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OUR STORY

Our Story

The Horse Trust is the oldest equine charity in the world. Our story begins when Miss Ann Lindo, read and was inspired by the story of Black Beauty. Discover key moments in our 137 year history below.

1886

1886

The Home of Rest for Horses is born. A place of retreat and recuperation for London’s over-worked cab horses.

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1889

1889

The Home of Rest relocates from its Sudbury beginnings to pastures new at Friar’s Place Farm in Acton.

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1908

1908

The Home moves to Westcroft Farm, Cricklewood. One year later, its opens to visitors for the first time.

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1918

1918

During World War I, we provide the first motorised horse ambulance and take in military veterans.

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1934

1934

The Home of Rest relocates from Cricklewood to Westcroft Stables in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

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1939

1939

During World War II the Home of Rest becomes a war-time Horse Hospital, taking in animals injured in air raids.

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1965

1965

The Home begins its funding of equine veterinary scientific research positively impacting UK horses.

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1971

1971

The Home makes its final move from Borehamwood to Speen Farm in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire.

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1982

1982

Three surviving horses of the Hyde Park and Regent’s Park bombings, including Sefton, retire to the Home.

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2006

2006

HRH The Princess Royal announces the Home has been renamed The Horse Trust.

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2008

2008

The Horse Trust takes in 14 of the sickest horses, ponies and donkeys from the horrors of Spindles Farm.

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2021

2021

Amidst the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, The Horse Trust celebrates 135 years of helping horses.

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