PHHWV Samson and his rider Jiyah strutting their stuff in the dressage. © Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria
‘Rescued Once – Saved for Life’. That’s the mantra of Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria.
Operating across Victoria for the past 47 years, Project Hope is dedicated to helping horses in need.
Samson was surrendered to Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria as a 12-month-old colt, found by members in a yard with a chestnut mare with no food or water.
The vet suggested euthanasia, but Project Hope wanted to give Samson one more week for a second chance. And their hard work and dedication to Samson paid off as he became stronger and stronger.
When Samson was two years old, he went to his foster carer, Jiyah, for long-term care.
And then at 3 years, he was 14.2hh and put under saddle with Mark Ashton in the Yarra Valley.
From then in he had a couple of weeks of riding and then was spelled to allow him to mature and grow. He has now reached the height of 16.2hh.
Since being under saddle, Samson and Jiyah have achieved much more than Jiyah ever dreamed.
Prior to having Samson, Jiyah had 2 bad horse-riding accidents and was a little apprehensive but Samson has showed her how to trust a horse again and she has regained her confidence.
They have competed and placed in all but 1 competition up to level 2/ EA95. Jiyah and Samson have done straight dressage days, show-jumping days and eventing.
PHHWV Samson and his rider Jiyah tackling the water jump. © Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria
They have also been out trail riding up into the high-country multiple times, taken beach rides, been over bridges, through tunnels and riding along roads to go out for breakfast or lunch. Samson will lead any horse through challenging situations, and the bond that Jiyah and Samson have developed make this all possible.
He has taken young children and beginners for rides along the trail without putting a foot wrong.
Jiyah says Samson is always up for a cuddle and has learnt the subtle art of raiding pockets for treats. She is adamant that Samson will be staying with her forever and Project Hope agree.
Samson is one of many successful cases that Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria has saved. Project Hope is a volunteer-led non-for-profit organization that is dedicated to helping horses in need.
PHHWV has been operating throughout Victoria for 47 years. Today, it continues to provide welfare education to horse owners, take in neglected or abused horses, and help financially to pay for feed or vet bills when owners have nowhere else to turn.
The volunteers who carry out PHHWV’s mission work tirelessly to ensure that every horse who crosses their path is given a second chance at life.
Whether it be volunteering for promotion at events, taking in horses for short- and long-term care, or other critical components of the daily running of the organisation, Project Hope would not be able to sustain their mission without its members providing the backbone of the PHHW.
You can see the fantastic work Project Hope does by visiting their Facebook page, @Projecthopevic, or you can contact them on their hotline: 1300 881 606
Source: Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria press release
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