The Horse Trust launches 125 year anniversary celebrations and new strategy

The Horse Trust last week launched a year of celebrations to commemorate its 125th anniversary. The charity also announced a new strategy that will build up the links between its sanctuary in Speen, Buckinghamshire, the equine research it funds and its training programme .

On Thursday 26th May, the charity held an evening reception at The Household Cavalry Museum in  London to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The reception was attended by 60 guests, including representatives from the House of Lords; senior officials from the Metropolitan Police Mounted Section, Mounted Regiment and Household Cavalry; equine scientists and vets; and officials from equine industry bodies, such as the British Horseracing Authority and the Worshipful Company of Farriers.

The Horse Trust was founded on 10th May 1886 by Ann Lindo to provide respite care for the broken-down horses of the London cab trade. Although the needs of horses have not changed over the last two centuries, the society we live in has, and there have been major advances in science and technology. The Horse Trust hopes to address these changes with its new strategy, which includes an updated logo with the new tagline, “Advancing Excellence in Equine Care”.

Baroness Ann Mallalieu QC, President of The Horse Trust, spoke at the reception about how the charity plans to capitalise on its investment in equine research.

“Ann Lindo would be quite astonished if she saw what we have achieved with her legacy,” said Baroness Mallalieu at the event. “We believe that tackling the causes of suffering is often more effective and will therefore continue to fund non-invasive research into equine ailments. What we learn from this research, we will use at the Home of Rest and will pass on to members of the public.”

Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust, spoke at the event about The Horse Trust’s new strategic goals – to develop, demonstrate and disseminate best practice in equine care.

“The Horse Trust is probably best known for its work providing sanctuary to working horses who have served their community or their country, such as horses from the Police, Army and Riding for the Disabled Association. However, a core strategic aim is to continue funding non-invasive research which improves the quality of life of many equines both in the UK and worldwide. ” said Miss Allen.

Due to the economic climate, The Horse Trust recently ceased making new grants. Miss Allen announced on Thursday that the charity plans to restart and expand its grant-making programme through the launch of “The Horse Trust Research Fund”. The newly launched fund will be administered under strict academic and charitable guidelines to ensure all research funded provides the maximum benefit to equines.

To find out more about The Horse Trust Research Fund, please contact 01494 488464 or info@horsetrust.org.uk.

The Horse Trust also plans to develop new training tools to improve equine welfare and knowledge among people at all levels within the equine industry. “Even the kindest owners can unintentionally inflict pain and unnecessary distress on their horse. We hope our new equine welfare training tools will address this,” said Miss Allen.