HAPPA Celebrates Triple Success at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

We are proud to announce a remarkable triple win at the 2026 Lancashire Tourism Awards, securing recognition for excellence in visitor experience, community impact and team dedication.

At this year’s awards ceremony, HAPPA brought home:

• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2026
• Experience of the Year 2026 – Own a Pony Day
• Unsung Hero Award 2026 – Andy Black, The HAPPA Café Manager

This achievement represents far more than trophies. It reflects the dedication of our staff and volunteers, the loyalty of our supporters and the continued belief in our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses and ponies in need.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2026

Being named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year places HAPPA among Lancashire’s most respected destinations.

Unlike traditional attractions, every visit to HAPPA directly supports equine welfare. Guests are welcomed to explore our scenic countryside site in Burnley, meet rescued horses and ponies, enjoy family-friendly experiences and relax in The HAPPA Café, all while contributing to life-saving rescue work.

This award recognises the balance we strive to maintain: providing meaningful visitor experiences while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and rehabilitation.

Experience of the Year | Own a Pony Day

Our much-loved Own a Pony Day was honoured as Experience of the Year 2026, celebrating its impact as both an educational and confidence-building programme.

Own a Pony Day offers children the opportunity to:

• Learn about responsible horse ownership
• Understand equine behaviour and welfare
• Develop practical grooming and care skills
• Build confidence in a safe, supportive environment

More than an experience, it is a gateway to empathy, knowledge and responsible animal care, aligning directly with our long-term educational mission.

Unsung Hero Award | Andy Black

We are especially proud that Andy Black, Café Manager at The HAPPA Café, was recognised with the Unsung Hero Award 2026.

Andy’s leadership, warmth and unwavering commitment to excellence have helped transform the café into a destination in its own right. His behind-the-scenes dedication ensures every visitor receives a welcoming, high-quality experience, something that judges described as exemplary within Lancashire’s visitor economy.

A Shared Achievement

Our Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Arthur, reflected on the evening:

“At the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026, our charity experienced one of the most unforgettable evenings we’ve ever had. To come home with three winners’ awards is something truly special.

These awards don’t just belong to HAPPA. They belong to every supporter, volunteer, visitor and donor who has stood beside us, particularly through challenging times. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us shine brighter than ever before.”

Why This Recognition Matters

As a registered charity, income generated through visitor experiences, educational activities and The HAPPA Café at directly funds our rescue and rehabilitation work.

These awards strengthen our position as:

• A leading small visitor attraction in Lancashire
• A trusted provider of educational equine experiences
• A charity delivering measurable community and wellbeing impact

Every ticket purchased, every café visit and every message of support contributes to the continued care of horses and ponies who have suffered neglect, abuse or abandonment.

Thank You for Being Part of the HAPPA Herd

This triple win is not just a milestone, it is a shared celebration.

To every visitor, sponsor, volunteer, corporate partner and member of the HAPPA Herd: thank you. Your trust and encouragement make achievements like this possible.

If you would like to visit our award-winning attraction, take part in an Experience of the Year, or support our equine welfare work, we warmly invite you to explore everything HAPPA has to offer.

Together, we are giving Second Chances to neglected, abused and unwanted equines.