Brantome Police Horses
How to we start to even describe our lives with the Brantome Police Horses??
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In 2007 we made the huge decision to move our lives to France, the land was cheaper and the weather was better for the horses especially the oldies that could travel. Northavon was particular worry for us as he had breathing issues and the warmer climate was definitely better for him.
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In 2011 we moved the horses that could travel to their new home in France, this consisted of 11 big Police Horses, a few smaller ponies and a foal. We kept the land in England and carried on our work in the Uk and our aim was just to provide a good retirement home for our Police Horses, what we didn't bank on and please pardon the pun was the economical financial crisis, a very bad winter and lack of hay and feed. Our 3 years worth of budget went in one winter and we were left with a problem, how were we going to carry on?
From this the idea of opening to the public started, we held one open day in the following May and the numbers that arrived were not what we expected, we were hoping for around 50 people but when over 350 people arrived for a talk and a cream tea we knew this was something that we could do and Brantome Police Horses was born,
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11 years later and we cannot believe all that we have done to raise money for our animals and I say animals as we have a whole selection of rescues from sheep, goats to chickens, as well as the horses and two miniature donkeys.
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During the winter months we hold a annual Christmas Fair and events in the house from Quiz and Curry Nights to Music Quiz's and Burns Night. In the Summer we open the doors to the public for Tours and Cream Teas, Car Clubs, Summer Fairs, an annual Summer Ball plus much much more. All of the cakes are made on the day and it takes a lot of very welcome volunteers to make it all happen, we couldn't do it all without them.
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It is a lot and we question our decision every day but the Police Horses especially gained a lot from the attention of their adoring public, apart from Kingston all the horses showed real joy from the visitors that came especially to see them. But it isn't just the Horses that gain something from the visit, we were constantly told that they had found a connection with one of our animals and a new love for horses.
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All money raised from our events and open days went straight into the horses bank account and has kept them well fed every winter since that very first terrible winter in France.