Celebrating our often-unsung heroes who work 365 days a year

Anyone who has worked or works with horses will understand the daily challenges they face, especially during the winter months. And, for our grooms it can be particularly hard work with horses and ponies that have been neglected, mistreated or poorly handled.

“We felt their investment in the welfare of these horses, ponies, donkeys and the occasional mule is something to be celebrated.”

Tony Tyler, Deputy Chief Executive at World Horse Welfare, who has been with our charity for 25 years and has seen first-hand the dedication of the grooms across our four rescue and rehoming centres.

One of the most challenging day-to-day experiences as a groom at World Horse Welfare is having to accept that there will be some ongoing long-term effects of neglect on horses no matter how well cared for they are after arrival.

“But it is very rewarding to know you are having a positive impact on the horses’ lives.”

Kathryn Coombes, who has been a Groom at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk for over two years.

I came to the farm as a groom in July 2015, I must love the place as I have been here nearly 10 years!”

“All of us love the horses we care for and when things go wrong, we really feel it, as this isn’t just a job for us. If we didn’t love them all, we wouldn’t be working here to try and make a difference.”

Abi Tuckwell, who is a Senior Groom at Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeenshire.