In the 19th century,
life for the majority of working horses on the streets
of London was appalling. On 10 May 1886 Miss Ann Lindo,
inspired by the book 'Black Beauty' and determined to
do something about it, set up a home of rest for horses,
mules and donkeys at a farm at Sudbury, near Harrow, North-West
London. Fittingly its first resident was an overworked
London cab horse.
Among the supporters of the new Society was HRH Prince
Albert and before long the Duke of Portland, Master
of the Royal Household, agreed to become president.
The Home was based at various locations in its early years.
In Sudbury from 1886-89, then Acton, West London (1889-1908),
before taking over Westcroft Farm at Cricklewood, with
20 acres of
open pasture just four miles from Marble Arch.
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