Around 850 people headed to World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre for equestrian influencer This Esme’s recent visit. As part of her UK tour, Esme came to the yard for the day, meeting fans and giving a ridden demonstration on one of World Horse Welfare’s rehabilitated and rehomed horses Hatchi.
Hatchi is a 15.2hh 13-year-old piebald cob who had been handed over to the charity five years ago. He showed off his paces with Esme, while she spoke to the crowd, describing the rehoming process and what to expect using her experiences with her own rescue pony, World Horse Welfare Duke.
Hundreds of fans gathered at Belwade farm for the event and a chance to meet Esme
Fans have been following the antics of Duke on Esme’s YouTube channel. The dapple grey Welsh Mountain pony was rescued by World Horse Welfare as a foal in May 2020 after being abandoned at just a few days old.
“I’ve had so much fun here at World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm doing my meet and greets and also doing my demo on Hatchi as well,” said Esme. “It’s been amazing for so many people to come here and be able to hear about the incredible work that World Horse Welfare do.”
Anna, 12, from Aberdeen was among the attendees and was thrilled to meet the internet star.
“Today was brilliant! I can’t believe I got to meet my horsey hero for real,” she said. “And Hatchi is such a lovely horse, I had no idea about what rehoming meant or the kinds of horses that were available. I’ve never been to Belwade farm before but what an amazing place, we will be coming back here now we know about it.”
Esme rode piebald cob Hatchi as part of the demonstration
Esme has more than one million followers on YouTube and her other channels. She aims to use her platform to entertain, but also educate about responsible horse ownership and equine welfare, as well as improving access to equestrianism.
Esme took part in World Horse Welfare’s recent Ride to Parliament to press for passage of the Kept Animals Bill. and has recently become a Patron of the charity.
To find out more about visiting Belwade Farm, or the work the charity undertakes, click here.
Images from World Horse Welfare
