Hay There, Harvey!

Welcome back to Hay There, our monthly spotlight where we celebrate The Horse Trust team. This month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Harvey, one of our long-standing volunteer grooms. Harvey has been with us nearly every Friday since 2016, working closely with our Equine Care Team. Horses have been a lifelong passion for Harvey, and now he’s giving back to the animals that have been there for him through the years.

Harvey, what sparked your love for horses?

Horses have been part of my life from a very early age. Growing up on the outskirts of London, horses would come into my life daily, in one way or another. I have some lovely childhood memories of horses in my family, I once swapped a family car for a green grocers pony and cart – it was definitely worth the trade-off (at least I thought so!). I even had lessons at a riding school next to an RAF base which loaned horses out to movie sets back then – “Silver” from The Lone Ranger films was from there!

As I got older, I replaced horses with motorbikes when I realised they could go faster! But I never lost my love for horses, and that’s why I’ve come back now as a volunteer – to give back to them after all they’ve given me.

What do you like most about volunteering at The Horse Trust?

For me, it’s rewarding to give back to these animals who’ve given so much throughout their lives. It’s not always easy work, but that’s part of what makes it fulfilling. The Horse Trust is, in a way, a hospice for horses who have nobly served us, and a sanctuary for rescues too. One of the most touching stories for me has been Jenga’s journey. It was wonderful to see him find a new home with Kelly – they share a special bond.

Are there any particularly fond or special memories you’d like to share?

I have many! One memory that stands out is the time the only working horse ambulance visited The Horse Trust. Audrey, one of The Horse Trust’s former residents, got to try it out – it suited her perfectly given her days with the Royal Logistic Corps. Another unforgettable moment was my first Horses, Hounds, and Heroes event. The Metropolitan Police’s display was thrilling – they showcased the horses’ training with stunts like bursting through a paper sheet. It was an amazing demonstration of the skill and bravery of police horses.

What brought you to The Horse Trust?

I moved to the area in 2005 and visited The Horse Trust quite a few times before finally joining as a volunteer, eleven years later! At the time, I was still working, but I felt the pull to become more involved.

What has your working life been like before joining us at The Horse Trust?

My career has been quite varied, and lots of fun! I originally wanted to be a farmer, but allergies stopped that plan. I went on to dedicate 46 years to the IT sector, in computing consultancy and contracting, working in a range of environments from transport to utilities, finance, hospitals, retail and commercial computer training schools, of which two I later co-founded. I even worked in medical publishing, where I had a chance to support horse health initiatives.

Thank you, Harvey, for the wonderful chat and for sharing your journey with us, and for all you do for The Horse Trust. Your dedication is an inspiration to all of us!

Are you interested in volunteering for us? Why not get in touch.

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