“There are no exaggerations”
AFTER DECIDING SHE wanted a new horse, Jane Ayres-Smith chose to rehome a horse from a charity, and says it’s the best decision she ever made. “When my horse of a lifetime turned 21 and was only able to hack, I decided I wasn’t ready to give up jumping so began the search for a new horse. I browsed the charity sites and spotted two yearlings on the World Horse Welfare site who looked promising. “Having not really been looking for a youngster, I had a discussion with my husband who pointed out that the happiest he had seen me was working with my mare when she was a baby and watching her learn. So that was it! “I applied for the smaller of the two youngsters and heard straight back to say my application had been received. Next, I had a friendly chat about what I wanted, my abilities and where the horse would be kept, and was invited to meet him. “The horse in question was World Horse Welfare Bentley, a Shire/ Thoroughbred who is now three years old and 16hh. I’m just starting the backing process and hope to do general riding club activities with him. “I would advise anyone looking for a new horse to check charity sites first. World Horse Welfare could tell me his background and before he came to me, Bentley was checked by all their experts, including the dentist, vet, physio and farrier. He was taught to lead, have his feet handled, be groomed, and load in a horsebox — not bad for a yearling. “There are no exaggerations about their ability — you are told the truth and offered support whenever you need it. “I can particularly recommend rehoming from a charity for their ongoing support. I’m also safe in the knowledge that if anything happens to me, Bentley will go back to them and they will take care to find him another home.”