Equine charity World Horse Welfare is welcoming visitors back to its Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk today (Wednesday 23 July) following a five-month closure due to strangles.
The Snetterton-based centre was forced to shut its doors to the public in February after a new arrival tested positive for strangles. It is believed that the strangles outbreak originated from one of 20 horses and ponies that were being illegally smuggled out of the country.
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection in horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, which affects their upper respiratory tract.
Despite stringent biosecurity measures, the disease quickly spread, prompting an immediate lockdown on all equine movements at the Hall Farm site and causing the centre to pause its rehoming scheme.
The team have worked hard to carefully manage and treat the outbreak by implementing strict quarantine measures, regular testing and administering vaccinations, and are now ready to reopen the site to visitors.
‘A long time coming’
“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re absolutely delighted to be able to open our gates again in time for the school holidays,” said Sue Hodgkins, Hall Farm centre manager.
“Our supporters have been brilliant and very understanding about us being closed for so long, so we’re very much looking forward to welcoming them back.”
Rehoming scheme reopens
Earlier this month the centre was able to restart its rehoming scheme and it has already rehomed eight horse and ponies with 10 more having confirmed homes lined up. This is welcome news for the team who were at full capacity and unable to take in any more horses or ponies in need of help during the outbreak.
Hall Farm will be open from 11am-4pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays during the school holidays. Tickets cost £3 per person, children under the age of five can enter for free.
“Wednesdays are usually pretty busy during the summer holidays so we’re hoping to see lots of families enjoying a visit to the farm again,” said Sue.
“With indoor and outdoor play areas, plus lots of walks – including our Trail Board Challenge and Stamper Trail, and our coffee shop for refreshments, it’s a great day out.”
On certain dates the centre will also offer behind the scenes tours and pony grooming sessions. Visit their website for more information.
Images © World Horse Welfare.
Further reading
- Norfolk horse charity restarts rehoming scheme after strangles outbreak forced shutdown
- Mental health charity named as London International Horse Show’s official partner
- Charity conference ignites discussion on what a ‘good life’ for a horse looks like
- World Horse Welfare celebrates its grooms with special day
