Golden Year Celebrations for HAPPA

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are celebrating a milestone in the Charity’s history this year, its Golden Anniversary of its time in Burnley, Lancashire.

2024 marks the 50th year the Charity’s headquarters and operations have been based in the town. HAPPA would like local businesses, friends, and supporters to join them in this celebration.

When the Charity began to struggle to meet the demand for its service at their first home, Capel Manor, London, HAPPA made the much-needed move to Greenbank Farm in Fence, Burnley, Lancashire, in 1974. When a local horsewoman and avid HAPPA supporter, Pam Wood, offered her own farm as the Charity’s rescue centre, thus began a truly remarkable time in HAPPA’s history. The move to the North of England ensured that the Charity had a settled and secure base to continue to rescue horses, ponies and donkeys from cruelty and neglect.

When a local horsewoman and avid HAPPA supporter, Pam Wood, offered her own farm as the Charity’s rescue centre, thus began a truly remarkable time in HAPPA’s history.

A move to the Charity’s very own premises, Shores Hey Farm, in Briercliffe, in 1984, cemented HAPPA’s place in the town. The then cattle farm has been developed over the last 40 years into the amazing, state-of-the-art equestrian facility and visitor attraction we see today. This has only been possible due to the support of the local council and community, who have truly embraced the Charity’s cause.

HAPPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Arthur, says of the Anniversary, “This year is such a significant milestone in HAPPA’s history. Having a secure and steady future was key to the Charity coming to Burnley. Fifty years ago, Pam and local HAPPA supporters and friends made this happen, and we want to recognise and celebrate just how much has been achieved. I know that there are so many people who remember our time at Greenbank Farm and those who have watched the Charity grow at Shores Hey Farm. This year, we want everyone to get involved in making sure HAPPA can be here for another fifty years and more, to give a second chance to neglected, abused and unwanted horses, ponies, and donkeys.”

Many hooves have graced the ground of Shores Hey Farm. A rescue the Charity will never forget is the Gisburn 16. HAPPA removed 16 severely emaciated Thoroughbred equines from a property in 1997, resulting in a prosecution case.

Another is Dancer, a real fighter, who, after needing the support of a sling to stand, was able to go on to make a full recovery and find a forever home, all thanks to the Charity’s hard work and dedication. Many more have been taken to safety at the farm. An impressive 2,000 horses, ponies and donkeys have been helped by HAPPA over the last 50 years.

HAPPA continues to make history in Burnley, helping thousands of equine owners across the county with help and advice on how to care for their animals and thousands more horses, ponies and donkeys who have called Greenbank or Shores Hey Farm their home.

There will be lots of activities and special events from HAPPA during 2024. The Charity looks forward to celebrating with supporters, businesses, and friends. Here’s to another 50 years in Burnley for this special Charity doing such important work.

 

Northern Life Mar/Apr/May 24