A new scheme launched by the World Horse Welfare charity is expected to raise the profile of horse adoption this month. The scheme, dubbed ‘Rehome a Horse Month’, aims to tackle the growing number of horses living in shelters after being abandoned or because owners cannot afford to keep them.
Having rode horses most of my childhood, and remembering how my parents struggled at times to afford my hobby, and according to the charity, the problem has worsened during the credit crunch, as horse owners that have been made redundant or have fallen on hard times are not less able to pay for maintenance and vet bills. Plus, if they're anything like me, young riders these days expect the latest riding boots to co-ordinate with the rest of their outfit!
The scheme has been given wholehearted approval from royalty this week, with well-known equine enthusiast the HRH Princess Royal visiting the charity’s headquarters at the Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton, Norfolk.
The Princess Royal was privy to a special show jumping display organised by the charity to demonstrate the successful rehabilitation they carry out with horses that have been victims of abuse or neglect, and who may have physical disabilities as a result.
The display served to highlight the progress these horses can make when given the right care and attention from specialists such as those at World Horse Welfare. The rehoming scheme ran by the charity is the largest in the country, with around 1,500 horses in need of a new home at any one time and a rate of almost 300 horses rehomed every year. However, these numbers speak for themselves, with a greater number of horses left to rehome than those who receive new owners.
Needless to say, those considering giving a horse a second chance in life should contact World Horse Welfare as soon as possible to get involved with this wonderful scheme, and if any of my lovely blog readers want more information I'd be happy to point them into the right direction.
