“Junior HorseWorld – Launch Events”

HorseWorld, the visitor centre of the Friends of Bristol Horses Society - one of Britain’s largest charitable equine rescue sanctuaries and retirement homes, will be launching a new members club, “Junior HorseWorld”, for under 12’s on Saturday and Sunday 21st and 22nd July.

Membership benefits will include Free Entry to HorseWorld for 12 months, Newsletters, Club Badge, Membership Card, HorseWorld Baseball Cap as well invitation to members only events and parties, all for only £10 a year.

The weekend launch events will feature a display of pony quadrille (long reining) to music, have a go pony grooming, how to prepare your pony for the show ring, plus an opportunity to watch some of the heavy horses at work. There will also be a colouring competition, puppet shows, face painting plus quizzes and competitions. Instant club membership will be available through out the weekend events, which will be repeated on Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th July.

The first members only event, “Junior HorseWorld - Pony Day”, will take place on Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd September. During the day club members will be able to have the opportunity to get involved with stable management – grooming & mucking out, feeding, putting the horses and ponies to bed as well horsy games and competitions, the day will also include lunch and a special presentation certificate.

Commented centre manager Chris Kemp “We have run a very successful sponsorship scheme for the last couple of years and we now have nearly one thousand sponsors. We felt that it would be a good idea for youngsters to have their own club and as well as having fun to be able to learn about the welfare of horses, ponies and donkeys. The launch events promise to be fun weekends for all and by becoming members of Junior HorseWorld youngsters will also be able to learn about and support the work of the society.”

Formed almost 50 years ago to provide shelter and retirement for working horses that had fallen victim to industrial mechanisation the society is know home to over 220 horses, ponies and donkeys. As well as the opportunity to meet nearly 40 of the rescued horses, ponies and donkeys a whole host of other attractions at HorseWorld include an interactive “Exhibition of the Horse” and a “Heritage Tack Museum”, a film presentation of the societies work, horse parades, children’s play area, “Noah’s Ark” companion animals, nature trail, picnic area, restaurant and tearoom, plus gift shop.

Located in a group of beautiful listed Mendip stone farm buildings, dating back to the early nineteenth century, Staunton Manor Farm has been carefully restored to its former glory and brought back to use to give HorseWorld a wide range of modern facilities, while still retaining the character and splendour of a friendly yet authentic rural environment with a charming and peaceful atmosphere.

HorseWorld provides a unique rural setting located midway between Bath and Bristol, just off the A37 at Whitchurch. The visitor centre is open daily between 10am and 6pm. Further information about Junior HorseWorld, and the visitor centre, can be obtained by visiting our web site at www.horseworld.org.uk or by telephoning 01275 540173.