Whilst everyone’s eyes are on the football, rescued horses are playing rugby!

Equine rescue charity, HorseWorld were contacted by representatives from Bristol Bears and Bristol Bears Women teams to see if the horses, ponies and donkeys would like some used rugby balls to play with.

The teams use the balls for training and matches but once the grip has worn off them they can’t use them any more. To save waste and looking for creative ways to recycle them, it was suggested that the rescued animals might like to play with them in their paddocks.

HorseWorld’s Head of Equine Welfare, Sarah Hollister explains why enrichment like this is so important. “We try to provide the horses with as many different ways as possible to stimulate their minds keep them busy. This can range from toys in the field to cloths containing essential oils hanging up for them to find, mixed forage nets and balls scattered around and we also provide various herbs and natural powders in water buckets for them to browse and drink. All of this stimulation keeps them busy and physically active. It also prevents them getting bored and improves their mental wellbeing.

“Many of the rescued horses have come from backgrounds where they had nothing so they are learning how to relax, play and enjoy life. We were thrilled to have the support from the Bristol Bears teams and welcomed them onto the farm to meet the animals.”

Jo Garbutt, Nadine Joyce and Sally Knight from Bristol Bears and Bristol Bears Women teams visited HorseWorld last week to give the rugby balls to the horses. “It’s a pleasure to support the great work that HorseWorld are doing and gain more of an insight by visiting to meet the rescued horses.”