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World Horse Welfare introduces new children's club
Stable Squad aims to give young people better access to horse-related opportunities and learning.
This Esme launched the new ‘Stable Squad’ with rescue pony Duke.

World Horse Welfare has officially launched the ‘Stable Squad’ – a club for animal-loving children.

Equestrian influencer and charity patron Esme Higgs, known to fans as ‘This Esme’, was the guest of honour at the event, which took place at the charity’s Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre on 15 August.

Stable Squad has been introduced by the charity as it seeks to give young animal lovers better access to horse-related opportunities and education. It also promotes the charity’s ethos for improved compassion, respect and understanding for horses

Members of the Stable Squad each receive their own Stable Squad Welcome Pack, which includes an exclusive cuddly toy with a bespoke World Horse Welfare rug. They will also receive the Stable Squad Magazine twice a year, which is filled with age-appropriate stories, games, interviews with celebrities and craft activities.

At the launch event, Ms Higgs and her World Horse Welfare rescue pony Duke were joined by another World Horse Welfare pony, Lemon LeMieux, as they met young fans. One fan, Purple Jones, was also given the opportunity to interview Esme.

Ms Higgs said: “It was such a special day for Duke and me to return to Glenda Spooner Farm together to celebrate World Horse Welfare’s fantastic new club for young people.

“I loved meeting some new friends as well as lots of familiar faces, and together we’re all now part of the Stable Squad family!”

Visitors also got involved with live demonstrations, LeMieux hobby horse jumping and face-painting as well as meeting with Stable Squad Ambassador and influencer Claudia Groves.

Claire Dickie, Glenda Spooner farm manager, said: “We loved welcoming children from all over the country to Glenda Spooner Farm to celebrate the launch of Stable Squad. We now have a growing community of over 500 children who are part of the Stable Squad family!

“We’d like to thank everyone who joined us in making it such a special day, it’s been wonderful to meet this new generation of horse welfare advocates.”  

For more information or to sign up to the club, visit the Stable Squad webpage.

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.