Visitors will have the chance to ride a mechanical horse capable of simulating jumps, meet recently rescued ponies and watch live horse rescue demonstrations when HorseWorld throws open its gates later this month.
HorseWorld’s annual Horse Fest returns to the Bristol charity’s 180-acre site in Whitchurch on Saturday 25 July, marking the welcome return of its biggest fundraising event after last year’s cancellation due to a disease outbreak.
The family-friendly event promises a packed programme of equestrian activities, behind-the-scenes experiences and opportunities to meet some of the rescue centre’s best-known residents.
Ride RoboCob – the Mechanical Horse
One of this year’s standout attractions is RoboCob (feature image), a state-of-the-art mechanical horse more commonly used by riders to improve balance, position and jumping technique.
Capable of simulating everything from flatwork to galloping and jumps of up to 1.20 metres, visitors will have the rare opportunity to experience the technology for themselves.
For younger visitors or those looking for something a little more light-hearted, HorseWorld is also introducing its first-ever Hobby Horse Grand National, adding a fun competitive element to the day.
Meet the Rescue Horses
Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet some of HorseWorld’s rescued residents, including Jewels and Ariel, a mother-and-daughter pair of Shetland ponies who are recovering after being rescued from severe neglect.
Popular Shire horse Dime will also be greeting visitors, alongside many of the charity’s other rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.
Horse Rescue Demonstrations
The Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will demonstrate specialist horse rescue techniques using its training model horse, giving visitors an insight into how emergency services safely respond when horses become trapped or injured.
The day will also feature:
- Food and drink vendors
- Charity merchandise
- Animal sponsorship opportunities
- Picnic areas
- Access to HorseWorld’s 180-acre rescue centre
Supporting Horses and Young People
Horse Fest raises vital funds for HorseWorld, which currently cares for around 100 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys at its Bristol site while supporting another 200 rehomed animals across the South West.
Alongside its equine welfare work, the charity’s Discovery Programme supports around 270 children and young people aged six to 25 each year, using rescued horses to help improve confidence, emotional wellbeing and engagement with education.
Demand for both its rescue and youth services has continued to grow in recent years, making fundraising events such as Horse Fest increasingly important.
With adult tickets priced at £8 and free entry for under-16s, the charity hopes to build on the success of previous events, which attracted more than 2,000 visitors.
Horse Fest takes place on Saturday 25 July from 10.30am until 4pm at HorseWorld, Whitchurch, Bristol.
Feature image: Robocob, image credit HorseWorld
