HAPPA reopens revamped equine centre to public
A Briercliffe horse centre celebrated its grand re-opening with an open day featuring a variety of stalls, demonstrations and animal-friendly family fun last weekend.
After a lengthy construction period the Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) in Black House Lane celebrated the completion of its development centre with a grand opening on Saturday September 5th.
The Briercliffe centre rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses, ponies and donkeys from cruelty and neglect.
The site had been closed to the public since December while construction of new stables, field shelters and a two-storey visitors’ centre took place.
During the day there were displays in the Indoor Arena by the HAPPA team and dressage rider Hannah Doggett.
At the Entertainment Area there was Lancashire-themed song, dance and poetry throughout the day with The Lancashire Society, Rossendale Clog Heritage and David Leach.
There were also a variety of stalls by HAPPA, other animal charities, crafts and photography, and children’s fun with a bouncy castle.
Lancashire Fire Service demonstrated how they rescue horses with a display using HAPPA’s very own plastic horse Horace.
The Owls Trust ran a stall allowing guests to get up close to rescued owls and giving insight about their lives.
Elsewhere, canine companions enjoyed a trial run around the agility equipment and tried their luck with the doggy tombola.
HAPPA would like to thank everyone who supported the event which raised the total of over £3,800 for the Charity.