Horse rescue charity appeals for help

A CHARITY which relieves the suffering of horses and ponies is seeking help in what it describes as a “dire” economic situation.

White Horse Stables, which provides a 24 hour horse rescue service in Staplecross, has been struggling to keep the charity functioning over the last 12 months due to a combination of rising VAT and a 50 per cent drop in donations and sponsors.

The bills for straw, hay, feed, veterinary care, general running costs and staff wages amount to an expenditure that has soared into six figures and

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Diane Barclay-Bernard, chair of White Horse Stables, desperately hopes the charity will not be forced to fold.

Working with horses for more than 25 years, Mrs Barclay-Bernard started White Horse in Wales, registering as an official charity in 1995.

Expanding its facilities, White Horse relocated to Model Farm in Battle before merging with an equestrian centre and residing in Staplecross, where it has been operating since 2005.

In association with sister yard Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre, the charity will host an open day on Sunday October 16, 10am-4pm, to help raise funds for the winter.

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Alongside the customary barbecue, cake stall, book stall and amusement area, organisers will be showcasing dressage in the morning and a dog show in the afternoon.

The White Horse Stables also runs an event called Riding For All, every Sunday morning from October, giving disadvantaged children the opportunity to ride a horse and learn about the care and welfare involved.

For more information on the charity visit the website www.whitehorsestables.com

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