HAPPA wouldn’t be where it is today without the HAPPA Team we have grown. We are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated, passionate and caring HAPPA Team of staff and volunteers.
Meet the Office HAPPA 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 Jennifer
Hi, I’m Jen, I’m the Education and Engagement Manager at HAPPA.
I love everything about horses (If you can’t already tell!). I have experience working in all different sectors of the equine industry, I studied a BSc in Equine Sports Science and a Postgrad in Equine Performance Health & Welfare. We are proud to announce that we are the first rescue centre to be Pony Club affiliated!
If you have any questions in relation to education, schools, college or university visits, arena hire or any of our competitions coming up, please do not hesitate to contact me at: education@happa.org.uk
More about Racheal
Meet the The Equine Action HAPPA 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 Tracy
Hello I’m Tracy, North West Equine Inspector, I am passionate about equine welfare. I joined HAPPA in 2014 and have gained a lot of in-depth knowledge of the legislation and how to implement it and have a large network of professionals who I work alongside. I investigate complaints of cruelty and neglect covering a large operational area always putting the welfare of equines first. It can be very challenging, working within the constraints of the law and dealing with some very angry and upset people, but I have to engage with them and do what is best to improve the welfare of the horses, whilst being companionate to the owner, it might be support or advice or taking the horses into possession, by sign over or on the say so of a vet with the Police present.
I also have my HAPPA horses I visit twice a year, which I love to do as the people who rehome our horses are dedicated and look after our horses so well. I love seeing the horses I have rescued in their homes.
I am a retired Cheshire Police Officer and a life-long horse owner, which have both helped me in my role. I truly have the best job.
“There are new challenges daily I am blessed to be an Equine Inspector for HAPPA. Nothing beats the feeling of rescuing horses.”
More about Elizabeth
Hello I’m Liz, HAPPA’s North East Equine Inspector. I am a former police officer having retired after 30 years of service. Most of my adult life was spent in the police service and I have gained many life skills and relevant work experiences for a role which is both customer and animal related. I worked for many years in the West Yorkshire Police mounted division.
I have a genuine love for and commitment to the welfare of all animals, and I have a number of animals myself. Two large dogs called Jack and Tilly, two ginger rescue cats Bobbi and Kevin. I also have three horse of my own, Ralph (WRECKIT RALPH given how much damage he causes) an 18 hand Irish Draught x Warm Blood, Eric the mad Thoroughbred and Megan the small but very naughty Welsh section A.
We are here to improve and promote equine welfare through the application and enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. I am very capable of working alone and using my initiative. I pride myself on my own high standards and in giving 100% effort to whatever I do. I also investigate complaints of cruelty and if necessary undertake the role of investigating officer and provide continuity of evidence. I support and liaise with owners and aid court prosecutions.
More about Celia
Celia works alongside Rachael to make sure the Equine Team are providing the care and training to our HAPPA horses.
Meet the Hospitality HAPPA Team
More about Andy
Hi I’m Andy The 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. I started taking an interest in catering at school and did summer work experiences at La Belle Époque, Knutsford under Chef David Mooney. After school I 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 I competed and came runner up in the Nestle Toque D’or Competition in London. After leaving college I had a six month contract in Florida at, the then, No 3 Country Club in USA Boca West.
Upon returning from Florida I 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.
In my spare time like to enjoy the outdoors and nature with my wife Laura and twin boys Seth and Arlo.
Since taking on the role of Café and Kitchen Manager we have seen massive improvements in food offering standards and seen growth in footfall and revenue.
“5 years into my role and looking forward to developing the café into the future.”
Meet the Reception Team
More about Chloe
Hi! I’m one of HAPPA’s smiley receptionists. I’m always happy to answer any of your questions no matter how big or how small. I joined the team back in 2021 and since then I’ve helped raise lots of extra funds as part of the development and HAPPA membership team.
I’m also the farms resident face painter, so I’ll see you during the school holidays and family fun days with my brushes at the ready!
