Horses are dealing with the wet weather at World Horse Welfare, near Somerton, which saw accommodation flooded, right

Somerset horse charity farm closed “until further notice” due to flooding

Paul JonesJanuary 29, 20250 Comment0

WORLD Horse Welfare’s Somerset base has closed “until further notice” due to flooding.

Volunteers and staff at the equine charity have been working to clear floodwater across the 200-acre Glenda Spooner Farm site, near Somerton, following heavy rain over the weekend.

A spokesperson said the rain affected not just the fields at the farm but a flash flood damaged the ground floors of two bungalows used as groom’s accommodation and the main Visitor’s Centre.

Around 90 horses are grazing in the fields, said farm manager, Claire Dickie.

“Despite everything, our grooms have really pulled together to make sure all the horses are cared for, and their needs met. They have really embraced the joy of life with it all and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone,” she added.

“The flash flood on Sunday really took us by surprise and has wiped out the Visitor Centre for the foreseeable future. Once we have an idea of how long the clean-up will take, we will hopefully be in a better position to let people know how long we will be closed for, but right now it’s too early to say.

Socks, Teddy, Jerry and Max weathering the storm at Glenda Spooner Farm, near Somerton. Picture: World Horse Welfare

“We have received so many messages of support and offers of help, and I can’t thank everyone enough – it has been such a morale boost to know so many people care about us and want to make sure we are all okay.

“As for the horses they are all doing well and I think it’s just been like any other wet, winter’s day for them. Many are out in the fields and don’t even use their shelters – being perfectly happy to weather the storm and get on with it as they always do.”

All affected members of staff have been provided with temporary accommodation while the clean-up gets underway, the charity said.

Meanwhile, Glenda Spooner Farm will be closed to the public until further notice.

For more on the World Horse Welfare charity, visit www.worldhorsewelfare.org.