Over the last few days, we have been overwhelmed by the communities’ support for the devastation the flooding has caused on our land. It’s key to remember that while we agree to support the Environmental Agency to close our drain valves to reduce flooding in Lincoln we receive absolutely no compensation for this. As the charity has grown over the last decade, never before have we had to face the loss of 40% of our land with 450 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules on our site.
The offers of support have been so wonderful.
If you are in a position to help us, please read fully through the following guidelines as this will help our very busy teams make the most of your generosity.
Ways you may wish to help:
Come and Visit Us
Despite the flooding, we are still very much open. Main visitor areas are accessible and some of our equines are still in central areas, to meet. We have play areas, walkways, a lovely café still serving hot and cold drinks and food and a beautiful gift shop. Buying items from our gift shop and The Feedroom Café will go to supporting our welfare work in these challenging conditions. Families are still visiting each day and having a good time, plus this gives our teams and our animals a much-needed emotional lift at a time that has been extremely difficult. We are located 8 miles from Lincoln, near the village of Saxilby, in Lincolnshire. During the winter, we are open 9am – 4pm, daily, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel all events and activities in November and December but we are still a good place to come for a day out with loved ones. We would love to see you!
Donating Money
We have set up a specific page for the flood crisis. Thank you so much for your kind words and generous donations and your ongoing support for the charity and the welfare of our equines. Here’s a link to our JustGiving flood appeal, a gift of any amount will go directly to this appeal and make a huge difference to us at this difficult time: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Bransbyhorsesfloodcrisis
Donating Goods
The Charity at this time welcome donations of any extra supplies you can get to us. The way to do this is with Amazon Wish List. Simply click here to see a full list of what we currently need: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/37USQC6GW5QXQ?ref_=wl_share
Rehoming and Fostering an Equine
Our Rehoming Team are appealing to anybody who is currently considering fostering an equine. Now is the time to help – there are 19 incredible ponies that are looking for their perfect match. All you need to do in the first instance is compete the online application form at: www.bransbyhorses.co.uk/rehoming – and then one of our team will be in touch.
Volunteering
There are various opportunities available and different ways in which we need your support. *For equine specific role we are looking for current or previous horse owners, with at least 3 years equine experience, and are over 16 years old. Please email your name, telephone number and the days and times you’re available to: volunteer@bransbyhorses.co.uk
Due to the bio-security of the site all safety clothing will be provided by the charity.
The type of work we’re looking for help with:
*Equine Specific Tasks: Checking equines; feeding, giving medications, applying treatments and giving a thorough check of each equine. Poo picking fields and mucking out stables (not hands on but must have horse experience to have the special awareness and able to read equine body language).
General Tasks: Washing feed buckets, filling hay nets, sweeping areas, poo picking areas that horses have moved out of and collecting shavings and feed (in a vehicle). Administration support for answering the telephones and support with getting hot drinks and soup to the teams across the site.
Transporting Equines
We have been inundated by the generous offers to use trailers and horseboxes and we are truly overwhelmed by your support. Due to the complexity of many of our equines and the ongoing bio security we must adhere to as a welfare charity, unfortunately, we are not able to accept these kind offers of help. We are working with other charities who are able to provide transport that covers the particular insurance and bio security needs to transport our equines safely.
Offering Land for Equines
The offer of land and stables has been overwhelming. Many of our equine residents have specific behaviour requirements either with their handling or how they are bonded with their companions. We have many equines that have been at the charity for such a long time we have no idea how they would cope with the stress of moving or changing their routines. Those that are more adjusted to change have been chosen to transfer across to our Barlings site with priority areas being created to safely house our much loved groups.
At the moment, thankfully we are able to temporarily meet the needs of all our equines with longer term plans in place for the teams to create safe environments in other locations.
By offering us your details when you have land and stables available gives us extra opportunities should the need arise and we are eternally grateful for your acts of kindness.
Notes for interested parties:
Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare’s insurances do not cover the site’s grass fields. If the charity was generating an income from the fields, such as through farming, it could make claims for a loss of income, but because these fields don’t generate money, the Charity is unable to make an insurance claim.
Ongoing investigations indicate that the Charity won’t be entitled to any compensation either.
