We combine education, welfare, access and safety initiatives to support horses and the people who care for them
Topics covered
The charity is the largest national organisation focused on equine welfare in the UK, dedicated to improving outcomes for both horses and the humans who look after them. Through a coordinated mix of training, advocacy and practical interventions, we target four core areas: education, welfare, access and safety.
Our approach blends direct services with partnership work so that local groups, owners and professionals all benefit from consistent standards and specialist support. By concentrating resources on these strategic priorities we ensure our efforts are measurable and sustainable rather than scattered.
From community workshops to national campaigns, our programmes are designed to reach a wide range of audiences—from first-time owners to established industry professionals. We emphasise evidence-informed methods and apply best practice guidelines when developing courses, policies and interventions.
This ensures that every initiative we back has clear objectives, monitoring, and an emphasis on long-term improvement rather than one-off actions.
Education: building knowledge and capability
Education is at the heart of lasting change. We create and deliver structured learning opportunities covering horse care, nutrition, behaviour and basic veterinary awareness, tailored for different skill levels. Our training includes accredited courses for professionals and bite-sized workshops for new owners, with materials available both in-person and online to widen reach. We also produce practical resources and toolkits that help people translate learning into everyday routines. By raising knowledge standards we reduce preventable problems, improve animal welfare, and empower owners to make informed decisions.
Courses and resources
Our courses are developed with input from veterinarians, behaviourists and welfare experts, and they follow a clear curriculum to ensure consistency. All materials incorporate evidence-based guidance, and we publish concise fact sheets that explain key ideas—such as recognising early signs of distress or understanding the role of diet in prevention of common conditions. These resources are designed to be practical and actionable: short checklists, step-by-step guides and accessible videos help learners apply what they have learned quickly and confidently.
Welfare and practical support
We intervene directly when horses are at risk or suffering, providing hands-on assistance, rehoming support and advice to improve living conditions. Our teams work with local authorities, rescue partners and community volunteers to ensure animals receive appropriate care. In addition to emergency responses, we run rehabilitation and rehoming programmes that focus on long-term stability, matching horses with suitable owners and offering follow-up support. These operations are guided by a commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and a focus on sustainable outcomes.
Rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming
Rescue work covers the practical steps needed to stabilise an animal, from initial assessment to treatment plans and ongoing monitoring. Rehabilitation programmes address both physical recovery and behavioural rehabilitation so that horses are prepared for successful rehoming. We maintain robust screening and matching processes for adopters and provide post-adoption support to reduce the risk of animals being returned to crisis situations. This continuum—from rescue to stable rehoming—reduces suffering and increases the chance of long-term success.
Access and safety: widening opportunities and reducing risk
Improving access to riding, green spaces and equine activities benefits both horses and people by promoting responsible use of land and encouraging healthy interaction. We work to secure safe access routes, promote responsible riding practices and collaborate with landowners and local authorities to resolve conflicts. Safety initiatives include public campaigns about appropriate tack, safe handling techniques and the importance of protective equipment. We also offer guidance for managing common risks, helping owners prepare for seasonal hazards and unexpected events.
Across every strand of our work, monitoring and evaluation play a central role. We set measurable goals, collect data and review outcomes so that successful approaches can be scaled and areas that need improvement are identified quickly. By combining practical action with an emphasis on learning and evidence, the charity ensures its work delivers meaningful, long-term benefits for horses and the people who care for them. Our partnerships with veterinary professionals, community groups and policy makers extend our influence and help create safer, kinder environments for equine wellbeing.
