As the often-unsung heroes of the charity, World Horse Welfare would be lost without the 46 hardworking and dedicated grooms that rehabilitate the horses that come into our care.
Out in all weathers, 365 days a year, looking after sick, neglected and abused horses, ponies and donkeys, they are the grafters giving it their all to improve equine welfare.
Without letting the grooms know, our supporters were asked to send in messages of support to read out to them on the day, Friday 15 November, now marked as World Horse Welfare’s Groom Appreciation Day.
Anyone who has worked or works with horses will understand the daily challenges they face, especially during the winter months. And, for our grooms it can be particularly hard work with horses and ponies that have been neglected, mistreated or poorly handled.
“We felt their investment in the welfare of these horses, ponies, donkeys and the occasional mule is something to be celebrated.”
Tony Tyler, Deputy Chief Executive at World Horse Welfare, who has been with our charity for 25 years and has seen first-hand the dedication of the grooms across our four rescue and rehoming centres.
Over 1,000 messages from across the UK flooded our mailboxes, showing just how grateful supporters are to the people working on the frontline of animal welfare.
A video has also been released of the grooms reading some of their favourite messages to each other to mark the day, which can be viewed here.
One of the most challenging day-to-day experiences as a groom at World Horse Welfare is having to accept that there will be some ongoing long-term effects of neglect on horses no matter how well cared for they are after arrival.
“But it is very rewarding to know you are having a positive impact on the horses’ lives.”
Kathryn Coombes, who has been a Groom at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk for over two years.
I came to the farm as a groom in July 2015, I must love the place as I have been here nearly 10 years!”
“All of us love the horses we care for and when things go wrong, we really feel it, as this isn’t just a job for us. If we didn’t love them all, we wouldn’t be working here to try and make a difference.”
Abi Tuckwell, who is a Senior Groom at Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeenshire.
We are forever grateful to our hardworking staff and to all our supporters who make their work possible.
You can read more about what life as a groom is really like at World Horse Welfare over on our blog or head over to our YouTube channel to watch the video of our grooms reading some of their favourite messages to each other to mark the day.
If you would like to leave a message of support for our grooms, please send it to us by emailing grooms@worldhorsewelfare.org
