HorseWorld’s annual Open Day draws record-breaking crowd, while raising £13,000 for rescued horses
Visitors meeting the donkeys and Tilly the mule
We were thrilled to welcome a record-breaking crowd to this year’s HorseWorld Open Day, where over 2,000 visitors joined us for a day filled with discovery, demonstrations, and plenty of horsey cuddles! Together, you helped raise an incredible £13,000 to support the care of more than 100 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living at HorseWorld.
The day gave supporters a special behind-the-scenes look at our work, with guided tours across our 180-acre site and fascinating talks from the HorseWorld Welfare team. Visitors also enjoyed guessing the weight of resident mule Tilly, meeting our much-loved Sponsorship Scheme horses, and taking part in fun family activities such as hobby horse races and crafts.
We were delighted to showcase some incredible demonstrations too. Wessex Working Horses joined us to show the traditional skills of heavy horses, including one Shire horse who found their forever home through HorseWorld. The Avon Fire and Rescue Service also wowed the crowd with a live horse rescue demonstration, highlighting the vital role they play in equine emergencies.
This was our biggest Open Day yet, and we are so grateful to everyone who came along to celebrate, learn, and support HorseWorld’s life-saving work. Every ticket, every donation, and every conversation helps us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in need.
Dime the rescued Shire horse during a demonstration with Wessex Working Horses
Sara Rutherford event organiser said: “We are so grateful to everyone who came to make the day the huge success. We had to cancel last year due to bad weather so we were delighted to be able to welcome so many people this year. We would like to thank all our supporters and volunteers, they are crucial to the continuation of our work here at HorseWorld.”