A Lasting Tribute to Joan Bush here at our Home of Rest for Horses

Making a gift in memory of a friend, family member or a beloved horse is a unique and special way to honour the life of a loved one whilst making a difference for horses. It is a wonderful way to make a lasting tribute to someone who loved horses by supporting the animals that meant so much to them. Any gift no matter how big or small will help make a difference to the lives of horses today, tomorrow and for many years to come.

Joan Bush was so passionate about her horses. No matter where she was, when she saw a horse, she had to stop. For her 90th birthday back in 2010, Joan’s daughter, Kath Winstanley and her family visited The Horse Trust with mum Joan as a surprise. During her visit she met former Greater Manchester Police horse Barkis, and Drum horse Janus who was bred by Her Majesty The Queen and who served with the Household Cavalry until his retirement in 2001.

Kath noted ‘Everybody at The Horse Trust was fantastic and made her day a very special day indeed.’

Sadly in December 2015, Joan Bush passed away. Kath contacted the team here at The Horse Trust to see if there was any way that Joan could forever be with the horses, and we were very happy to make this wish come true. A few months later, Kath and her family returned on a sunny August afternoon to say their final goodbyes and to spread her mother’s ashes here at the Home of Rest for Horses, where she could look down on all the horses grazing, enjoying life how they should. There were emotional goodbyes, but a sigh of relief as the family knew this was the most beautiful place for her to finally rest, in the rolling Chiltern Hills.

Kath stated, ‘Now she is exactly where she wanted to be…. with her beloved horses and I want to thank all who were involved to make this happen.’

A plaque will also be erected in Joan’s memory, once our memorial walk has been completed. This beautiful walkway will display memorial plaques surrounded by trees and horses grazing in their paddocks. A small number of plaques are available for purchase to commemorate your loved one here in our stunning grounds. You can find more information on our legacy page.