HAPPA in Burnley celebrates animal heroes at its first Hoof & Hearts Awards

A Burnley charity has found a new way to say thank you to the animals and people who make rescue work possible. The Horses and Ponies Protection Association, known as HAPPA, held its first Hoof & Hearts Awards at a charity gala in September, and the evening was a sell-out.

Supporters, sponsors and animal champions gathered at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel on Saturday 26 September. Guests enjoyed dinner, live entertainment, music and dancing, while a raffle and auction helped raise more than £10,000 for the charity's rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work.

When HAPPA launched the awards in the spring, it described them as the first event of their kind in the North West. Nominations were open to charities, non-profits, businesses and individuals, with the aim of recognising people who improve animal welfare quietly and often without recognition.

Seven categories covered rescued animals, rescue centres, welfare services, volunteers, rehomers, heroic horses and much-loved companions. Chief executive Sarah Arthur announced the winners on the night.

Daisy the Pony from Tracks Through Pastures was named Horsepower Hero. Blind but big-hearted, Daisy supports young people and prisoners through therapeutic equine learning. The Fur-Ever Friend award went to Duke of York the horse, Catherine Mawdsley's companion of 31 years, who has taught three generations.

Homeward Bound, a volunteer-led rescue that reunites, treats and rehomes cats and dogs, was named Rescue Centre of the Year. Paula Knowles of Pendle Dogs in Need became Rescue Rockstar after 13 years of rescue work, while Equine QR won the Tail Blazer award for products that give emergency responders vital horse and rider information. Rescue of the Year went to RSPCA George who, together with Theo, has won twenty-six national dressage titles and represented England.

"At HAPPA, we know that rescue is about far more than one moment of intervention; it is about patience, trust, rehabilitation and the belief that every animal deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to thrive," said Sarah.

It has been a good year for the charity. In February HAPPA won three Lancashire Tourism Awards: Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, Experience of the Year for its Own a Pony Day, and an Unsung Hero Award for Andy Black, manager of The HAPPA Café. Visitors can meet rescued horses and ponies, enjoy countryside walks and eat at the café, with every visit supporting the charity's welfare work.

Nominations for the Hoof & Hearts Awards 2027 opened on 1 October 2026, so the search is already on for the next group of animal heroes. HAPPA can be contacted on 01282 455992.