EP29: Rescuing Horses with HAPPA Just Horse Riders PodcastIn 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 havent already, you can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify. Trust usyoull want to hear these stories straight from Sarah.Who Are HAPPA?HAPPA is one of the UKs 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 caf (because horse rescuers need coffee too).Meet the Guest: Sarah ArthurSarahs 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 RescueRunning a charity like HAPPA is no small task. As Sarah shared, Its 22,000 a week to keep us going. Thats 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 YouThroughout 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 HAPPAs approach to rehoming, ensuring every horse has a lifetime safeguard.From Trauma to TrustHAPPAs work often begins with horses that are terrified of humans. Sarah explained: We have horses that come to us that dont want to be touched by humans. They stand stunned with their heads in the corner of the stables. They dont want to be around humans.Through patience, gentle handling, and skilled equine care officers, these horses slowly learn to trust again. Its a reminder of how resilient horses can be when given love and care.The Foster and Loan SchemesRehoming isnt just about finding any home; its about finding the right home. HAPPA runs foster and loan schemes to ensure that every horse is matched with the right person. Its 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 HorsesOne of the most powerful messages in this episode is that horses are not just animalstheyre 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 CommunityHAPPA doesnt just save horsesit 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 lets not forget their dog-friendly caf, which doubles as a way to help desensitize horses to dogs.Why Public Support MattersUnlike some charities, HAPPA receives no government funding. Instead, it relies on donations, legacy gifts, caf visitors, and second-hand tack sales. Sarah put it bluntly: 64% of our income is through legacies and gifts in peoples wills. Without public support, their work simply wouldnt be possible.Key Takeaways from the EpisodeHorses 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 cafs 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 HAPPAIf youve been inspired by Sarahs 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 wordbecause the more people know about HAPPA, the more horses get a second chance.Watch or Listen to the Full ConversationWeve only scratched the surface here. To hear the full storyincluding tales of donkeys with attitude and foals named after crispsyoull need to watch the full episode on YouTube or listen now on Spotify.Explore More from Just Horse RidersAt Just Horse Riders, were passionate about equestrian life. From riding gear to horse supplements, we provide everything you need to support your equestrian journey.Jodhpur CollectionHorse Riding Boot CollectionHorse Riding Gloves CollectionHorse Riding Socks CollectionHorse Treats and GiftsEveryday Horse Vitamins & SupplementsStable RugsTurnout RugsHorse Fly ProtectionStay ConnectedFollow Just Horse Riders for more podcasts, equestrian tips, and updates:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeFinal ThoughtsEpisode 29 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast is more than just a chatits 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 wont regret it.