A blind pony who supports young people and prisoners was among the worthy winners at the Horse and Ponies Protection Association’s (HAPPA) Charity Gala and Hoof & Hearts Awards.
The Burnley charity welcomed a sold-out crowd to the Dunkenhalgh Hotel and raised more than £10,000 for its rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work.
The awards uncovered inspiring tales from across the North of England and the wider UK, celebrating rescue, recovery, second chances and remarkable bonds between people and animals.
“At HAPPA, we know that rescue is about far more than one moment of intervention; it is about patience, trust, rehabilitation and the belief that every animal deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to thrive,” said HAPPA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Arthur.
“The awards reflect the very ethos of HAPPA: to recognise hope where others may see hardship, celebrate kindness in action and shine a light on those who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of animals.
“The Hoof & Hearts Awards are an opportunity to come together in gratitude, pride, and shared purpose — championing the animals who enrich our lives and the people who give them the futures they deserve.”
The award winners
Eight worthy award winners were crowned at the ceremony on 26 September, these included the Horsepower Hero, sponsored by SMART Saddles, Daisy the pony (pictured top).
Daisy of Tracks Through Pastures is a blind but “brilliantly big-hearted” mare who supports young people and prisoners through therapeutic equine learning.
“Daisy was rescued as a blind pony with no background information or history,” said a HAPPA spokesperson. “Though Daisy has her own challenges, she is always giving back. She supports young people with poor mental health or who are struggling in school.”
Daisy is part of an alternative provision providing therapeutic interventions and animal learning courses. She also visits prisoners to support their social and mental health through equine facilitated learning.
The other winners were:
- The Fur-Ever Friend, sponsored by The Royal Dyche, was Duke of York the horse. Catherine Mawdsley’s companion of 31 years has taught three generations and made an inspiring recovery from stress laminitis.
- The Rescue Centre of the Year, sponsored by Scope Fire & Security Ltd, was Homeward Bound. The volunteer-led rescue reunites, treats, and rehomes cats and dogs while tackling local feral and stray populations.
- The Fur-Ever Home Hero, sponsored by Neuro-Sparks Business Solutions, was Molly Kate Stowe. Molly gave horses Sparkie and Kasper the home they needed to survive and thrive.
- The Rescue Rockstar, sponsored by PM+M Solutions, was Paula Knowles of Pendle Dogs in Need. For 13 years, Paula has fought for abandoned and unwanted dogs and puppies.
- The Tail Blazer, sponsored by Gallop & Graze, was Equine QR. Tina and her team created QR products that give emergency responders vital horse and rider information in an instant.
- The Rescue of the Year, sponsored by HAPPA, was RSPCA George. Orphaned at birth, George found Theo and together they have won twenty-six national dressage titles and represented England.
The judges also gave special recognition to Katie Smart of Sir George and Leash and Release. After Sir George died in a dog attack, Katie turned heartbreak into an educational campaign promoting safer encounters around horses, livestock, wildlife, and people.
HAPPA is inviting the public to nominate a special animal, person, or organisation for the Hoof & Hearts Awards 2027.
Nominations open on 1 October 2026, giving the next deserving pack of animal heroes their chance to shine at the Charity’s next Gala and Awards Evening.
