Animals at HorseWorld, a rescue and rehabilitation charity based in Whitchurch, have had their thinning hay supplies topped up by Bristol Water.
The hay shortage comes after prolonged hot weather during the summer months killed grass which would usually be harvested and made into hay.
HorseWorld have over 100 horses, mules and donkeys – who predominantly feed on hay over the winter months.
The collaboration between the charity and water company took place after a Bristol Water colleague, Neil Burstow, was tasked with maintaining two sections of ancient meadows at Bristol’s Chew Valley Lake and Blagdon Reservoir – both Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Grass cut from the 16th Century meadows was quickly turned into hay bales which the team at Bristol Water offered to HorseWorld, just as the rescue centre was running low.
After providing the charity with 60 bales this year, the water company have pledged to donate its baled hay to the rescue and rehabilitation centre in years to come.
Among the horses enjoying the benefit of Bristol Water’s hay donation have been Shire Horse, Lolly, and ponies, Ilana and Peaches.
Sarah Holliser, Head of Equine Welfare at HorseWorld, said: “This donation is so welcomed after a lack of grass caused by dry weather has had an impact on our ability to graze the land and make hay.
“Because of the shortage, the price of hay has risen dramatically, putting us under a lot of pressure financially.
“We are very grateful to Bristol Water for their generous donation of mini hay bales which will help towards the additional supplies we will need to feed our rescued herd this winter.”
Neil Burstow, Facilities Management Manager at Bristol Water, said: “It was such a lucky coincidence that we had hay going spare just around the same time HorseWorld were looking for donations.
“I’m so happy we’ve been able to support this local charity, it’s wonderful to know our hay will go to help feed their rescue horses.
“We are looking forward to supporting them with supplies again in the future.”
HorseWorld continues to face a hay shortage. To help please contact, info@horseworld.org.uk
