Horse Rescue Centres: A Perfect Day Out for Horse-Mad Kids
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Horse Rescue Centres: A Perfect Day Out for Horse-Mad Kids
If you’re unable to horse ride, due to injury or even lack of funds (as we all know how expensive it can be!), have you ever though about visiting a horse rescue centre with your children instead? Some charities, such as World Horse Welfare, will even allow you to adopt a horse too.
Many kids ride horses on a weekly basis, but are not aware of the massive commitment it takes to own a horse. The lack of this commitment is often a reason that these beautiful animals end up in horse rescue centres. Set them off on the right road, and let them see behind the scenes of one of the World Horse Welfare’s UK centres.
Where can I find a horse rescue centre near me?
Located in Blackpool, and also with centres in Aberdeenshire, Norfolk and Somerset, World Horse Welfare’s four UK Rescue and Rehoming Centres have run for over 85 years with a vision of ‘a world where every horse is treated with respect, compassion and understanding’.
World Horse Welfare is an international horse charity that improves the lives of horses in the UK and around the world through education, campaigning and hands-on care. They often rehome horses and, as mentioned earlier, even have an adopt a horse scheme which is a great gift for a horse-mad youngster.
As mentioned previously, Penny Farm is based in Blackpool, Lancashire. The links to the three other horse rescue centres around the country are horse rescue Scotland, Belwade Farm in Aberdeenshire, Glenda Spooner Farm World Horse Welfare Somerset and Hall Farm in Norfolk.
Our local horse rescue centre is Penny Farm, Blackpool. Whenever we’ve visited, World Horse Welfare Blackpool volunteers have always been on-hand with a wealth of knowledge. They are happy to show you around and introduce you to the beautiful horses. Around 100 horses can be homed at any one time at Norfolk and 65 in each of the other centres, so plenty too look at.
They often have fun days in school holidays and entry is generally free, unless there’s an event on. Little man loves going for a walk on Dale’s Trail (which is a fun activity trail) when the sun is shining at the Blackpool’s Penny Farm. However, don’t worry about bad weather if you visit, as the stables are indoors, as is the coffee shop. In addition to serving homemade cakes, the café also serves snacks and hot and cold drinks. Yummy!
If you are in Blackpool or planning a holiday to Blackpool and want a full guide to attractions and things to do, see our article: Best Things to Do in Blackpool (2026 Guide).
- If you are, or know of, any horse rescue centres in the UK that aren’t mentioned, let us know and we’ll add them here.
Are horse rescue centres suitable for children?
World Horse Welfare Centres are perfect for horse-mad children, in the absence of horse riding. The horse rescue centres are open all year (check each local page for opening days and times, below) and they also have a packed programme of events during school holidays. For example, every September our local centre, Penny Farm, hosts a Grand Open Day, with fairground rides, birds of prey demonstrations, a parade of World Horse Welfare horses and ponies, games and competitions.
Although the centres generally are free to enter, if you want a great excuse to give something back, why not think about hosting your child’s birthday party at the centres? World Horse Welfare Centre, Penny Farm’s parties start with a guided tour to meet the horses and ponies before a lovely lunch and a chance to groom a pony. They even come with downloadable invites.
Remember, horses are not all about ‘horse riding’, let the children see the other side and maybe even adopt a horse as a unique birthday or Christmas present, look out for mini horse rescue centres too. Hopefully there’s a centre near you, but if not, look out next time you’re in the areas mentioned!
Our favourite horse-related websites for children
- It’s All Pony is US based but has lots of horsemanship courses.
- Horse facts for kids on Kiddle
- If they like gaming, lots of horse-related games on Kids love to Know.
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The Wander Station work with affiliate advertising programs to provide income for our site. This article may contain affiliate links. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
