Animal charity hosts online horse show fundraiser
A BRISTOL-based charity is encouraging equine lovers to come together in celebration of their favourite horse and donkey companions through a virtual horse show.
HorseWorld’s show will include a wide range of “silly and sensible categories,” giving horses, ponies and donkeys of all sizes the opportunity for victory.
There are opportunities for the ‘Funniest Face’, those with ‘Best Big Hair’, a ‘Golden Oldie’ as well as ‘Best Equine Teacher’.
As well as the opportunity to win prizes, some categories will be judged by famous faces, who the charity will be revealing over the coming days.
Stephen Poole, director of fundraising and communications at HorseWorld, said: “We all need reasons to be cheerful and celebrating our equine friends seems to be a wonderful one.
“For many of us the relationships
Pilgrim, one of the horses helped at Horseworld
we have with horses whether they’re our own, ones we’ve known in the past or just ones who hold a special place in our hearts, are a lifeline.
“In these times when life is particularly challenging, HorseWorld wanted to give supporters an opportunity to champion their favourite equine chums and remember just how lucky we are to have these wonderful animals in our lives.”
The organisation which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes horses and donkeys has been forced to get creative in finding imaginative ways to not only generate essential income lost from the cancellation of fundraising events, but also help their supporters to keep connected with the charity.
“With major fundraising events cancelled and any other public fundraising activity postponed for the foreseeable future, we have lost a significant proportion of vital income,” said Stephen.
“We appreciate there’s a lot of financial uncertainty at the moment, so entry into the horse show is free.
“However, our teams are working tirelessly to provide the essential care required by our large HorseWorld herd of rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Consequently we are asking that those who are able donate just £2.50 for each category they enter.”
Anyone not able to be with their equine friend due to lockdown restrictions can still enter, as photographs do not need to have been taken recently.
“We encourage everyone to stay home and stay safe, so this is the perfect opportunity for people to delve into their photo albums, find their favourites and send in their entries,” said Stephen.
“The show really is all about having fun, but there are some great prizes on offer, thanks to our friends and corporate supporters.”
The show has been made possible thanks to a number of generous supporters and sponsors including equine nutrition specialists NAF, advertising agency Hello Starling, charity website experts Tickbox, magnetic therapy inventors and manufacturers EQU StreamZ, and Wards Solicitors.
Closing date is Sunday, May 3. More information can be found on HorseWorld’s website.