More than 1,600 visitors celebrate HorseWorld's biggest day of the year at Horse Fest
More than 1,600 people joined us at HorseWorld on Saturday as we welcomed supporters through our gates for the return of our annual Horse Fest Open Day.
Held at our 180-acre rescue centre in Whitchurch, the family event brought together horse lovers of all ages to meet our rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, enjoy live demonstrations and discover more about our work rescuing and rehabilitating equines, while supporting vulnerable young people through our Discovery programme.
The event marked a welcome return after last year’s cancellation due to a disease outbreak and proved to be a huge success, raising more than £12,000 to help us continue caring for the 100+ rescued horses, ponies and donkeys in our care.
Rescue horses steal the show
Among the most popular residents meeting visitors were Jewels and Ariel, the mother-and-daughter Shetland ponies rescued earlier this year after suffering severe neglect, alongside gentle giants Dime and Flynn the Shire horses working with Wessex Working Horses and recently retired South Wales Police horse Ruby, who has found her forever home at HorseWorld and is now training to support young people through our Discovery programme.
Visitors also enjoyed meeting many of HorseWorld's other rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, hearing their stories of recovery and seeing first-hand the difference their support makes.
Action-packed arena entertainment
Crowds gathered throughout the day for a packed arena programme, including spectacular horse rescue demonstrations by Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, showcasing the specialist techniques used to rescue horses in emergency situations.
Our Discovery horses also took centre stage, demonstrating how rescued horses help transform the lives of children and young people who are struggling in mainstream education through our alternative learning programme.
One of the biggest talking points of the day was RoboCob, the mechanical horse, which gave visitors the opportunity to experience realistic horse riding technology, while younger guests embraced our first-ever Hobby Horse Grand National, bringing plenty of laughter and enthusiastic competition.
Supporting horses and young people
Alongside the entertainment, visitors enjoyed food and drink, shopping, children’s activities and the chance to explore areas of our rescue centre that are not normally open to the public.
Funds raised through Horse Fest will help us continue caring for around 100 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, while supporting more than 200 rehomed horses across the South West.
Through our HorseWorld Discovery Programme, we also support around 270 children and young people each year, using rescued horses to help build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Jo Coombs, Chief Executive of HorseWorld, said:
“It was wonderful to welcome so many people to HorseWorld for Horse Fest. Seeing more than 1,600 visitors enjoying the day, meeting our rescued horses and learning more about our work was incredibly special.
“Events like Horse Fest are about so much more than a great day out. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship and donation helps us continue rescuing horses in need and supporting children and young people through our Discovery Programme.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came along, as well as our volunteers, staff, sponsors and partners who helped make the day such a fantastic success.”
We would also like to thank Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Wessex Working Horses, the many exhibitors, volunteers and supporters who gave their time to help make Horse Fest possible.
