Our Herd

At HorseWorld, we care for around 100 horses, ponies, and donkeys at any given time. Each one has their own story, often shaped by neglect, abandonment, or abuse. Our work doesn’t stop at rescue, we specialise in the gentle, patient rehabilitation of every equine, giving them a second chance at a meaningful life. Every horse’s journey with us is different. After rehabilitation and assessment, they may follow one of several pathways depending on their needs, temperament, and long-term wellbeing.

• Youngsters - Many young horses and ponies come into our care needing time to grow, develop, and learn the foundations of good handling. We often take in mares with foals at foot, and many foals are born here at HorseWorld after their mothers arrive pregnant in our care. These youngsters benefit from growing up in a herd environment where they can receive social skills and patient guidance.

• In Training - Horses in training are developing the skills and confidence they need for their future. Our team works with them consistently following a specialised training plan to help them become well-prepared for the next stage of their lives.

• Discovery - Some members of the herd go on to support our Discovery programme. These calm and confident horses help vulnerable children and young people build trust, resilience, and self-belief through equine-assisted learning.

• Rehoming - Many horses and ponies go on to carefully matched loan homes where they thrive with loving families who continue their journey of care, while remaining part of the HorseWorld family.

• Sanctuary Residents - Some equines remain with us permanently due to age, health conditions, or behavioural needs. As part of our sanctuary herd, they live safely and peacefully at HorseWorld for the rest of their lives.

Every horse, pony, and donkey that passes through HorseWorld’s gates is given the chance to heal, to grow, and to live a happy and fulfilled life. Although their journeys may differ, every horse receives the same commitment to kindness, patience, and the highest welfare standards.

Horses are naturally social animals who thrive when they can live alongside others of their kind. Being part of a herd helps them feel safe, communicate naturally, and develop healthy social relationships. At HorseWorld, we prioritise herd living wherever possible. Most of our horses and ponies live out in their herds 24 hours a day, all year round, allowing them to enjoy a lifestyle that is as natural as possible. Our team carefully manages herd groups to ensure horses are matched with suitable companions and stable social dynamics.

Living as part of a herd allows horses to:

• form natural friendships and social bonds

• graze and move freely throughout the day

• learn manners and confidence from other horses

• relax and express natural foraging behaviours

• feel safe and secure

For many horses arriving from difficult backgrounds, becoming part of a calm and supportive herd and having the freedom to live naturally is an important step in their recovery.

Caring for a herd of around 100 horses, ponies, and donkeys is a full-time commitment that requires skill, patience, and teamwork. Every day, our staff and volunteers ensure that each horse receives the care it needs to stay healthy, comfortable, and happy.

Since we started providing sanctuary to horses in 1952, we have seen a dramatic change in the type of horses needing our help and the complexity of their needs. Originally, we were essentially a retirement home, but over the last 20 years there has been a huge increase in the number of horses abused, neglected, and abandoned. Our limited space has had to be prioritised for those most in need.

These equines often arrive with more complex needs, which require more resources to manage, longer retraining periods, and additional veterinary intervention. Our practical and pragmatic approach means that we carefully assess every horse during quarantine to determine the best course of action. Sometimes difficult decisions must be made to minimise suffering, but with specialist rehabilitation and retraining, most horses are able to enjoy a second chance at a meaningful life.

Daily care for the herd includes:

• carefully managed feeding plans tailored to each horse

• routine veterinary checks and preventative treatments

• regular farriery and dental care

• monitoring behaviour and wellbeing

• maintaining safe and clean fields, stables, and fencing

• gentle handling, training, and rehabilitation as needed

Our vets at B&W Equine Veterinary Practice attend HorseWorld twice weekly for essential and routine care and are on 24/7 call for emergencies. We are also fortunate to have a loyal farrier, Michael, who has been supporting HorseWorld for over 20 years. His expert farriery skills include routine trims, fitting horseshoes, and even making special shoes for horses that need extra support.

Many horses arrive with complex health or behavioural needs. The combination of expert care, consistent routines, and social herd living allows horses to rebuild trust, confidence, and strength - laying the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life.

Every horse, pony, and donkey in our care depends on the generosity of supporters. Providing food, veterinary treatment, specialist farriery, safe fields, and expert rehabilitation for a large and diverse herd requires significant resources every day.

Your support allows us to continue rescuing horses in need and giving them the time, care, and compassion they deserve. There are many ways you can make a difference:

• Donate – your contribution helps cover essential food, veterinary care, and daily upkeep

• Sponsor a horse – directly support an individual equine and follow their journey

• Leave a gift in your will – ensure horses at HorseWorld receive a safe and happy future for generations to come

• Fundraise for us – organise events, challenges, or community activities to raise vital funds for the herd

• Join our weekly lottery – take part and support our horses while getting the chance to win prizes

• Volunteer – lend your time and skills to help care for our herd

Together, we can ensure that every horse, pony, and donkey at HorseWorld has the chance to heal, thrive, and live a happy, fulfilling life.