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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

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The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.