The Horse Trust launches brand new sponsorship scheme

The Horse Trust has launched a new way for people to support the retired or rescued horses, ponies and donkeys that live at our Home of Rest. With the introduction of a sponsorship scheme, supporters can become a friend of the Trust by sponsoring their favourite Horse Trust resident. Sponsorship starts from just £2.00 a month, and each sponsor will receive a personalised pack including a certificate of sponsorship, fact sheet and photograph of their chosen horse.

The Horse Trust relies entirely on donations from the public to fund our work. At our site in the beautiful Chiltern countryside, we care for over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys. Many of these animals have retired to the Trust after serving our country in the army or police, or working for other charities that use horses to help disabled and disadvantaged children and adults. Some of our residents have also been rescued after suffering from cruelty or neglect and have found the love and care that they so desperately needed at The Horse Trust. We estimate that it costs an average of £4,500 per year to care for each horse in our care. Our new sponsorship scheme offers a brand new way to support these deserving animals whilst also keeping you up to date on all the news about your sponsored horse.

Sponsorship starts at Bronze level from just £2 per month or £30 per year. Sponsors receive a personalised certificate, fact sheet and photograph of their chosen resident. Silver, Gold and Platinum sponsors will receive extra benefits which could include an annual pass for The Horse Trust and invitations to exclusive events.

There are 12 horses to choose from, ranging from little rescue foal Teddy right up to giant police horse Big Klyde. Many of our supporters will know the story of Teddy, who was rescued in October 2012 after being found starving and alone by the side of a busy road at just 8 weeks old. Teddy was emaciated and so seriously ill that he had to be taken to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) where he spent a week in intensive care. Teddy’s chances of survival were slim, but thanks to the dedicated care of the vets and nurses at the RVC and our staff here at The Horse Trust, Teddy made a miraculous recovery. Without the generosity of the general public, The Horse Trust would not have been able to give Teddy a second chance. Now Teddy is almost a year old and is a very happy, healthy and cheeky young pony with a bright future ahead of him.

At 19hh Big Klyde was the tallest police horse in the country while he was serving with the Cleveland Mounted Section for over 10 years. He is now tallest in our herd, just beating 18.3hh Thames Valley Police horse Titan. He has worked at Remembrance Day parades and attended hundreds of football matches (many of these with his old friend and fellow Horse Trust resident, Pern). He even represented Cleveland Police at the Lord Mayor’s parade in Liverpool in 2009 and appeared on the TV programme ‘Flog It’.

Other horses, ponies and donkeys available to sponsor include army horses Commando, Sevastopol and Rocket Ron, Spindles Farm survivors Star, Gladys, Lola and Nora, RDA horses Bob and Topsy Turvy, Shire horse Tryfan, Royal Mews horse Flint and Greater Manchester Police horse Warwick.

To sponsor Teddy, Big Klyde, or one of their friends, sign up online today. You can also call Lucy at The Horse Trust on 01494 488464. Thank you for your support. With your help, we can give these animals the life and retirement that they truly deserve.