Lauren’s Volunteer Journey with HAPPA

At HAPPA, our success is built on the dedication and hard work of our amazing volunteers and supporters. We spoke to Lauren one of our incredible volunteers who has been supporting HAPPA since she was a child.

I remember visiting HAPPA as a child. It looked very different back then, but I always loved seeing the horses and ponies and admired the work being done to help them. My love for animals started at a young age, and when I was 23, I loaned my first horse. The special connection I felt with him made me want to help more horses. In 2015, I contacted Julie at HAPPA to become a volunteer. I had my meeting with her, was so excited to get started, and I have never looked back!

Volunteering can be challenging as it needs to fit around day-to-day life, and free time is very precious. I attended an event at HAPPA where the vets discussed the size of the annual vet bill HAPPA faces each year. That really put into context for me how important volunteers are in helping run events and raise funds. Every time I volunteer at an event, seeing every pound raised makes me so happy because I know it is making a dent in the costs HAPPA needs to cover to help these amazing horses and ponies.

What resonates with me most about HAPPA is its welcoming nature. You don’t need to know anything about horses to get involved. The open days and family events are suitable for everyone, and I love that we can raise money and awareness through the public having a great day out! I also appreciate their sponsorship and rehoming schemes that give so many horses and ponies a second chance. Having owned many horses over the years, each unique and special, I find HAPPA’s work truly inspiring. I would hate the thought of any of my horses not having anyone to look after and support them.

I know as a volunteer we make a positive impact as we see the HAPPA site and team continue to thrive and grow year on year. Over the years, I have seen the site improve with additional features like the shop and beautiful enhancements in the cafe. I have also witnessed numerous success stories of horses and ponies coming to HAPPA and then moving on to good homes. Each time I volunteer, we make something new happen, and that is always a positive moment to think about.

Volunteering with HAPPA has taught me so much about being involved in a charity and giving back to others. I have made new friends and memories with other volunteers and the HAPPA team. I now look for other ways to support local businesses, charities, and causes, as HAPPA has shown me how much work needs to happen behind the scenes to make things successful. HAPPA gives me a place to go away from my busy work life to enjoy being part of an amazing team and charity. I hope one day I can also rehome a HAPPA equine to add to my herd!

One particularly memorable moment was after the HAPPA 2024 ball when Julie updated us on the amount raised. It was incredible and the best night! I remember one year after the open day when the total was shared, I was bursting with joy. I had spent the day laughing, getting covered in glitter, and making wonderful crafts with families. I couldn’t believe that having so much fun could lead to such a great gain for HAPPA. I also have happy memories of attending events like Retraining of Racehorses, Riding for the Disabled, Great Yorkshire Show, and Horse of the Year Show. People recognise and talk about HAPPA, and I am always proud to say I volunteer there. It’s recognised up and down the country by many in the equine world, which gives me such a sense of pride to be part of it!

I have volunteered for HAPPA for 9 years now and I continue to be motivated because there are so many exciting future plans for the site and there will always be horses and ponies to support. Being a volunteer gives me a sense of achievement and fulfilment, especially when I see the horses on site happy, loved, and feeling safe. It’s the best feeling!

HAPPA does not put any pressure on its volunteers and appreciates any time commitment, big or small. Over the years, I have managed to volunteer alongside my busy job, where I travel the world, and a busy family life. HAPPA is very well organised, and when we meet as volunteers, we are given dates to commit to well in advance so we can plan around our personal schedules. I also love the events I volunteer for, like the Open Day, Halloween Party, Dog Shows, and Dressage events, so it adds fun days to my calendar that I look forward to!

If you are considering volunteering with HAPPA, do not hesitate to give it a go! If you have a passion for helping communities and animals, whether you love horses or not, come and join the team today. There is no need to be nervous or unsure. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and we love bringing new people on board!