Equine Welfare Education: Shaping Responsible Horse Owners

At HAPPA, we believe that equine welfare education is the key to shaping responsible horse owners. Through our comprehensive educational programme, we aim to reduce equine welfare cases across the UK by equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to care for horses correctly.

Why Equine Welfare Education Matters

Times have changed. In the past, children and teenagers could spend time at local stables, learning hands-on horse care. However, insurance restrictions and modern regulations have made these opportunities scarce. This gap in the equestrian industry leaves future horse owners without the proper guidance to develop essential skills. Without knowledge, horses are at risk of neglect, suffering, and poor welfare conditions. That’s why HAPPA is committed to bridging this gap through education.

How HAPPA is Leading the Way

Sharing the collective expertise of our professional team at Shores Hey Farm, Burnley, we provide a variety of educational initiatives designed to make a real difference in equine welfare. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that individuals of all ages can access the resources and support they need to become responsible horse owners.

Sarah Arthur, Chief Executive Officer of HAPPA, explains:

“Sadly, times have changed, the days when children and teenagers could hang out at local stables and play ponies all day, rewarding a day’s hard graft with a pony ride no longer exists. I have fond memories of doing just this myself from as young as eight years of age. Opportunities such as this are no longer there, mainly due to the risks involved in doing so and the inability to acquire insurance cover at equestrian establishments. This is leaving a major gap in the equestrian industry and worryingly there isn’t a cost-effective way for individuals to take up the sport under the guidance of others, neither does it instil core values, resilience and empowerment in the new and next generation of horse owners.”

Educational Opportunities at HAPPA

We offer a range of engaging and informative programmes designed to help people develop a deeper understanding of horse care:

• Own a Pony Days – A unique opportunity for children (ages 6-16) to experience the joy of horse ownership for a day under expert supervision.
• Horse Care Courses (CPD Accredited) – Ideal for anyone passionate about equine care, these courses boost confidence in managing a horse’s daily needs. Learn more about CPD accreditation here.
• Equine Care and Cake Club – A welcoming, social setting where participants gain essential horse care knowledge while enjoying delicious treats at the HAPPA Café.
• Pony Squad – An exclusive club for young horse enthusiasts to have fun, learn new skills, and make friends.
• The Pony Club at HAPPA – Perfect for beginners and those with some equine experience (ages 6-25). No pony? No problem! Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are all you need.
• FREE School Visits – We educate children about basic horse care and husbandry to improve equine welfare and prevent neglect. Book a school visit here.
• Pony Grooming Sessions – Hands-on learning experiences available during school holidays to teach essential grooming and horse care skills.

Join Our Mission to Improve Horse Welfare and Shape Responsible Horse Owners

We are dedicated to reducing equine welfare cases across the UK. Through education, support, and hands-on experience, we empower individuals to provide the best possible care for horses.

Join our mission today by exploring our educational programmes at Shores Hey Farm, Blackhouse Lane, Burnley BB10 3QU. Find out more about HAPPA’s work here.

Together, we can create a future where every horse receives the care and respect they deserve.