Hunts step in to offer temporary home for Vauxhall City Farm horses

The hunting community has come to the assistance of a London-based charity by providing transport and grazing for some of their horses and ponies used for Riding for the Disabled following an appeal made during the coronavirus outbreak

After learning that Vauxhall City Farm had to move their animals out of London and pay for them to be in livery during the crisis, the Countryside Alliance offered to used their communications channels to see if there was a way of assisting them during these times of uncertainty.

"Hunt supporters and members of hunt staff have been incredibly generous," explained Polly Portwin, Head of Hunting at the Countryside Alliance. "By reaching out through our networks, we have managed to secure free grazing for five of their horses and ponies at the home of a supporter of the Hursley Hambledon Hunt."

"We are aware that all of us are going to be affected in one way or another by Corvid-19, so we are particularly grateful to all of those people who kindly responded after we reached out. One of the many strengths of the hunting community is that it pulls together to support those who need it the most during times of crisis."

She added: "Thank you to the Hunting Notice Board for passing on details about the plight of the Vauxhall City Farm which has enabled us to mobilise the hunting community and help out in this way."

As well as finding grazing for some of their horses, the charity's two Shetland ponies have since been transported back to the farm in Vauxhall today by Bill Bishop, huntsman of the Crawley and Horsham Hunt where they are being looked after by the charity's staff. When the time comes, the Alliance has also made arrangements for the other horses and ponies to be transported to Vauxhall.

"I would like to thank the Countryside Alliance and the hunting community for their generosity in helping us to transport the horses to their new residence for the foreseeable future," exclaimed Monica Tyler, Chief Executive of Vauxhall City Farm. "This type of support means a lot to us and we are very grateful that you were able to help us in this way."

"The impact of Covid 19 outbreak has had a devastating effect on Vauxhall City Farm. This past year we have reached out to over 300,000 people in the community, through our riding lessons for the disabled, mobile farms, visitors to the farm, education and training workshops. We are a real favourite place to visit for children and families in our locality.

"Virtually overnight we saw our 80% of our income and visitor streams grind to a halt. We have launched an emergency appeal, so that we can be here for the community as an oasis, of calm and support for those we serve when this crisis is over."

The urban farm welcomes people from all communities – including children and disadvantaged people - and enables them to experience nature to enhance their health, well-being and life chances while using the setting to provide a wide range of educational, recreational and therapeutic support programmes and activities.

The Countryside Alliance has since offered similar support to the Riding For The Disabled and other charities that may be enduring similar difficulties throughout these unprecedented times.