IHWT launches appeal for auction items

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.

Since 1999 the IHWT has been involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of horses and ponies. It operates from its 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 are art, jewellery, sporting memorabilia, hampers and vouchers for tack shops, riding lessons, feed, hotels and restaurants. Raceday tickets and annual racecourse memberships are also seen as ideal auction items, as are stable tours with trainers.

Donors will be listed on the online auction site unless they wish to remain anonymous.

Recently the IHWT took in a two-year-old cob that was injured and left abandoned on a mountain, and a young thoroughbred colt was surrendered by an owner who could no longer look after him.

The IHWT currently cares for 63 equines on-site and has another 19 in short-term foster, while hundreds more have been 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 ihwt.ie

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