THE Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) is planning a fundraising online auction of equestrian and racing-related items in December. The auction will go live on Sunday, December 1st and will run until midnight on Tuesday, December 10th.

The Charity is involved in rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of horses and ponies since 1999 and operates from it’s farm in Woodenbridge, Co Wicklow.

Sharon Power CEO said: “The increase in costs for equine care, such as hay and bedding, has placed an enormous strain on our already limited resources. This Online Auction is an important event in our fundraising calendar and our main winter fundraiser. We are asking individuals and businesses alike to support by donating items for the auction.”

Among the items sought by the charity include art, jewellery, memorabilia, hampers and vouchers. Vouchers would be most welcome for tack shops, riding lessons, hotels, restaurants and animal feed. Donors will be listed on the online auction site unless they wish to remain anonymous.

Most recent rescue cases taken into the charity’s centre include a young thoroughbred colt, surrendered by an owner that could no longer look after him. The IHWT currently cares for 63 equines on site and 19 in short-term foster homes, with many hundreds already re-homed all over Ireland.

Whilst the charity receives some annual grants from Government bodies, it is dependent upon fundraising and donations to keep up this vital work. More information about the charity and its work is available at www.ihwt.ie

Anyone who can donate an item for the auction can contact Sharon on 086 6047840 or by email to info@ihwt.ie