How We Respond to Welfare Reports
Our dedicated welfare team regularly take calls from members of the public who are worried about the welfare of a horse, pony or donkey in their local area. In many cases, concerns can be resolved with welfare advice and support over the phone. However, when urgent action is required, our team will carry out a welfare visit to assess the situation in person.
Although we do not have the legal power to seize an equine in distress, we work in collaboration with organisations such as the RSPCA, local authorities and the police to ensure that horses in crisis are protected. When a horse is in a desperate situation, needing to be seized and removed immediately, HorseWorld are there to provide that safety, expert care and guarantee a safe home for life. We work in close partnership with other equine charities such as World Horse Welfare, Redwings and the Mare and Foal Sanctuary to assist with rescues and safely house horses in need when others are at capacity. By working together, we can respond more effectively to welfare emergencies across the region and help more horses in need.
The welfare concerns we receive at HorseWorld can range from an elderly horse left without adequate shelter, to the heart-breaking sight of a starving horse unable to stand. Whatever the case, our priority is always the welfare of the animal. We will offer practical welfare advice, escalate the matter when necessary, and act quickly to prevent further suffering.
*Please use the arrows to click through our before and after rescue transformations.
Not every horse in need has been deliberately neglected. Sometimes devoted owners face life-changing challenges such as serious illness, bereavement, mental health struggles or financial hardship that make it impossible to continue caring for their horse. In these situations, HorseWorld offers a compassionate safety net, ensuring that much-loved equines continue to receive the care they deserve.
Alongside public welfare concerns, we are also contacted by responsible owners who, despite facing difficult circumstances, want the very best for their horse, pony, or donkey. If you are seeking advice or need help finding a safe home for your equine, please get in touch:
📞 01275 893022
Partnerships and Rescue Process
For almost 75 years, HorseWorld has provided a rescue operation to save horses from neglect and abuse across the local area. Our 180-acre farm just south of Bristol provides a peaceful and secure environment where rescued horses can recover and live safely.
We take pride in sustainably managing our land to maximise the productivity of our fields while maintaining appropriate levels of biodiversity. Protecting nature and providing a calm, safe space for our rescued herd are both central to our charitable objectives.
Our rescue policy outlines six circumstances where HorseWorld may intervene:
Welfare seizures supported by the police or RSPCA, which may include horses involved in prosecution cases
Abandonment, in compliance with legal notices displayed
Owner death, terminal illness or mental health concerns, helping prevent potential welfare issues
Economic hardship, where intervention can prevent future welfare problems
Support for other charities, by providing space for non-case rescues
Other situations, such as limited loans for our Discovery programme (restricted to no more than 5% of the herd on site)
In recent years we have seen an increase in cases where owners are experiencing mental health challenges. Wherever possible, our team aims to support owners to keep their horse if we can be confident the animal’s welfare is not compromised.
We also support emergency services by providing specialist training where fire and rescue teams can train in the safe handling of equines. In real emergencies, where horses may be injured or frightened, it is vital that responders have the skills and experience needed to manage these situations safely.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service training at HorseWorld
Rehabilitation
Rescue is only the first step in a horse’s journey at HorseWorld. When rescued horses arrive at our farm, they first spend time in our isolation unit where they undergo a series of health checks to ensure they are free from infectious diseases before being integrated into the wider herd.
Once cleared, each horse is assessed by our welfare team. A tailored rehabilitation programme is developed to meet their individual needs, and each horse is assigned to a member of staff responsible for supporting their recovery. Our experienced grooms work closely with equine professionals including farriers, dentists and chiropractors to address physical health needs and support long-term wellbeing. Many rescued horses arrive having experienced neglect, fear or poor handling. Rehabilitation therefore often focuses on patiently rebuilding trust and confidence with people.
At HorseWorld, we are committed to kind and ethical training methods. Our team works closely with Intelligent Horsemanship trainer Jenny Major, using calm, compassionate techniques that prioritise understanding equine behaviour and communication. This approach helps our horses feel safe, reduces stress and allows them to learn at their own pace.
Jenny Major working with a feral rescue pony at HorseWorld
A Positive Future
Our goal is always to ensure that every horse can enjoy a happy, fulfilling life. For some horses, this may mean retraining for our Discovery programme, where they help vulnerable young people through equine-assisted learning. Others may be better suited to carefully selected new homes where they can enjoy life with a loving family and other equine companions through our rehoming programme.
HorseWorld is also an active member of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), working alongside other organisations to improve equine welfare standards and share best practice across the sector.
Every rescued horse has their own story of recovery and resilience. Below you can read our rescue success stories to see how horses who once faced neglect or uncertainty have gone on to thrive thanks to the care and support they received at HorseWorld.