Love horses? Well you simply cannot miss this exciting day out. Mervyn Hancock visits the 500 charming residents at HorseWorld in Bristol

IT isn't just cats and dogs that are being aband- oned because of the credit crunch. Many horses and donkeys are also being cast out by owners who simply can't or won't care for them.

And that's why a visit to the Bristol-based equine welfare charity HorseWorld is not only a wonderful day out, but also helps the organisation to carry on its good work.

HorseWorld is responsible for the care of about 500 horses and donkeys, giving them a safe and happy home, free from pain or neglect.

The charity is keen to involve visitors of all ages, including families and schoolchildren, in the many activity days and creative workshops.

HorseWorld has two sites at Whitchurch – its welfare department and visitor centre. The visitor centre plays an important role, allowing the public to meet some of the recovered animals and learn more about animal welfare.

Sharon Crewe, visitor centre co-ordinator, said: "Every penny raised from the centre is used to help pay for the welfare department's work and the care of the animals. HorseWorld makes a great day out for families as well as anyone looking for some fresh air and possibly a change from being in the city.

"We have lots of activities and special days lined up.

"The Stable Door cafe is open to visitors and has no admission charge, so people who are passing can pop in for a cup of tea or some lunch. The gift shop is also admission-free and has lots of gift ideas for kids and animal lovers."

The attraction has recently revamped its play areas to include a large sandpit, and there is an all-weather play barn featuring huge indoor slides and a ball pool.

During the year staff organise many days out for families, including a teddy bears' picnic, activity days such as learning the skills needed to care for a pony and a performance of open-air theatre.

Children are able to touch and even groom the animals and can meet horses, ponies, donkeys, ducks, chickens, goats, sheep and pigs in a safe and friendly environment.

For children who would normally only get to see farm animals on television, it provides the chance for them to help feed and get close to some of them. And they can attend interactive feeding sessions accompanied by a groom.

Creative workshops include painting egg cups to take home (a small additional charge applies for the workshop sessions).

Unfortunately, as many of the animals have been badly treated in the past, they are not suitable for riding. But instead, there's Twinkle, a mechanical pony, which provides realistic, simulated horse rides.

The welfare department works to rehabilitate sick, neglected or traumatised horses, bringing them back to health and enabling them to trust humans again. HorseWorld was recognised earlier this year for its work with a prestigious Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals award.

Jerry Watkins, the charity's welfare manager, said: "We have a very good working relationship with the RSPCA and it is a privilege to be involved with such a well-respected animal welfare organisation.

"The HorseWorld team takes great pride in its work with mistreated and neglected animals, especially when we are able to improve that animal's quality of life and give it a second chance. To be given this award and public recognition of our work is the icing on the cake."

The HorseWorld visitor centre is open every day from 10am-5pm until October 31, then from 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Sunday, apart from during school holidays when it is open all week long. The centre is closed on December 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31 and January 1.

Admission costs £4.75 for children, £6.75 for adults or £5.75 for seniors and concessions. A family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £20.

For further details about HorseWorld and its work, call 01275 832425 or visit www.horseworld.org.uk