World Horse Welfare marks Groom Appreciation Day
The messages of gratitude were collected in secret, so that they would be a surprise.
World Horse Welfare has celebrated the work of its grooms with its Groom Appreciation Day on Friday, 15 November.
The equine rescue charity asked its supporters to submit messages of thanks, which were then read to its team.
World Horse Welfare has 46 grooms, who work 365 days a year to care for horses, ponies and donkeys. The grooms are out in all weathers and are often working with animals which have been sick, neglected or abused.
Tony Tyler, deputy chief executive, said: “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 and poorly handled.
“We felt their investment in the welfare of these horses, ponies, donkeys and the occasional mule is something to be celebrated.”
To celebrate the grooms’ work, World Horse Welfare asked its supporters to send in messages expressing their gratitude. This was done in secret so that it would be a surprise when they were presented on the charity’s Groom Appreciation Day.
It soon received over 1,000 messages of thanks from across the UK. These were presented to the grooms and a video has been released of the grooms reading their favourite messages.
One such groom is Kathryn Coombes, who works at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
Ms Coombes said: “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 [...] after arrival.
“But it is very rewarding to know you are having a positive impact on the horses’ lives.”
Abi Tuckwell, who has worked as a groom at Belwade Farm in Aberdeenshire since 2015, said: “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.”
The video can be viewed here.
Image © World Horse Welfare
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