Daughter and I had taken the two boys to Lincoln to spend my M&S vouchers. They had been very good but we knew they needed to run off energy. It was a glorious day so we decided to call in at Bransby Home of Rest for Horses on the way home. It is less than ten miles from Lincoln between the A57 and A1500.
Bransby looks after retired, maltreated or neglected horses and has about 350 horses, ponies and donkeys in its care.
It must be about 25 years since I last visited and I was amazed by how much the charity has grown and all the improvements they have made.
There is a large modern Visitor Centre with small shop and tea room. We were given a warm welcome by the receptionist and I handed over a large packet of used stamps I’d been collecting for them. (They also accept old jewellery and coins.) We were given a plan of the site and an information leaflet. This included a feedback form and an envelope for donations.
Behind reception are a series of brick buildings and yards which house animals needing more intensive care. There are information boards with pictures of the animals with their names and a brief history. There is a large education room with a lot of information about horses and particularly how they communicate and react with each other.
Well made gravel paths take you round the paddocks where most of the horses are kept. Horses are always pleased to see visitors but you are asked NOT to feed them, as many are on special diets.
There is a fenced off children’s play area with a wooden wibbly wobbly bridge, logs to walk along or climb over and a chain bridge. This is really designed for the over fives and our two were a bit young to be able to play on most of the equipment without help. There are no swings or a slide. Near this is a picnic area.
There is a small and pleasant tea room with more seating outside in the courtyard. It serves soup, jacket potatoes, sandwiches etc as well as cakes. Two cakes, a millionaire’s shortbread, two cans of coke and a glass of milk cost us £7.70 which we felt was very reasonable. Another time, we’ll plan to have lunch here.
The shop sells Christmas and greetings cards as well as a small selection of gifts and children’s toys. Again prices are very competitive and all proceeds go towards supporting rescue work with the horses.
Staff are very friendly and there is an electric wheelchair available.
The boys enjoyed themselves. They weren’t too bothered about the horses but were able to run off energy in freedom.
There is a list of horses for adoption and Bransby is popular with all ages and worth visiting if you like horses. Entry is free so donations are appreciated.
“Visit website”:https://bransbyhorses.co.uk/visit-us/
