I'd never heard of The Horse Trust before I saw the advertisement for this job. I'd started in the commercial sector, had my own company and sold it then went into the charity sector. I ended up as CEO of the MedicAlert Foundation, but the problem was I'd always cared more about animals. I was desperate to get into an animal welfare charity but it's not the easiest thing to do then I randomly saw the ad.
I arrived at The Horse Trust for the interview and knew at once I really wanted this job, and it's still the same; every time I drive through the gates, it takes my breath away. There's something magical about this place. In 2010, I moved in and I've lived and worked here ever since.
The charity was a bit unsure of itself when I started. It had its grand history [as providing sanctuary for service horses since 1886], but it was during a recession, there was no active fundraising, and although the website said "working horses", only 30 of 100 really had that background.
So I asked the trustees: "What are we doing, and what do you want us to be doing?" I spoke to services that have horses and asked if there was a need for us, for the modern working horse. They said, "Yes, there really is."
Denne historien er fra August 03, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 03, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
