HAPPA wouldn’t be where it is today without the Team. We are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated, passionate and caring Team of staff and volunteers.
Meet the Office Team

More about Sarah
In 2004 Sarah started as a Groom on the yard, she instantly felt a huge sense of commitment to HAPPA. The core objectives of the Charity were close to her heart due to many years of equestrianism and interest in all types of horsemanship. Through hard work, mentoring and personal development Sarah has progressed through the Organisation and is now the Charity’s Chief Executive Officer.
Her phenomenal journey throughout her many job roles at Shores Hey Farm has been enriched by gaining management and leadership qualifications along the way. There is nothing that she doesn’t know about the Charity, her experience within the organisation means that she has a good operational knowledge of all areas, allowing her to lead and progress the organisation, with the ability to empower others to share her passion.
“I was delighted to be given this opportunity by the Board of Trustees. I am fortunate in having such a dynamic team of specialists within the workforce, all with the drive and enthusiasm to ensure the Charity succeeds well into the future.”

More about Julie
Julie has worked for the Charity since 2007 and has a built wealth of experience within the Charity, and industry, during this time. Heading up the Development Team to promote the Charity; its aims and Brands, to support the facilitation and development of the Farm within the Tourism Industry, supporting and organising events and activities, developing the warm and friendly welcome for all visitors to Shores Hey Farm, leading the Marketing Strategy and involved with direct and indirect fundraising. Working alongside the Digital Communications Manager to ensure that the Charity continues to reach all stakeholders and engage new supporters. Julie is also the Charity’s Healthy and Safety Officer.
“I have a passion for animals and animal welfare, coming from a background within the industry, I am delighted to work at HAPPA. I welcome the challenges that lie ahead to ensure our presence in the community and further afield is maintained to a high-standard, to ensure that we continue to fundraise and develop the Farm, to develop our events and activities programme, to continue to develop our volunteer programme and work with our volunteers and finally produce great content for our stakeholders across a variety of media, alongside HAPPA colleagues, in order to provide the very best for every equine at HAPPA.”

More about April
April is HAPPA’s Digital Communications Manager. She works across a number of different teams to help implement digital strategies to increase new sponsors and members. With over 7 years of experience working in-house and within digital marketing agencies, April’s knowledge will help enhance HAPPA’s digital marketing plans. April has also always been involved with horses and ponies since she was young, so her expertise will aid the strategies.
”I’m so excited to be working with HAPPA. I’ve always been horse mad ever since I was young, so this is literally my dream job!”

More about Tanya
Tanya joined the team in September 2021 as our Finance Manager. She works alongside Kerry to ensure HAPPA runs smoothly.

More about Phillipa
Phillippa has now moved into her new role at HAPPA as Development Manager in this role, she is responsible for The Fussy Filly onsite and online shop, the Second Chance Sponsorship Scheme and Memberships.
Phillippa says “I am excited to take on the management of The Fussy Filly, I love that the shop raises money for the horses in HAPPA – Horse & Pony Protection Association ‘s care, horses are my passion.

More about Kerry
Kerry is our Finance Assistant and works alongside the Finance Manager to help with payroll and invoicing. Kerry has worked for the Charity for over 3 years and plays a vital part in ensuring HAPPA runs smoothly.

More about Kelly
Kelly Laird has worked at HAPPA for the past 2 years, taking on various roles from Senior Equine Care Officer, Chief Officer’s Administrative Assistant to now the new role of the Education & Engagement Manager. She has taken the reins of this new role in the hope to help reduce equine neglect through education.
She will be delivering The Beginners Guide to Horse & Pony Care courses as well as more educational courses and offerings on and off site.
Kelly has a wealth of equine knowledge that she cannot wait to share, with a degree in Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation and previous experience in Equine Hydrotherapy and Stud work as well as being a qualified Equine Sports Massage Therapist.
Kelly enjoys providing her knowledge and inspiring others, especially as she knows she helps to contribute to HAPPA being able to continue their vital work, what job could be more diverse and fun yet rewarding all at the same time!

More about Zoe
Zoe works in our Digital team creating amazing content to help promote our online and onsite events. She’s super creative and loves designing artwork for HAPPA.

More about Jamie
Jamie heads up our Digital team and works alongside Zoe to help create engaging online content that will help HAPPA increase their supporters.
Meet the The Equine Action Team

More about Amanda
Amanda is dedicated and passionate about Equine Welfare and the longevity of HAPPA. Having been employed by the Charity for almost 25 years, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Amanda is accountable for HAPPA’s team of Inspectorate who are responsible for the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which is the legislation that imposes greater responsibilities on owners to provide for their equine’s basic needs.
Amanda is a highly motivated driven member of staff and prides herself in the success of her team. She is at her best when challenged and focused on achieving organisational objectives and goals. Amanda is passionate about growing people, encouraging her team to take an interest in their own development opportunities.
“I literally live and breathe horses, they are my absolute passion and I am committed to equine welfare 100%. I love working for HAPPA and thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day is filled with diversity. The team at HAPPA are full of enthusiasm and their expertise is second to none. Coming to work every day for me is always a pleasure and never a chore”.

More about Rachael
Rachael she has a vast amount of experience in numerous equine fields which has put her in good stead when working with our equines who have had such varied and troubled pasts. Rachael uses a lot of natural horsemanship techniques which are extremely useful when working with horses that have behavioural issues, she finds these the most enjoyable and rewarding to work with. Rachael is dedicated to each individual horse and its development by creating individual rehabilitation programmes for each and every horse.
In Rachael’s spare time she is currently working with her own rehabilitation project, Belle a 5 year old ROR horse who she intends to compete with British Eventing later on this season, Belle has a lot of spirit and can be tricky to work with at times but Rachael is enjoying the challenge and is looking forward to seeing how she progresses.
“I am delighted to be given this exciting opportunity to return to HAPPA. I love the challenge of helping each individual horse to achieve their full potential. Seeing them leave the Centre as happy, healthy horses is very rewarding”.

More about Jeanette
Jeanette is one of HAPPA’s Loan Scheme Support Officers and she has a lifetime of experience of equines, as well as experience of offering support and care. Jeanette is on hand to offer advice and guidance for our Borrowers and is in charge of scheduling home visits twice per year. Delivering effective Care Plans and assisting in educational presentations for groups and individuals is another aspect of Jeanette’s varied role.
“I have worked in this role a few years now and previous to that I worked 10 years as an Equine Care Officer here at HAPPA where I gained much of my knowledge and expertise.
I feel very fortunate to be part of the journey from rescue to rehoming and love being able to see an equine in their Forever Home especially visiting those I used to take care for at the Centre.”

More about Tracy
Tracy is HAPPA’s North West Equine Inspector, she investigates complaints of cruelty and neglect covering a large operational area always putting the welfare of equines first, working within the constraints of The Animal Welfare Act (2006) and other legislation. She also provides support to HAPPA Borrowers and enjoys visiting them twice a year to ensure that all is well with HAPPA equines in their Forever Homes. Tracy plays an integral part in HAPPA’s educational offering and supports in house training covering legislation and the role of the Equine Inspector.
As a retired Cheshire Police Officer and a life-long horse owner she brings a wealth of knowledge, training and experience to the role. She is passionate about Equine Welfare and is a dedicated member of staff. She is warm and friendly and committed to supporting owners and Borrowers in all things equine.
“I feel privileged to be a part of HAPPA, it is a professional, effective and caring charity. Although some days are more difficult than others I embrace the challenges of my role in the knowledge I am improving the welfare of horses, ponies and donkeys”.

More about Elizabeth
Liz is HAPPA’s North East Equine Inspector, she investigates complaints of cruelty and neglect covering a large operational area always putting the welfare of equines first, working within the constraints of The Animal Welfare Act (2006) and other legislation. She also provides support to HAPPA Borrowers, visiting them twice a year to ensure that all is well with HAPPA equines in their Forever Homes.
Having trained and served with The Metropolitan Police and then with West Yorkshire she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team when dealing with the Law and Criminal Evidence. As a retired Mounted Branch Officer and a life-long horse owner she brings a host of knowledge and experience to the role and is passionate about Equine Welfare. She is warm and friendly and committed to supporting owners and Borrowers in all things equine.
“My role is to ensure that HAPPA can make a difference to an equine’s life, no matter how small or big that may be. Being part of the Equine Action Team means a great deal to me, I enjoy visiting Borrowers and seeing HAPPA equines bloom in there Forever Homes, but I also thrive on the challenges dealing with welfare brings”.

More about Racheal
Racheal Slater is our Equine Care Supervisor. Racheal has been part of the Equine Care Team the yard for the past three years and previously worked for international event and dressage yards. She has a keen interest in animal welfare and rehabilitation, previously completing a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. She has many exciting ideas, knowledge and experience to bring to the Team.
“Working at HAPPA for the past few years has been really rewarding. Being given this opportunity to progress within the Charity allows me to continue to contribute towards improving equine welfare.”

More about Paige
Paige works alongside Adele and Rachael to make sure the Equine Team are providing the care and training to our HAPPA horses.
Meet the Hospitality Team

More about Andy
Andy Black is Shores Hey Farm’s Café and Kitchen Manager, dealing with the day-to-day management of the kitchen and front of house team, preparing meals and designing menu choices. Andy started taking an interest in catering at school and did summer work experiences at La Belle Époque, Knutsford under Chef David Mooney. After school he started college studying AVCE Hospitality and Catering Management alongside NVQ L1 in Food Service and Preparation and NVQ L3 in Food Preparation and Cookery. Whilst at college he competed and came runner up in the Nestle Toque D’or Competition in London. After leaving college he had a six month contract in Florida at, the then, No 3 Country Club in USA Boca West.
Upon returning from Florida he started working as a Chef De Partie at The Higher Trapp, Burnley and soon climbed the ranks to Head Chef. Having continued to work around the area in lots of different environments, including Head Chef of Bannisters Restaurant, Colne we are all looking forward to trying Andy’s new menu and specials in The Café.
“I am looking forward to a bright and rewarding future here at Shores Hey Farm.”
Meet the Reception Team


Meet The Fussy Filly Team
