Buffy Star Anthony Head with Moscow Flyer, one of the IHWT's residents IHWT
Animal Welfare

Irish horse charity appeals for people to join Buffy star in sponsoring animals

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust, which looks after almost 100 animals, says it needs donations to help with the care and upkeep of some of its residents.
1.22pm, 29 Aug 2011
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THE IRISH HORSE Welfare Trust is appealing for people to assist them in the run up to the winter months by sponsoring one of the animals at its facility in Wicklow.

The Trust is currently home to 92 horses at the welfare centre in Woodenbridge, which costs more than €300,000 to run. The charity is hoping to secure sponsorship for six of its ponies and horses, which have been rehabilitated after suffering cruelty and neglect.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Anthony Head is one of the supporters of the IHWT. Tracy Piggot and Irish equestrian star Jessican Kurten are also among the charity’s patrons.

The Sponsor Me programme is aimed at helping families to form a bond with the horses. Those who take part will be invited to visit the centre to see for themselves the progress the animals are making.

Sharon Newsome, co-founder of the IHWT said she wants to give people the chance to have horses and ponies in their lives:

Some of the horses have suffered so much. It is just such a heartening experience to come down to the farm and see these noble creatures, getting a well-deserved second chance at life.

Irish horse charity appeals for people to join Buffy star in sponsoring animals
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  • Alfie

    Alfie was rescued in January of this year in a very poor condition. He has been tied to a tree, knee deep in water and he was emaciated and covered in lice.

  • Alfie

    Now Alfie is thriving. Since being brought to the IHWT he has improved in leaps and bounds and is described as a 'wonderful little guy with a smashing personality'. He is one of the animals needing sponsorship.

  • Cupcake

    Cupcake was rescued in February. She was abandoned on waste land and was in a very poor condition suffering from a stomach infection. The IHWT say she was 'very down in herself and had given up on any human kindness'.

  • Cupcake

    Cupcake has made a substantial improvement since arriving at IHWT and has grown to trust people again. She and Alfie are now firm friends.

  • Jeff

    Jeff was rescued in March in a very poor condition, suffering from starvation, exhaustion and neglect. He as also scarred by an ill-fitting head collar. The IHWT say that Jeff is on the road to recovery, and are appealing for visitors and sponsors for him.

  • Fudge and Cookie

    Fudge and Cookie were both found abandoned in a weak and starving condition in June. Since then they have improved greatly and love attention, but are still a little wary of human contact.

  • Holly

    Holly is an ex-racehorse who at the ripe old age of 20 still loves to play. His career came to an early end due to an injury - leading to a club foot condition. The IHWT says he thrives on attention.
  • Alfie was rescued in January of this year in a very poor condition. He has been tied to a tree, knee deep in water and he was emaciated and covered in lice.
  • Now Alfie is thriving. Since being brought to the IHWT he has improved in leaps and bounds and is described as a 'wonderful little guy with a smashing personality'. He is one of the animals needing sponsorship.
  • Cupcake was rescued in February. She was abandoned on waste land and was in a very poor condition suffering from a stomach infection. The IHWT say she was 'very down in herself and had given up on any human kindness'.
  • Cupcake has made a substantial improvement since arriving at IHWT and has grown to trust people again. She and Alfie are now firm friends.
  • Jeff was rescued in March in a very poor condition, suffering from starvation, exhaustion and neglect. He as also scarred by an ill-fitting head collar. The IHWT say that Jeff is on the road to recovery, and are appealing for visitors and sponsors for him.
  • Fudge and Cookie were both found abandoned in a weak and starving condition in June. Since then they have improved greatly and love attention, but are still a little wary of human contact.
  • Holly is an ex-racehorse who at the ripe old age of 20 still loves to play. His career came to an early end due to an injury - leading to a club foot condition. The IHWT says he thrives on attention.

The IHWT centre also caters for ex-racehorses, and counts Cheltenham star Moscow Flyer among its residents. The ex-racehorses programme retrains the animals to that they can participate in other disciplines like dressage and show jumping. Many have  also gone on to work as riding club horses.

Watch videos of some of the IHWT residents here>

More details on the Sponsor Me programme>

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