If you’re looking for a special way to mark advent, equine charity HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is opening their doors for lots of Christmas events, where you can find out more about their rescue work while enjoying festivities.
Throughout December, children will be able to take part in a challenge to find the festive characters around the sanctuary base, with a prize for those who find them all. Father Christmas will also be visiting the farm on 10, 11, 17, 18 and 19 December between midday and 2pm. Visits to Santa include a gift and entry into the farm to visit the horses and ponies, and bookings can be made online.
The Café is offering a festive menu, including afternoon teas, and on 16 December it will be hosting a festive evening with entertainment, advance booking is advised.
HAPPA’s Educational Programme will run for the entire school holidays with Own a Pony Days, Beginners Guide to Horse and Pony Care courses and Pony Squad, a chance to learn more about horses and ponies and get up close to HAPPA’s equine residents.
The Education Team will also be offering pony grooming sessions for those aged four and over to get the chance to make a HAPPA pony gleam for Christmas.
Just before Christmas on 23 December, between midday and 4pm, visitors will be invited to decorate a bauble in the Activity Room and there will be the chance to get a festive glitter tattoo as well.
The events will be held at the charity’s Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, Burnley, BB10 3QU, to help raise vital funds for HAPPA.
“We want to make this Christmas a special one for all our supporters, visitors, staff, volunteers, and equines,” said Julie Pharaoh-Gan, HAPPA’s Head of Fundraising. “This year we hope to raise some much-needed income and everyone’s festive spirits with all the fun events we have planned. I cannot wait to welcome Santa to the Farm.”
Anyone visiting the farm throughout December will be able to purchase horse sponsorship packs, allowing fans to support the Charity and follow their chosen equine’s journey to finding a forever home. Supporters are also encouraged to buy the equine residents gifts from the charity’s Amazon Wish List or from the Charity’s onsite shop, The Fussy Filly.
Visit www.happa.org.uk or call 01282 455992 for more information. For cafe information contact cafebookings@happa.org.uk or call 07736888917.
Don’t miss the latest issue of Your Horse Magazine, jam-packed with training and veterinary advice, horse-care tips and the latest equestrian products available on shop shelves, on sale now.
Find out what’s inside the latest issue of Your Horse
Check out our Christmas subscription offer – the perfect gift for a horse lover!
