The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) has expanded its educational programme in the hope it will help to reduce equine welfare cases across the UK.
The charity’s chief executive officer, Sarah Arthur, said: “Sadly, times have changed. The days when children and teenagers could hang out at local stables and play ponies all day, rewarding a day’s hard graft with a pony ride no longer exists.”
The charity believes education plays a crucial role in improving the quality of care given to equines, reducing welfare concerns, and preventing neglect and suffering.
It also believes that young people are not having the opportunities to learn about horse welfare in the same way they would have done in the past.
Its extended range of equine experiences, courses and clubs will be led by knowledgeable charity staff with the aim of educating both children and adults about looking after and caring for horses and ponies correctly.
Lack of opportunity
“Opportunities such as this are no longer there, mainly due to the risks involved in doing so and the inability to acquire insurance cover at equestrian establishments,” added Sarah Arthur.
“This is leaving a major gap in the equestrian industry and worryingly there isn’t a cost-effective way for individuals to take up the sport under the guidance of others. Neither does it instil core values, resilience and empowerment in the new and next generation of horse owners.
“We must do our bit to protect horses from exposure to cruelty, neglect and suffering due to lack of awareness and understanding. Therefore, the HAPPA educational agenda is focused on educating those that will listen to what it really takes to care for a horse correctly,” continued Sarah.
“Educational days for all ages, support groups, school visits and giving support and advice out in the field through the charity’s equine inspectors, our whole team is committed to ensuring the sharing of expertise to care for a horse from the inside out.”
The programme
HAPPA’s education programme includes:
- Own a Pony Days — these allow children aged between six and 16 to spend time with horsey experts and experience owning a HAPPA pony for a day.
- Horse Care Courses — CPD accredited and designed for anyone passionate about equine care. The courses are designed to boost your confidence in managing a horse’s day-to-day needs.
- Equine Care and Cake Club — opportunity to gain essential knowledge about horse care in a welcoming, social setting. Aimed at beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, the monthly evening event blends education, connection, and sweet treats at the HAPPA Café.
- Pony Squad — an exclusive club for the young horse enthusiast. The child is guaranteed to have fun while learning new skills and making friends.
- The Pony Club at HAPPA — perfect for beginners and those with a little equine experience aged between six and 25, such as individuals who have recently welcomed their first pony.
- Free school visits — educating groups of individuals of all ages about basic horse care and husbandry.
- Pony grooming sessions — aimed at those who have ever wanted to learn how to care for a horse and groom a horse or pony.
For more information or to take part in any of HAPPA’s educational offerings, click here.
Images © HAPPA
