Throwback to when the community came together to rescue 14 neglected horses in Harefield 🐴💛

Back in February 2024, a field along Breakspear Road in Ruislip became the centre of an extraordinary and deeply moving community rescue mission — one that showed just how powerful local action can be when compassion leads the way.

Following heartbreaking reports of neglect and poor welfare conditions, 14 horses and ponies were rescued thanks to the determined efforts of local residents, animal welfare organisations, and the London Borough of Hillingdon. The collaborative effort included the RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, Hillingdon Council, and a remarkable resident-led group known as Harefield Horses.

The need for action became tragically clear when a young foal, affectionately named Hope, died in early February 2024 due to malnutrition. Her loss sent ripples of sorrow through the community, with hundreds paying tribute online. But what followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

On Wednesday, 21st February 2024, residents and professionals came together in a coordinated rescue operation to save the remaining animals. Over several hours, specialist teams in protective clothing worked tirelessly to assess, treat, and safely load the horses into horseboxes lining Breakspear Road.

There were challenges: fragile health conditions, nervous animals, and the logistical puzzle of moving so many horses — but the operation was completed without harm to any of the horses or those helping them.

A spokesperson for Harefield Horses later said:

“The 21st of February oversaw the rescue of 14 horses and ponies from the Breakspear Road fields in Harefield. It was a tiring and long day in which many of our volunteers aided the incredible teams from WHW, RSPCA, and RVC.”

All 14 animals — now affectionately referred to as "The Harefield Horses" — are undergoing assessments, veterinary treatment, and rehabilitation under the care of World Horse Welfare, with the hope of future rehoming. Both World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA used the moment to call for stricter regulations and better oversight of horse ownership to prevent cases like this from happening again.

Since the rescue, the community has continued to rally around the horses, exploring fundraisers and volunteer initiatives to support their ongoing care.

Were you involved, or do you remember the day the horses were rescued?We’d love to share your photos or memories in a future Throwback Thursday.Send your images or stories to admin@hillingdonvision.org and help us honour the people (and animals) behind this incredible rescue

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