Help us get back on our feet

Many people who have followed our charity over the years have asked what has been happening recently and how they can help. This pag

e explains the situation and why we have launched a fundraising appeal.

For more than 30 years, the Animal Hostel Trust has been rescuing horses that nobody else would take. Much of this work has been carried out by a very small group of unpaid volunteers who have devoted years of their lives to helping animals in need.

At the centre of much of that work is Lou, who has spent decades caring for horses that arrive frightened, neglected or simply with nowhere else to go. Especially since the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, the number of people needing help with their horses has increased. Lou works long days, 7 days a week, in all weather, making sure the animals in our care are safe and properly looked after.

Over the years this work has given many horses a second chance.

Just before Christmas a few years ago, three ponies were dumped by the side of the road with nowhere to go. We called them Tiny Tim, Felix and Black Beauty. They arrived nervous and unsure of people, and Felix had health issues that needed careful treatment.

Tiny Tim in front, Felix next to him and Black Beauty behind them

With time, patience and a lot of care from the volunteers, Felix recovered and eventually he and Tim were happily rehomed together - they became good friends.

Tiny Tim recently (not so tiny anymore!)

Felix recently, happy and healthy

Black Beauty is still with us while he builds the confidence he needs before finding the right home. We never rush these things, if a horse needs time, we give it.

Black Beauty is still with us, he is very friendly to Lou but is still wary of strangers

Stories like theirs are why the charity exists.

Recently, however, we have faced a serious setback. Following a planning dispute with the local authority, we were forced to move the rescued horses off our own fields and the charity has been left with a £41,176 bill that must be paid by the end of the month.

For a small volunteer run charity, this is an enormous financial challenge.

Despite this, we have continued responding to welfare calls and helping horses whenever we can. The need does not stop simply because we are facing difficulties ourselves.

To help the charity recover from this situation and continue its work, we have launched a fundraising appeal.

You can support the fundraiser here: https://gofund.me/e182c83b1

If you would like to understand the full background to how this situation developed, you can read a detailed account here:https://www.allforhorses.org.uk/nymnpa

And if you are not able to donate, sharing the fundraiser with others can also make a real difference.

We are very grateful for the support the charity has received from the local community and from people who care about the welfare of horses. With that support, we hope to get through this difficult period and continue helping animals for many years to come.

- The Animal Hostel Trust/All For Horses Trustees