Equine charity, The British Horse Society (BHS) and Bransby Horses have joined forces to extend a nationwide rehoming initiative aimed at providing neglected, mistreated, and rescued horses with a much-needed second chance at life.
Since the launch of this collaboration in November 2024, 18 horses have already been successfully rehomed, with a further six currently awaiting transfer to BHS Approved Centres across the UK. This partnership is set to further strengthen the impact of the BHS’s Second Chance rehoming project, which has already helped to rehome more than 130 horses through a collaboration with the RSPCA.
The Second Chance Scheme is a long-standing initiative committed to offering rescued horses and ponies safe, fulfilling futures. Through this new partnership, horses rescued by Bransby Horses receive expert rehabilitation at the charity’s specialist centre in Lincolnshire. Once they are ready, the BHS facilitates their rehoming to carefully selected BHS Approved Centres.
There has never been more of a need for this project. Post the Covid-19 pandemic, the long-standing ‘equine crisis’ of over-breeding, neglect and abandonment of horses continues, as owners struggle with the costs involved. This has only been made worse by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The project provides an invaluable opportunity for horses to be rehabilitated by equine professionals at Approved Centres, who have the experience and expertise to take on these horses and transform their lives in a safe, secure environment. It is a vital lifetime for both horses and owners in need, as well as riding schools across the UK, providing support for those centres who struggle to source affordable, suitable horses and ponies.
A shining example of Second Chance’s impact is Rex, a five-year-old cob who was rescued by Bransby Horses after being found lost and severely neglected in a stranger’s garden. Thanks to expert rehabilitation and patient care, Rex made a remarkable recovery and has since been successfully rehomed through the scheme to Peers Clough Packhorses in Lancashire. Today, he is thriving as a much-loved riding school horse, helping young equestrians build their confidence.
Chris Thomas, Proprietor at Peers Clough Packhorses, said: “After a “getting to know you” meeting with our new BHS Business Support Manager, where we expressed an interest in rehoming, it was only 10 days before we were contacted regarding Rex. Another ten days and he was here!
Rex settled down immediately and has proved to be an instant hit with our wide age range clientele and has comfortably taken to our Saturday groups of children.
The collaboration between Bransby Horses and the British Horse Society has proved very successful for us as an Approved Centre, for Rex, who is happily settled, and for our clients who think he’s so cute.”
Sarah Dale, Head of Business Support at The British Horse Society, said: “Rex’s story perfectly captures why the Second Chance project is so important. Horses and ponies like Rex deserve a future where they are safe, loved, and valued—and that’s exactly what this partnership makes possible. We are incredibly proud to be working alongside Bransby Horses and the RSPCA to give these wonderful animals the second chance they truly deserve.”
Natasha Brocklehurst, Rehoming Manager at Bransby Horses: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the BHS Second Chance Rehoming Scheme, helping to create safe, knowledgeable, and loving homes for our equines. We couldn’t be prouder of Rex and everything he has achieved in such a short time. We’re so thankful to Peers Clough Packhorses for giving Rex a truly wonderful home where he can continue to thrive and bring joy and confidence to young riders. Well done, Rex — we’re all so proud of you!”
Together, the BHS, Bransby Horses, and the RSPCA are striving to make a measurable difference, and prove that every horse, no matter their past, truly deserves a second chance.
To learn more about the BHS Second Chance rehoming project, please visit: Second Chance rehoming horses project | The British Horse Society
You can find further details about Bransby Horses here: Bransby Horses – Equine Welfare Charity
