Sarah Arthur’s journey with The Horse and Pony Protection Association (HAPPA) began in 2004 as a young groom and has spanned two decades, culminating in her current role as CEO. Raised in Burnley with a lifelong passion for horses, Sarah’s leadership has been deeply influenced by the lessons of patience, empathy, and communication she learned from them. Under her guidance, HAPPA has transformed from a traditional sanctuary providing lifelong refuge to a sustainable rehoming organisation that maintains a lifelong commitment to every horse, ensuring they receive care whether rehomed or retained.

Facing rising cases of abandonment due to economic challenges, Sarah emphasizes the importance of responsible ownership and advocates for rehoming horses from rescue centres. Running HAPPA is costly, with weekly expenses exceeding £20,000, covering comprehensive care and legal needs. Despite these challenges, the charity thrives on community support, including legacy donations. Sarah’s empathetic leadership style fosters a culture of understanding and professionalism, focusing on quality of life for horses. Today, HAPPA stands as a community hub and education centre, embodying compassion and responsible equine welfare while evolving its mission without losing its core values.