New World Horse Welfare Chairman Barry Johnson Supports ‘Rehome A Horse’ Month In Lancashire

Barry Johnson and Lizzie World Horse Welfare’s new Chairman Barry Johnson is backing our ‘Rehome a Horse’ month by visiting some of the horses ready for rehoming at our Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool. Due to the success of last year’s campaign we have dedicated March as ‘Rehome a Horse’ month for 2012 to urge people to consider rehoming one of our wonderful horses or ponies. We are the largest equine rehoming charity in the UK as we have around 1,500 horses and ponies out in loving new homes from non-ridden companions to horses that go on to successfully take part in competitions. However, we always need people to rehome our horses to free up space in our four UK Rescue and Rehoming Centres so we can help more neglected and abused horses. Barry Johnson who was born and raised in Lancashire visited our Penny Farm centre earlier this month and got up close and personal with some of our residents who are ready for rehoming, and said: “It was good to have the opportunity to visit all of the horses, ponies and staff at Penny Farm in my new role as Chairman for the charity. It really is quite remarkable to see how such a large number of them progress so quickly during their rehabilitation, and have the potential to be really nice ridden or non-ridden ponies. I think the Rehome a Horse month is an excellent idea as it really raises awareness about the variety of horses our charity has to offer and the many benefits that go with rehoming from us.” Some of the ponies Barry met included: - Lizzie Lizzie is a 13.0hh five year-old piebald Native pony who arrived at Penny Farm in 2008 as part of a prosecution case. She was very underweight and weak with a cough and temperature. Now though, Lizzie is a picture of health and is ready to be rehomed as a ridden pony. She is a sweet pony who is good to handle and for the vet and farrier. Lizzie is cheeky and enjoys lots of fuss and mixes well with others. Kizzy Kizzy is a nine year-old brown Native pony who came to Penny Farm in July 2010 as part of a large welfare case. She arrived in foal and gave birth to Lilly in April last year. Kizzy came to us unhandled and had to build up her confidence as she was very nervous. After lots of time and confidence-building she has turned into a sweet little pony who is ready to be rehomed as a companion. Barry Johnson enjoyed a successful career as a vet, practising in the county of Lancashire for 40 years. He has been the Chairman of various veterinary bodies and was the past President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. “I am extremely honoured and excited to be undertaking this new role within the charity. I joined the Board of Trustees in 2007 so am already very much aware of the fantastic work which is carried out and now hope that I can play a part in spreading the word regarding the hard work of staff to help so many horses in need.” There are currently 13 horses ready to be rehomed from Penny Farm. To view all of the horses and ponies ready for rehoming as well as the ‘horses in progress’ which will soon be ready for rehoming, please visit our website at www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehoming

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