Bransby Horses have opened a new Welfare Trail, where visitors can learn how to spot an equine in need and find out how one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities cares for horses and ponies. The new trail will be a permanent fixture at the free-to-visit charity based in the village of Bransby, close to Lincoln city.
Winding around the 600-acre site, visitors are taken on a wheelchair and pushchair friendly walk where information posters and questions about equine health help people test their knowledge and find out interesting facts about horses’ health.
“We have hundreds of visitors every year, a lot of them are families who enjoy being outside and meeting our rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules,” said senior press officer Maria Thompson. “We’ve launched this trail, which takes them around the fields where our horses are, to help raise awareness of proper equine welfare.
“Most people know about the needs of dogs and cats but equines are less understood. We hope the trail will help to engage people with our cause to make sure every equine has a life worth living, promote responsible horse ownership and ultimately reduce the need for our intervention.”
L-R: LLoyd, Bubbles and Hero
Bransby Horses, like many other equine welfare charities rely on members of the public to report or raise concerns if they see or know of equines in need, as many are in fields and out of sight. Last year the charity dealt with 1,622 horses as either new or ongoing welfare concerns.
With around 50,000 visitors a year Bransby Horses hope the trail will “demystify” the world of equine welfare for both adults and children while raising awareness of the need for charities like theirs.
Bransby Horses is free to visit and take part in the trail. There is also an onsite café, second hand tack and charity shop and gift shop. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
For further information visit BransbyHorses.co.uk
