Berkshire Horsebox Company Launches Fundraising Partnership With The Horse Trust

The owners of TVT Horseboxes and Thames Valley Trailers on Wednesday visited The Horse Trust to officially launch a fundraising partnership with the Speen charity.

Frank and Liz Connolly, who run the Arborfield-based horsebox company, raise money by asking for a donation to The Horse Trust rather than commission when they arrange sales, and promote the charity on their demonstration horsebox and website.

Frank and Liz were keen to support The Horse Trust, having heard about the charity’s role in the Spindles Farm rescue.

“My wife and I were horrified by what happened at Spindles Farm and wanted to help a charity that works with rescue horses,” said Frank. “We’ve had so much enjoyment with horses all our lives that we want to give something back.”

TVT horseboxes offers free advertising on its website to people who want to sell their horsebox or horse trailer, but asks vendors to make a donation to The Horse Trust if they make a sale.

In addition, when people contact Thames Valley Trailers for information on other brands of trailer, the company charges no commission to dealers for referring on these customers, but asks that they donate to The Horse Trust.

“Most dealers would charge a percentage of the sale fee when they help arrange a sale, but we ask for a donation instead. This helps raise money for The Horse Trust and makes people aware of the work they do,” said Frank.

Thames Valley Trailers has also placed a large Horse Trust banner on the company’s demonstration horsebox, which it regularly takes to horse shows and trade stands, to raise awareness of the charity.

“Thames Valley Trailers has found a wonderfully innovative way of raising money for The Horse Trust,” said Susan Lewis, Marketing and Fundraising Manager for The Horse Trust. “We would like to thank Thames Valley Trailers for their support and look forward to our continued partnership.”

The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses provides lifetime sanctuary for around 100 retired working horses, ponies and donkeys from many different backgrounds. The charity regularly takes in horses and ponies that have been rescued by the RSPCA and urgently need a new home and special care to restore them to health. The charity has already taken in seven rescue cases this year.

For more information on Thames Valley Trailers, visit www.thamesvalleytrailers.com