The Horse Trust
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.gif){kind=logo}
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (June 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
The Horse Trust is a charitable institution based at Speen in the parish of Princes Risborough, in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1886 to help the working horses in London. Originally know as the Home of Rest for Horses, it is the oldest horse charity in the world.
The Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses operates at its Westcroft Stables in the Chiltern Hills between High Wycombe and Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire. It currently looks after more than 100 horses, donkeys and ponies. The Horse Trust states that it is the largest provider of equine welfare grants in the United Kingdom.
[edit] History
In the 19th century, life for many working horses in London was terrible. On 10 May 1886 Ann Lindo, who was inspired by the novel about a horse Black Beauty was determined to help the lives of horses in London and she set up a rest home for horses, mules and donkeys at a farm at Sudbury, near Harrow, north-west London. The first resident at the farm was an overworked London cab horse.
Among the supporters of the new Society was HRH Prince Albert and before long the Duke of Portland, Master of the Royal Household, agreed to become the charity President.
The Home was based at various locations in its early years. In Sudbury from 1886-89, then it was based in Acton, West London in (1889-1908), before taking over Westcroft Farm in Cricklewood, which had 20 acres of open pasture just four miles (6 km) from Marble Arch.
