Today (Tuesday 18 April 2023), ten horses are being ridden by familiar faces from the world of horses and entertainment through the heart of the city to Parliament in a bid to press for the passage of the Kept Animals Bill.
The ride, organised by equine welfare charity World Horse Welfare will see the horses and their riders leave South Carriage Drive, Knightsbridge, at 12.15pm and ride through central London in procession, flanked by mounted police.
Riders include popular equestrian influencer This Esme and equestrian legend Jane Holderness-Roddam.
On arriving at Parliament Square at 1pm, there will be a photocall with The Right Honourable Caroline Nokes, MP, who supports the Bill.
There will be a 30-minute opportunity for photos and/or interviews before the horses and riders begin their return ride, arriving back by 2pm.
Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare and one of the riders said: “This is going to be such an amazing sight and sound, but there is a serious reason behind it.
“The issue of live export to slaughter is a founding issue for World Horse Welfare and, almost 100 years later the Kept Animals Bill will ban live exports of animals for slaughter and fattening.
“The Bill was first introduced to the UK Parliament in June 2021 but, despite cross-party support, it has stalled and will drop from the agenda unless it is passed before the end of the year.
“As the country gears up for another general election, time is running out to get this Bill over the line and ensure live exports of animals to slaughter are banned.”
The planned route being followed is from Hyde Park (along South Carriage Drive), crossing through to Wellington Arch and exiting to Constitution Hill, along The Mall and along Horse Guards Parade, before turning towards Parliament Square.
Carol Andrews, owner of Wimbledon Village Stables is kindly supplying the horses for the ride as well as leading the procession.
More information on the Kept Animals Bill is available online.
It’s not just horses, dogs and cats and other companion animals would also benefit if this Bill is passed into law.
