Festival of the Horse: A Huge Success for HAPPA

On Saturday 30th August, we proudly hosted our first Festival of the Horse at Shores Hey Farm in Burnley – and what an incredible day it turned out to be. Hundreds of visitors joined us from across Lancashire and the North West to celebrate the equestrian world, enjoy family-friendly activities, and support our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome neglected horses and ponies.

Thanks to everyone’s generosity, the festival raised more than £6,000. This funding will directly support horses and ponies in our care, giving them a vital second chance at life. Even better, the feedback we received was truly heart-warming. People described the event as “inspiring,” “a fantastic day out,” and even “an event the North West has been waiting for.”

A Day to Remember

The festival brought together an incredible mix of equestrian professionals, local organisations and stallholders. These included:

• Baileys Horse Feeds

• Aireworth Vets Equine

• SMART Saddles

• BHS North West

• Pendle RDA

• The Pony Club Pendle Forest

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed a range of exciting demonstrations. Ashley Ward wowed the crowd with a dressage display, while Rhianne impressed with her carriage driving demo. Of course, the biggest cheers went to Porridge the Long-Haired Lipizzaner, who quickly became a firm favourite.

Alongside the equestrian programme, families also explored shopping stalls, enjoyed delicious food, and took part in fun activities. As a result, the event offered something for everyone and created a truly memorable experience.

Our Reflections

Jennifer Burton, our Education and Engagement Manager, shared her delight:

“We are absolutely delighted with how successful our very first Festival of the Horse has been. The event truly showcased the breadth of the equestrian world and brought our community together in such a positive way. The feedback from our visitors has been phenomenal, and we’re thrilled that so many people left inspired, entertained, and with a greater awareness of the vital work HAPPA does for horses and ponies in need.”

In addition, our Head of Marketing and PR, April Hinnigan, added:

“This was our first time hosting an event of this kind, and we are overjoyed with the incredible turnout and the generosity of our supporters. It is clear from the amazing feedback we’ve received that the Festival of the Horse has already become a highlight in the local calendar. We are now firmly planning for 2026, with the ambition to make next year’s festival even bigger and better. Every ticket purchased and every penny raised helps us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome neglected horses and ponies.”

Thank You to Our Supporters

Of course, the festival’s success would not have been possible without the help of our supporters. We are extremely grateful to our dedicated volunteers, along with:

• Healthier Heroes CIC, who managed car parking

• Pendle First Aid

• Local businesses and stallholders who gave their time and energy

Because of their commitment, the day ran smoothly and created an inclusive, safe and enjoyable event for all.

Looking Ahead to Festival of the Horse 2026

We are already planning the Festival of the Horse 2026, and we would love to hear from stallholders, guest speakers and equestrian demonstrators who would like to be part of it.

With such an amazing foundation in place, we are determined to make next year’s festival even bigger, better and more impactful. Not only will it showcase the equestrian world, but it will also continue to bring together families, horse lovers and our wider community.

 To find out more about our work or to express interest in supporting the Festival of the Horse 2026, please visit www.happa.org.uk or contact us at fundraising@happa.org.uk.