CONCERN FOR WORKING HORSES’ WELFARE LEADS TO CHARITY’S CAMPAIGNING ROLE

[THE HORSE RESCUE FUND was founded at a time when many deliveries were still being carried out using horses – which at that time were destined for a bleak fate after they finished their working life.

That history explains why, as well as rescuing horses, ponies and donkeys in desperate need, the fund has campaigned for improvements at horse sales, in transit and for equine welfare generally. Indeed, they often work in conjunction with their fellow organisations on some of the largest equine welfare cases.

The charity’s byline is: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

A spokesperson for the charity commented: “All of our rescued horses are treated as individuals and – being one of the smaller welfare charities – our staff get to know the likes, dislikes and foibles of each horse in our care, so their treatment can be personally tailored to their needs.”

After rehabilitation and when they are fit, their animals are placed on loan in private adoptive homes to lead happy, useful lives. Some have gone on to win at prestigious shows, and even appeared on television!

They continued: “We never sell them, so we are able to ensure their wellbeing for the rest of their lives; and if their loaners’ circumstances change, they can always be returned to us. Horses do so much for humans – we try to repay some of that debt; they cannot speak, but we can.”

Funds are urgently needed to continue that work: legacies, covenants, individual donations or corporate funding are all most welcome. Supporters receive a biannual newsletter keeping them up to date with all the happenings on the yard at Woodstock Farm in Norfolk.

For more information visit the website at www.horserescuefund.org.uk or email info@horserescuefund.org.uk q

– seemingly in reaction to the invasion of Ukraine. In March 2022, the average donation increased to £85 and remained high at £64 in April.

That contributed to an estimated £12.7bn donated to charities in 2022: an increase of £2bn compared to 2021. The increase in the overall amount given in 2022 is a result of people donating higher amounts, rather than an increase in the number of people giving. However, due to rising inflation, analysis from Pro Bono Economics suggests that may have been eroded by as much as £0.5bn.

Neil Heslop OBE, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “It is worrying that we continue to see a declining number of people donating to charity, alongside the drop in participation in fundraising events and volunteering due to COVID lockdowns, which now appear to be locked in.

“While the government’s lifelines for charities this year may have been make or break for many, these findings show the next task is to come up with the policy solutions and incentives required to foster a more widespread culture of giving and participation in the UK.”

Jansev Jemal, research and policy director at Pro Bono Economics, added: “Charities have experienced a protracted period of difficulty since the outset of the pandemic. While managing a truly challenging triple threat of rising costs, income worries and spiralling demand, they continue to play their critical role supporting communities, providing services and campaigning for change. It’s important that policymakers consider how they can support charities to raise more funds and to invest in the improvements they need.” q