As the often-unsung heroes of the charity, World Horse Welfare would be lost without the 46 hardworking and dedicated grooms that work to rehabilitate the horses that come into its care.
Out in all weathers, 365 days a year, looking after sick, neglected and abused horses, ponies and donkeys.
They are the grafters giving it their all to improve equine welfare across the charity's four rescue and rehoming centres including Penny Farm in Blackpool, Lancashire.
Without letting the grooms know, the charity’s supporters were asked to send in messages of support to read out to them on the day, Friday 15 November, now marked as World Horse Welfare’s Groom Appreciation Day.
Having been with the charity for 25 years, Tony Tyler, Deputy Chief Executive at World Horse Welfare, has seen first hand the dedication of the grooms across the four rescue and rehoming centres, including Penny Farm, he said:
“Anyone who has worked or works with horses will understand the daily challenges they face, especially during the winter months. And, for our grooms it can be particularly hard work with horses and ponies that have been neglected, mistreated and poorly handled.
“We felt their investment in the welfare of these horses, ponies, donkeys and the occasional mule is something to be celebrated.”
Over 1,000 messages from across the UK flooded the charity’s mailboxes showing just how grateful supporters are to the people working on the frontline of animal welfare.
A video has also been released of the grooms reading some of their favourite messages to each other to mark the day, which can be viewed here.
Emily Wood, Yard Supervisor at Penny Farm, said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to give horse like these a second chance in life so they are loved and cared for.”
World Horse Welfare is forever grateful to their hardworking staff and to all their supporters who make their work possible.
You can read more about the charity’s grooms in their blogs here.
Or you can support the charity’s work by donating to World Horse Welfare, here.
Anyone can send more messages of support through our socials @Horsecharity or email grooms@worldhorsewelfare.org
#GroomAppreciationDay