We are proud and delighted to announce a working partnership with The Horse Trust, the world’s oldest horse charity, to further the cause of equine welfare.

The announcement comes ahead of the first National Animal Day on August 23, which will honour the service of animals in war and provide a lasting legacy for animals in need. Despite coronavirus restrictions, thousands of you - our kind hearted volunteers and supporters are busy selling purple poppy pin badges – the official emblem of the day – across the UK and beyond.

We have created National Animal Day to highlight the importance of animals, and is timely given the “significant” financial implications that animal welfare charities are facing in the Covid-19 crisis due to falling donations, the closure of charity shops and visitor centres to protect staff and volunteers, and the cancellation of fundraising events.

This partnership will support the vital work of The Horse Trust, the oldest equine charity in the world. It is the only equine charity in the UK that specialises in offering a life-long retirement home to hard-working service horses from the military, police force and charities such as Riding for the Disabled Association. It was the first ever animal welfare charity to offer retirement to war horses – with one of the first and most famous being San Toy, who was taken into the sanctuary in 1919 to see out his days after serving for the whole of the Great War. The Trust also gave retirement to Sefton and Echo, who were injured in the Hyde Park bombings of 1982, until they passed away.

Jeanette Allen, The Horse Trust Chief Executive says: “We welcome this important alliance. Our Home of Rest for Horses in Buckinghamshire remains at the heart of our charity. It is here that we care for around 150 retired and rescued horses, and where we can demonstrate and share best practice in horse care and welfare. Our doors remain closed until at least September to ensure the safety of our horses, team and visitors but our work behind closed doors continues, and this partnership with War Horse Memorial going forward will hopefully help ensure our continued success.

"For over 130 years our Home of Rest for Horses has specialised in providing retirement and respite for working horses and ponies. These hard-working equine public servants have served our nation in the Police, the Army or with charities which use horses to help people. We also provide sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys who have suffered from cruelty or neglect and who are in desperate need of specialist treatment and care.

It is here that we demonstrate best practice and deliver professional training in horse care and welfare. We have invested in funding veterinary research that has led to major advances in horse care. This training and research help develop the knowledge and skills needed to improve the care, welfare and quality of life of all horses."

For our part we at War Horse Memorial believe both our organisations were born out of a desire to support and recognise the role that equines have played in our history and continue to play in our lives, and we look forward to supporting the excellent work of this wonderful charity.