Equine charity World Horse Welfare has devised a new initiative – a Groom Appreciation Day – to show its appreciation for the hardworking yard staff that care for the horses, ponies and donkeys at the charity.
The first Groom Appreciation Day takes place today (Friday 15 November) and celebrates the 46 grooms who work across the charity’s four rescue and rehoming centres.
“Anyone who has worked or works with horses will understand the daily challenges they [grooms] face, especially during the winter months,” said Tony Tyler, deputy chief executive at World Horse Welfare.
“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.”
World Horse Welfare wanted to recognise the team of grooms that work 365 days a year, in all weathers and often in challenging situations to look after its 300 residents.
Supportive messages
Without the grooms knowing, supporters of the charity were asked to send in positive messages to read to the grooms on Groom Appreciation Day.
The charity were inundated with responses, receiving over 1,000 messages from across the UK. A video of grooms reading some of the messages is below.
Nicole O’Malley (pictured at the top) is one of the unsung heroes that the charity is celebrating. She is a rehabilitation groom at the charity’s Somerset Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Glenda Spooner Farm.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this job is seeing our ponies come out of their shell when we find new homes for them – and then receiving photos and videos of them in the loving homes that they so truly deserve,” said Nicole.
