Page 10 - HT_2016WinterNewsletter

of caring for working horses
Our Patron HRH The Princess Royal coordinated her annual visit to join our 130th Anniversary Celebrations on Tuesday 12th July.
The celebrations covered two themes; looking backwards celebrating The Horse Trust’s past, and looking forward, announcing the projects that will shape our future.
If you didn’t know already, we are in fact the oldest horse charity in the world. We were founded on 10th May 1886 by a remarkable woman named Ann Lindo. She was inspired by the novel ‘Black Beauty’ to do all she could to help the working horses of London. 130 years on, we still remain dedicated to caring for working horses. Today we do this by providing a dignified retirement for those horses and ponies that have spent their working lives serving their country or communities in the Police, Military or for other charities, as well as now caring for local horses, ponies and donkeys who have suffered from cruelty or neglect.
It was such a great day here at the Home of Rest, and we would like to thank our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, our Trustees, supporters, sponsors and of course all our partners for their continued support to our organisation. All that we do and everything we achieve today is with the help of our donors, as it has been since our very first day in May 1886, so a big thank you to you!
Here is what we got up to during our celebrations:
To open the show, our team of grooms, volunteers and horses acted out how the working horses’ roles have changed over the year in full costume.
For our modern interpretation of a working horse, Thames Valley Police Horse Caesar had his saddle removed for the last time, signifying the end of his career after 10 years of faultless service.
Next was a short demonstration on how we train with the Fire & Rescue Service. We provide horse handling training for professionals such as Police Officers, Fire-Fighters and Local Authority Officers and very recently are training over 1000 Highways England Traffic Officers.
Of course there was plenty of time for our guest to fit some all-important kisses and cuddles with our residents in, after all that’s what we are all about; giving the best care to all our hardworking horses who have come to enjoy their retirement in the Chiltern Hills, and its only thanks to all of your support and generosity that we have had the pleasure of doing so for over 130 years.
Teddy, (pictured) one of our rescue residents was abandoned on the side of the road at only 8 weeks old, and is living proof of how hard our team work, not only caring for retired working horses, but bringing sick horses like Teddy back to health. Teddy and the team got the chance to meet our Patron, and it goes without saying that our 5* care for our residents would not be possible without our hardworking team members. Teddy really did enjoy his cuddle and treats from our Patron for being such a brave boy!
We were so happy that some our Horse Trust sponsors could join us on this wonderful day. From our very first day on 10th May 1886 we have relied entirely on donations from the general public to support our work. We are so grateful to have so many generous people around us so we can provide the best possible care for our horses.
Visit our website to find out how you can become a sponsor and support The Horse Trust