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Island Horse & Pony Aid
Island Horse & Pony Aid (IHPA) – Protecting Equine Welfare Across the Isle of Man
Island Horse & Pony Aid (IHPA) – Protecting Equine Welfare Across the Isle of Man
Island Horse & Pony Aid (IHPA) is a Manx registered charity dedicated to protecting and improving the welfare of horses, ponies, and donkeys across the Isle of Man.
The charity was originally established in 1991 as Island Pony Rescue, created to respond to the growing need for support for abandoned and neglected ponies on the Island. As the charity’s work expanded to help a wider range of equines and welfare situations, it evolved into Island Horse & Pony Aid, reflecting a broader commitment to equine welfare across the Isle of Man.
Today, IHPA continues that original mission - to help equines in need, support responsible ownership, and ensure animals receive the care and protection they deserve.
Island Horse & Pony Aid works alongside other animal welfare organisations across the Isle of Man when equine welfare concerns arise.
The ManxSPCA, based at Ard Jerkyll in Foxdale, takes in on average around 1,600 animals each year, a number that sadly continues to rise. Their dedicated staff and volunteers care for lost, abandoned and injured animals, helping restore their health and confidence before finding suitable homes wherever possible.
Their work covers a wide range of animals and facilities, including kennels, a cattery, a small animals unit and an aviary, making the centre well worth visiting for anyone interested in animal welfare on the Island.
IHPA may work alongside organisations such as the ManxSPCA, as well as veterinary professionals and other welfare bodies, to ensure that equines in need receive appropriate care and support when required.
Island Horse & Pony Aid provides support in a range of situations where the welfare of an equine may be at risk. This may include cases where horses, ponies, or donkeys have been abandoned after owners have moved away or left the Island, situations involving neglect or abuse where we may work alongside the Police and other welfare organisations, or circumstances where an owner is no longer able to provide care due to illness, injury, or significant changes in personal circumstances.
In these cases, our priority is always the wellbeing of the animal. We work to ensure that each equine receives the professional care and attention it requires, which may include veterinary treatment, remedial farriery and dental care, as well as appropriate nutritional support or specialist dietary management for conditions such as laminitis.
Helping bring attention to equine welfare across the Island by sharing knowledge, encouraging responsible ownership, and highlighting the work of the charity.
Providing practical advice and support to equine owners and the public to help maintain high welfare standards across the Isle of Man.
A confidential way to report concerns about neglected, abandoned, or vulnerable equines so welfare issues can be investigated quickly and responsibly.
Part of our mission is to raise awareness of equine welfare across the Isle of Man. Through our website, social media, and engagement with the community, we aim to highlight the challenges faced by neglected animals and the work required to support them.
Island Horse & Pony Aid works alongside experienced professionals including local veterinary surgeons, farriers, and organisations such as the British Horse Society. Members of our committee can also provide guidance to members of the public on equine welfare where possible.
Members of the public can report concerns about equines that may be neglected, abused, or abandoned. Welfare officers respond to reports as quickly as possible and investigate concerns appropriately. These are always treated as confidential at all times.
Where equines are taken into our care, the aim is to rehabilitate them so they can eventually be placed into approved foster homes. Each foster home is carefully assessed to ensure the person and premises are suitable.
Island Horse & Pony Aid works closely with organisations such as the ManxSPCA and may assist with welfare checks for equines owned by UK-based charities that have been placed in care on the Isle of Man.
Fundraising and public support allow the charity to continue providing care, rehabilitation, and long-term support for equines with ongoing medical or specialist needs. Every horse, pony, and donkey deserves a life free from neglect, and IHAPA remains committed to safeguarding equine welfare across the Isle of Man.