World Horse Welfare has officially opened its new equine admission facilities at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton, Norfolk. The charity says the provision will help them manage the growing demand on their rescue services.
“We are witnessing an increase in the number of large groups of horses coming into our centre”, explained Sue Hodgkins, Farm Manager at Hall Farm. “All new admissions have to be quarantined as part of our biosecurity procedures and given a thorough check over and treatment by our team of vets, farriers and other equine professionals. Large groups of unhandled horses make this extremely challenging.
“We can’t wait to start using them, having watched the site develop for over a year.”
The opening of the facilities is part of a 25-year redevelopment plan across all four of World Horse Welfare’s Rescue and Rehoming centres, setting the stage for the charity’s centenary celebrations in 2027.
Built to replace old, decaying farm buildings, the new facilities are purpose-designed to be light, airy, and quiet, emphasising easy maintenance, hygiene, and minimal stress for equines. They provide a flexible, adaptable space that can accommodate groups of horses, keeping them together or separating them as necessary.
An opening ceremony took place on Tuesday (9 April), with the Lord-Lieutenant for Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt, MBE, officiating.
“Having last visited in 2021 with the charity’s president, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, it’s truly remarkable to witness the continuous efforts to improve equine welfare for all horses,” she said. “These new admission facilities will be transformative to World Horse Welfare’s work.
“A big thank you must go to everyone who has been involved and supported the project – most notably Pets Foundation.”
