with BD rules. Further details can be found in our Sport resumption member Q&A.
BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam commented; “After 15 weeks of lockdown, we’re truly delighted that competitions can make a return from 1st July. It has been a difficult period for all of those involved in dressage, so I’m sure this news will be welcomed by everyone. While members have been able to train again during June, competing is ultimately what sport is all about, so it will be good to finally get shows back up and running.
“Competitions will have a different look and feel as we all adapt to the restrictions we need to put in place, but our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all participants. It may take a while for the fixture calendar to build back up to full strength, as circumstances will differ at each venue, but our IT systems will provide the latest live information so members should check on the status of shows regularly over coming weeks.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to get us to this stage, as well as the members who have continued supporting us during the suspension period. The coming weeks will require some flexibility and understanding, and there will no doubt be further changes as the situation continues to evolve, especially in Scotland and Wales, but we’re confident that our plans are robust, achievable and will keep members as safe as possible. We look forward to the first horses going down the centreline on 1st July.”
Sport Resumption – Member Q&A
Will competitions definitely resume on 1st July?
As things stand we have a definitive green light to start our Winter Season as planned on 1st July in England. This is of course subject to any changes to government restrictions. At present sporting activity is restricted to groups of up to six individuals, so this will need to be managed carefully by venues to avoid additional contact or mixing of groups.
Entries will therefore be limited initially and schedules will have to be controlled through the course of the competition in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. We are expecting that there will be further updates provided by the government on 25 June, as part of the next phase in the government’s recovery plan, with effect from 4th July onwards.
A number of venues are awaiting further news on the use of indoor facilities for sport and recreation purposes before they can commit to running their July fixtures as planned. We hope to receive clarification on this point from Sport England in the coming days.
What about competitions in Scotland and Wales?
Further announcements are expected from the devolved governments in Scotland and Wales later this week, on 18th June. Once we have information about how each nation aims to manage the resumption of sport we will update members accordingly.
Which shows will open for entries initially?
We anticipate that entries for shows that take place in July will open from 17th June onwards. Please note that this will be subject to the venue being satisfied that they can comply with the necessary social distancing, public health and hygiene regulations, so please check the BD website regularly for updates on the status of competition fixtures.
How will I know what venues/shows are running?
The BD online competition portal has a live, updated calendar in place, based on the latest information we have from venues and organisers. We’re working with our venues to keep it as current and up to date as possible and the detail will change as the situation evolves over coming days and weeks, so please do check this regularly.
Will new dates be added to the calendar to replace those shows who can’t run?
At present, we won’t be adding any new dates to the calendar as a transitionary period will be required to enable venues to return to activity. As venues get back up and running and we have a period of stability we can then assess whether or not additional dates are required to meet competitor demand on a region by region basis.
What about long term fixture planning beyond the next two months?
The next group of fixtures meetings have taken place and long term fixture allocations are in the process of being finalised. The Sport Operations task force groups continue to meet regularly to discuss the potential rescheduling of other elements of the competition calendar lost during the suspension period, such as Young Horse qualifiers and opportunities for Under 21 riders, which will be dependent on the further relaxation of restrictions.
When will all venues be open?
We can’t give a definitive date at this stage. Each venue will have different requirements and will need to conduct their own risk assessment to determine whether they can comply with the procedures and protocols required to run competitions. They will only decide to go ahead when it is practical to do so, with the safety of all staff, officials and competitors of paramount consideration at all times. Depending on individual circumstances and facilities available, it may take some venues longer to return to action than others. We will provide whatever support we can to organisers and venues to help them to resume, but respect those who are unable to do so at present.
Will qualifications for the winter period start as of 1st July as planned?
Yes, riders can start amassing qualifications from the start of the season as normal. We acknowledge that this may mean that those competitors in Scotland and Wales may have a slightly shorter qualification period, but we envisage that there should still be ample time to secure any qualifications up to and including 31st December 2020.
Competitors are reminded that any full or part qualifications gained in the summer season just ending (from 1st December 2019 to 30th June 2020) may be carried over into the winter qualifying period. We’re currently working on changes to our IT systems to accommodate this and further details will follow in due course.
Will my test be judged in the normal way?
Yes, all tests will continue to be judged and marked in accordance with our usual competition procedures, with scores awarded by movement. However, some judges may not have the ability to officiate with writers, unless they are members of the same household or support bubble. In such instances judges will score each movement as normal and where possible add comments with the summary comments at the end completed as normal. Three minutes will be added to the total time allocated per test to allow sufficient time for judges to complete test sheets, so competitors will still receive feedback on their performance, even if it is not as comprehensive as normal.
What will the Equine Influenza vaccination requirements be?
All rules relating to Equine Influenza (EI) vaccinations will still remain in place once competition activity is able to resume. However, we are aware that some vets will not have been able to administer six monthly ‘boosters’ during the suspension period. We will therefore have a three month amnesty, effective from 1st July through to the 30th September 2020, to allow members time to bring their horse vaccinations up to date and encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
With horses not travelling during lockdown the risk of EI is currently low and is expected to remain so during the summer months, but it is vitally important that the requirement to have an EI vaccination within six months of competition is in place from 1st October 2020 onwards to provide adequate protection when competing in the autumn / winter.
Please note that this transition period applies to the six month requirement only; all annual vaccinations must still be kept up to date. Unfortunately, if your horse has missed the 12 month vaccination renewal date, then you will need to restart the course of injections again before competing, in accordance with BD rules.
Will entry fees rise?
Our venues and organisers have had a tough period during lockdown and their income will have been hit significantly. Entry fees are set by each individual venue/organiser and not by British Dressage, although there may be small additional charges to accommodate extra postage costs for rosettes and test sheets. While we do not expect any significant price rises, if you have any concerns about your local venue please let the Sport Operations team know.
What is BD planning to do about any membership and/or horse registration concessions?
Once we have confirmation from the respective governments about the next stage in easing lockdown restrictions, we will update members on our position regarding any concessions. We have been doing a great deal of financial modelling that enable us to support members, while still ensuring the long term financial stability of the organisation.
Posted on June 16th, 2020
Covid-19 Equine Rescues Emergency Fund extended as uncertainty continues
The Covid-19 Equine Emergency Fund – established by Petplan Charitable Trust and the National Equine Welfare Council with the support of World Horse Welfare, to provide assistance to small charities during the pandemic – has announced the award of the first seven grants totalling £20,350.
The Fund’s committee stressed the need to provide immediate help to those organisations caring for equines whose cashflow had been most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The committee also recognised that there is often less financial pressure on organisations over the summer months and that the full financial impact of the pandemic is yet to be felt. This could also be magnified by the uncertainty surrounding how soon volunteer support and income from events will resume. Hence, there are two further scheduled rounds closing on Friday 24th July and Friday 16th October, with the possibility of extending a further funding round in December.
David Simpson of the Petplan Charitable Trust said, “We received a number of applications where charities were holding everything together now, but there was obviously great uncertainty as to how long their funds would last. It was good to be able to offer emergency support to those organisations that most need it now and to be in a position to provide further funding to eligible organisations who may need help in the coming months.”
Financial support for the fund, set up in May, has been given by World Horse Welfare, RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary, Redwings and the British Horse Society. The maximum grant will be £5,000, with the expectation that the average grant will be around £2,500-£3,000. Grants will be decided by a committee comprising representatives from NEWC, World Horse Welfare, RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary with PPCT administering the fund.
Applicants need not be NEWC members, but rescue and rehoming of equines should be the primary focus of the organisation. However, if more applications are received than funds available, priority will be given to NEWC members and those organisations that have not received emergency funding from other emergency funds (e.g. Support Adoption for Pets Emergency Fund).
Application link: https://
Posted on June 11th, 2020
Horse welfare charity’s appeal given boost on national radio by well-known TV gardener
TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh has lent his support – and voice – to World Horse Welfare’s Welfare Line Appeal.
World Horse Welfare is Britain’s largest equine rescue and rehoming charity and Alan has kindly voiced an advert about their latest appeal that will be broadcast over Classic FM for the next month. Known principally as a TV gardener, broadcaster and novelist, Alan’s link with horses is perhaps less well-known and extends far beyond simply using their manure on his flowerbeds!
Alan said, “I vowed to learn to ride before my 40th birthday, and I did! I used to do a bit of jumping in the early days and I was lucky enough to take part in some fantastic events at Windsor and with the King’s Troop, one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. Nowadays, though, my involvement boils down to occasionally hacking out, looking at other people’s gardens over hedges.”
The advert, being broadcast on Classic FM for four weeks from Wednesday 10th June, is highlighting World Horse Welfare’s Welfare Line Appeal. Each year the welfare line receives 8,000 calls from members of the public, and their concern leads to the charity’s team of 16 highly experienced Field Officers attending around 1,500 potential welfare cases each year. This completely confidential telephone line can help improve the welfare or even save the lives of horses and ponies. Working with the owners to improve conditions or, where necessary, removing the animals to one of the World Horse Welfare’s four Rescue and Rehoming Centres around the UK, horses and ponies are nursed back to health. The aim is for each animal to be rehabilitated and rehomed, giving it the life it deserves and releasing space at the centres for more animals needing help.
The Welfare Line is an essential welfare service, manned by a small, dedicated, highly trained and experienced team and a single call to it has the power to change a neglected animal’s life forever.
Alan said, “Knowing that there is someone you can call if you have concerns that a horse needs help is so important. World Horse Welfare makes a real difference to the lives of these wonderful animals and I am delighted to have been able to add my voice to their appeal, helping to keep that vital welfare line going.”
Photo: World Horse Welfare
