HorseWorld Trust was founded as The Friends of Bristol Horses Society in November 1952 by Mabel Cocksedge, its mission to rescue Bristol’s work horses at risk of abuse, abandonment and death as their working roles became irrelevant. A year later in 1953, Marjorie Pelling and Madge Checkley joined the Charity. Together they dedicated their lives to the cause and for 45 years they ran the Charity on the outskirts of Bristol.Today HorseWorld is based in Whitchurch, South Bristol. We have approximately 120 horses on grazing land in the region of 180 acres. In addition to providing a home for life to a small number of sanctuary horses, we rehabilitate those rescued horses with potential for rehoming in the region (200+ are currently living with rehomers) and since 2007 we have been retraining them to support our Equine Assisted Learning programme, Discovery working with disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, or "Strep zoo, is a a bacterium that commonly affects horses, but can also infect other animals, including dogs, and even humans. In horses, it's often considered an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it can cause disease when the horse's immune system is weakened or when the bacteria enters a susceptible area like a wound or the respiratory tract. While some horses may carry the bacteria without showing signs of illness, it can cause serious infections like pneumonia, particularly in young horses, and can be fatal in some cases. Key points about Strep zoo in horses:Opportunistic Pathogen: S. zooepidemicus is a normal inhabitant of the horse's upper respiratory tract, but can become pathogenic and cause disease in certain circumstances. Respiratory Infections: It's a common cause of respiratory illness in horses, ranging from mild rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) to severe bronchopneumonia. Transmission: It spreads through direct contact with infected horses, contaminated objects (fomites), or through inhalation of respiratory droplets. Carrier State: Horses can be asymptomatic carriers, meaning they carry the bacteria without showing symptoms, potentially spreading it to others. Severity: While some infections are mild, S. zooepidemicus can cause severe pneumonia, pleuritis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), and even death, especially in foals.Zoonotic Potential: While rare, S. zooepidemicus can be transmitted to humans, especially through contact with infected horses or by consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Treatment: Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and in severe cases, supportive care like oxygen therapy may be necessary.

HorseWorld in Lockdown

It is with huge regret that due to an outbreak of an equine respiratory infection on site, we have had to cancel our Open Day.

We are heartbroken and now we need your help more than ever. Please watch the video above for a message from our CEO, Jo Coombs, and use the form below to donate if you can.

Thank you for your understanding.

More Information

HorseWorld in Lockdown
1. About HorseWorld
  
  HorseWorld Trust was founded as The Friends of Bristol Horses Society in November 1952 by Mabel Cocksedge, its mission to rescue Bristol’s work horses at risk of abuse, abandonment and death as their working roles became irrelevant. A year later in 1953, Marjorie Pelling and Madge Checkley joined the Charity. Together they dedicated their lives to the cause and for 45 years they ran the Charity on the outskirts of Bristol.
  Today HorseWorld is based in Whitchurch, South Bristol. We have approximately 120 horses on grazing land in the region of 180 acres. In addition to providing a home for life to a small number of sanctuary horses, we rehabilitate those rescued horses with potential for rehoming in the region (200+ are currently living with rehomers) and since 2007 we have been retraining them to support our Equine Assisted Learning programme, Discovery working with disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.
2. About Strep Zoo
  Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, or "Strep zoo, is a a bacterium that commonly affects horses, but can also infect other animals, including dogs, and even humans. In horses, it's often considered an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it can cause disease when the horse's immune system is weakened or when the bacteria enters a susceptible area like a wound or the respiratory tract. While some horses may carry the bacteria without showing signs of illness, it can cause serious infections like pneumonia, particularly in young horses, and can be fatal in some cases.
  Key points about Strep zoo in horses:
  - Opportunistic Pathogen: S. zooepidemicus is a normal inhabitant of the horse's upper respiratory tract, but can become pathogenic and cause disease in certain circumstances.
  - Respiratory Infections: It's a common cause of respiratory illness in horses, ranging from mild rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) to severe bronchopneumonia.
  - Transmission: It spreads through direct contact with infected horses, contaminated objects (fomites), or through inhalation of respiratory droplets.
  - Carrier State: Horses can be asymptomatic carriers, meaning they carry the bacteria without showing symptoms, potentially spreading it to others.
  - Severity: While some infections are mild, S. zooepidemicus can cause severe pneumonia, pleuritis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), and even death, especially in foals.
  - Zoonotic Potential: While rare, S. zooepidemicus can be transmitted to humans, especially through contact with infected horses or by consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
  - Treatment: Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and in severe cases, supportive care like oxygen therapy may be necessary.