See behind the scenes at a busy horse rescue charity in Bristol
A Bristol-based horse rescue charity is throwing open its gates next month for one day only. The stories behind the animals in its care are sure to capture the hearts of visitors.
HorseWorld, based on the outskirts of the city, will hold its annual Open Day on Saturday 9th August, giving the public rare access to the charity’s 180-acre rescue centre and a chance to meet the horses, ponies and donkeys who owe their lives to it. Many of the animals at HorseWorld have come from shocking backgrounds; found abandoned, starved or suffering appalling neglect. Some are pregnant mares rescued just in time, others are traumatised foals with no mothers to care for them.
Just last month, the charity was called in to help remove a week-old foal and her mother from common land in Wales where they were in immediate danger. The foal, barely able to stand, had to be rushed to safety as part of a major multi-agency welfare operation.
“It’s always distressing to see any animal in need, but especially a mare with such a young foal,” said Sarah Hollister, Head of Equine Welfare at HorseWorld. “Thanks to the quick action of everyone involved, they’re now safe and receiving the urgent care they need to survive. ”It’s stories like these that make the charity’s Open Day more than just a fun day out. It’s a powerful, behind-the-scenes look at the reality of animal rescue, and how public support makes it possible.
Visitors will get the chance to meet the animals, hear their incredible survival stories, and watch live demos and talks from the team. There will be plenty of fun activities for the children such as hobby horses and other equine-themed activities such as crafts. Those who sponsor a HorseWorld animal will have the opportunity to meet them (health and circumstances permitting) and those who wish to make a new friend can take out a sponsorship of a rescued horse if they wish, allowing them to follow their story, all raising vital funds for the horses’ ongoing care and rehabilitation. The charity makes sure the day is fun for all the family as well as educational for all ages.
With rescue cases on the rise, the charity says it needs the public’s help more than ever. “Every ticket sold helps us save more horses,” said HorseWorld’s CEO, Jo Coombs. “We’d love to see as many people as possible come along, meet the animals, and see the difference their support makes.”
The event is expected to draw around 2,000 supporters and is set to be the charity’s biggest fundraising day of the year.
HorseWorld Charity Open Day
Saturday 9th August 10.30am – 4.00pm
Tickets: www.horseworld.org.uk/events