EP29: Rescuing Horses with HAPPA – Just Horse Riders Podcast
In episode 29 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, our host Aaron Englander sits down with Sarah Arthur, CEO of HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association). What follows is an inspiring, emotional, and sometimes eye-opening conversation about equine welfare, second chances, and the sheer dedication it takes to run a rescue charity.
If you haven’t already, you can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify. Trust us—you’ll want to hear these stories straight from Sarah.
Who Are HAPPA?
HAPPA is one of the UK’s leading equine charities, rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses, ponies, and donkeys since 1937. Based at Shores Hey Farm in Burnley, Lancashire, the charity not only saves equines in distress but also provides education, community events, and even runs an award-winning café (because horse rescuers need coffee too).
Meet the Guest: Sarah Arthur
Sarah’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. She began at HAPPA in 2004 as a stable hand and, through passion and determination, worked her way up to become CEO. As she told Aaron: I started in 2004 as a stable hand, working with the horses on the yard... through hard work, mentoring and qualifications, I made it in the end, seven years ago.
The Harsh Realities of Equine Rescue
Running a charity like HAPPA is no small task. As Sarah shared, It’s £22,000 a week to keep us going. That’s how much it costs.
From veterinary bills to rehabilitation facilities, the scale of care is immense. Yet, despite the challenges, HAPPA never loses sight of its mission: to give every horse a second chance.
Stories That Stay With You
Throughout the episode, Sarah recounts moving and sometimes shocking stories of rescue. One such case was Bertie and his mother Kiwi. Kiwi was emaciated, but somehow stayed alive to protect her foal. Sarah recalls: The vets gave us two choices: put him to sleep, or give him a chance. We decided to give him a chance.
Bertie not only survived but went on to become a riding horse and, later, a beloved companion. His story shaped HAPPA’s approach to rehoming, ensuring every horse has a lifetime safeguard.
From Trauma to Trust
HAPPA’s work often begins with horses that are terrified of humans. Sarah explained: We have horses that come to us that don’t want to be touched by humans. They stand stunned with their heads in the corner of the stables. They don’t want to be around humans.
Through patience, gentle handling, and skilled equine care officers, these horses slowly learn to trust again. It’s a reminder of how resilient horses can be when given love and care.
The Foster and Loan Schemes
Rehoming isn’t just about finding any home; it’s about finding the right home. HAPPA runs foster and loan schemes to ensure that every horse is matched with the right person. It’s almost like a dating service... the person has to match the horse, not the other way around.
This thoughtful approach ensures long-term success and prevents horses from ever falling back into the welfare system.
The Human Side of Horses
One of the most powerful messages in this episode is that horses are not just animals—they’re companions, healers, and sometimes even therapists. Sarah described them as our psychologists
, reading people instantly and often providing comfort in ways humans cannot.
Education and Community
HAPPA doesn’t just save horses—it educates people too. From hosting equine care courses to creating a museum documenting their history, the charity invests in raising welfare standards across the board. And let’s not forget their dog-friendly café, which doubles as a way to help desensitize horses to dogs.
Why Public Support Matters
Unlike some charities, HAPPA receives no government funding. Instead, it relies on donations, legacy gifts, café visitors, and second-hand tack sales. Sarah put it bluntly: 64% of our income is through legacies and gifts in people’s wills.
Without public support, their work simply wouldn’t be possible.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Horses are resilient – with the right care, even the most traumatised animals can recover.
- Rehoming is a science – matching the right horse to the right home ensures long-term welfare.
- Community matters – from dog-friendly cafés to second-hand tack shops, everyone can play a part.
- Funding is vital – without donations and legacy gifts, equine rescue charities cannot survive.
How You Can Support HAPPA
If you’ve been inspired by Sarah’s words, there are plenty of ways to help. You can visit Shores Hey Farm, donate, volunteer, or even consider fostering a horse. Most importantly, you can spread the word—because the more people know about HAPPA, the more horses get a second chance.
Watch or Listen to the Full Conversation
We’ve only scratched the surface here. To hear the full story—including tales of donkeys with attitude and foals named after crisps—you’ll need to watch the full episode on YouTube or listen now on Spotify.
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Final Thoughts
Episode 29 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast is more than just a chat—it’s a window into the world of equine rescue and rehabilitation. As Sarah so beautifully put it, The horses have shown us the way.
If you want to be inspired, educated, and reminded of the incredible bond between humans and horses, then watch now or listen now. You won’t regret it.