The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA), a Burnley-based equine rescue charity and visitor attraction, achieved a notable triple victory at the 2026 Lancashire Tourism Awards. It won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year for its unique blend of rescue work and public engagement, Experience of the Year for its innovative Own a Pony Day educational program, and the Unsung Hero Award for Andy Black, the dedicated manager of The HAPPA Café. These awards highlight HAPPA’s excellence in visitor experience, team commitment, and community impact.

HAPPA’s success underscores its vital role in combining animal welfare with tourism, offering visitors hands-on learning and scenic countryside access while supporting its rescue and rehabilitation efforts. CEO Sarah Arthur credited the achievement to the charity’s supporters, volunteers, and community, emphasizing that the awards reflect collective dedication. This recognition solidifies HAPPA’s status as a distinctive and impactful attraction in Lancashire, fostering education, engagement, and compassionate care for horses and ponies.