There are over 750,000 horses registered in Romania and most likely many more throughout the country. Horses became the backbone of Romanian agriculture for rural communities when communism collapsed and despite the increase in the number of cars in Romania, the cart pulled by the horses remains the most widely used means of transport in the countryside.

Poverty and lack of education of the owners often results in many leading a short and difficult life. When they cannot be exploited anymore, horses are often slaughtered, either locally or being transported long distances to other countries to enter the food chain.

Working with Save the Dogs (and other animals) we aim to collectively address the welfare issues facing equines and assist rural communities to improve the lives of Romania's horses, with an initial focus on the community of Cernavoda and the surrounding villages. Through their 'Footprints of Joy' facility, three stables have been built which have provided sanctuary to horses in need, including Gregor, who was found in a ditch at just a few weeks old and would have been left to die without the support this project provides.

With your help we can make a difference to their lives.

For £5 you could provide hay for a horse who doesn't receive enough food due to their owners poverty.

For £15 you could help a horse to receive treatment against parasites.

For £20 you could fund for vital veterinary support to be provided within the mobile programme (estimated at £40 a day).

This project has been established in memory of a very special horse called Cherry who came into the care of one of our Ambassadors, Annie Connolly, after having been a race horse. When her owners felt she was no longer of use for racing, she was considered a financial burden and a liability, which is sadly the case for many in these situations. Cherry was sold to someone within the meat trade but her luck changed when an animal lover, who saw her at the sales, stressed and underweight, offered the new buyer a little more than he had bought her for to change her fate. She then met Annie who fell in love with her and through working together they developed an incredible bond, both learning from and supporting each other.

In Cherry's memory we aim to provide a lifeline to many horses to enable them to receive the help they need.

Thank you for your support!