The Horse Trust prepares for a white Christmas
White Christmas
Staff at The Horse Trust are busy making final preparations for Christmas at the sanctuary.
With the recent snow and icy conditions, the sanctuary has had to close to visitors temporarily.
"We have put down copious amounts of rock salt, but there are still icy patches on the paths," said head groom Charli Pardon. "For the safety of the public, we have closed to visitors for a few days."
The cold weather also means there are additional jobs for staff to do when looking after the horses - both in the fields and stables.
"Because the horses in the fields can't get to the grass, we put out big bales of hay and haylage, as well as carrots and apples, to make sure they can get all the food they need. We also go out a few times a day to smash any ice that has formed on the water troughs," said Charli.
The horses in the stables also need extra attention to ensure they are warm, well fed and happy.
Routine is important to the horses at the sanctuary, so there is no change to their routine over the Christmas period.
On Christmas Day, each horse is given a stocking with some treats inside, such as polos, carrots and apples. The grooms only work until 1230 on Christmas Day, so they can spend the afternoon with their families. Charli Pardon, the head groom who lives on site, comes in during the afternoon of Christmas Day to check on the horses.
"It will be a busy day as I'll have to give all the horses their afternoon feed, as well as doing a late night check at 10pm," says Charli. "I don't mind working on Christmas Day though - I look forward to seeing the horses."
The Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses plans to open between 2 and 4pm every day over the Christmas period apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day.
Entrance to the sanctuary is free, but donations are welcomed to help the charity meet its running costs. It costs £17 to pay for all the costs of looking after a horse for a day, including feed, veterinary bills and farrier costs.
Alpine Interactive