HAPPA, a charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming neglected and abused equines, recently won three awards at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026, recognizing not only their work but the community of volunteers, donors, and visitors who support them. Founded in 1937 and now based at Shores Hey Farm in Lancashire, HAPPA has evolved from a small sanctuary into a state-of-the-art rescue and educational center. Their mission is to give equines a second chance through care and education, blending welfare with agri-tourism to engage the public and raise awareness. The charity’s emotional and skilled team works tirelessly to heal animals like Bertie, a foal whose recovery symbolizes HAPPA’s transformative impact.

Visitors to Shores Hey Farm experience interactive learning and compassionate care firsthand, fostering empathy and understanding of equine welfare. HAPPA operates without government funding, relying on donations, sponsorships, and income from events and their shop. Their “Own a Pony” experience introduces young people to the responsibilities of horse care, serving as a gateway to deeper involvement. What sets HAPPA apart is their holistic approach—creating a living community where rescue work is openly shared, transforming both animals and people. Looking forward, HAPPA aims to expand education, enhance facilities, and deepen community ties, driven by a profound commitment to second chances and love for the animals they serve.