The Home is one of the Island’s major tourist attractions and is open to visitors throughout the summer months for 4 days a week – 10am until 4pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Visitors can meet and feed the horses, with pony nuts being available for sale from the on-site Gift Shop. They can also sit and enjoy the beautiful view of the Home’s 93 acre site set in the scenic Manx countryside.
The origins of the Home go back over 70 years to 1950 when two sisters, Mrs Mildred Royston & Miss May Kermode both animal lovers became increasingly concerned with the fate of old working horses who had reached the end of their working lives and whose owners could no longer afford to keep them. Such horses of the time were shipped off the Island to a fate unknown – something the sisters resolved to do something about.
They heard about a retired farrier and his wife Mr & Mrs Leece from Brooklands at Abbeylands, who had 3 paddocks and 2 loose boxes for rent. At a very reasonable rent of ten shillings a week (50p) they enlisted the help of some like minded friends, one of whom was Mrs Violet Leece who had a good knowledge of horses and one was Miss Marjorie Joughin, both well known in the community.
The ladies decided to hold a Christmas Fair to raise some money to help the poor old horses. This was held at Windsor Hotel on the Loch Promenade, Douglas. Mrs Royston also visited all the hotels and public houses, and knocked on doors to try to raise some money to help save some of the horses. Times were hard for everyone, “even a farthing would do” she would say.
The ladies efforts paid off and farthings, half pennies and pennies slowly came in until enough money was raised to rescue one horse.
A little pony called Trixie, was the first to be saved, and soon followed by Bess and Sheila.
Prince, a riding horse who had been sold to a hawker, had collapsed on the road. The unscrupulous hawker asked for £14.00 for this poor creature – Mrs Royston paid him and took Prince into her care. And so these were the first of a what was to become a long line of horses, ponies and donkeys that that Mrs Royston and her band of helpers saved.
Whilst knocking on the doors to raise money, Mrs Royston met a lady who was particularly interested to learn of what the ladies were trying to do. Some time later, Mrs Royston could not believe their luck when she heard that the lady had left them a legacy of £6000 to establish a retirement home for the horses.
So the search began to find suitable premises. After quite a search, Bulrhenny on Richmond Hill, just outside Douglas was purchased in 1955. Although the Farm was quite run down, with old bedsteads being used for gates and barbed wire embedded in the grass and hedges, all of which had to be removed, this was now their own Farm and would open the way to save more horses.
The gates to Bulrhenny were often open and visitors would look in and Mrs Royston was more than happy to show them around and explain what they were trying to do. Word soon got around and more and more visitors called in at Bulrhenny.
The ladies started offering cups of tea and a scone to the visitors for a small charge and from these small beginnings the Home has grown into visitor attraction that it is today.
Since its inception, the Home has had a long standing relationship with the Douglas Horse Tramways. The Tramway dates back well over 100 years, having been established in 1876 to provide transport to the public along the length of Douglas promenade. At peak operational times it would have around 45 horses. The Home of Rest has always given priority to provide a home for the heavy horses who have pulled the Trams once they have reached retirement, and so the sight of the beautiful Shires, the gentle giants of the horse world has become synonymous with the Home.
Barbara took up her position as the Operations & Equine Manager in Oct 2022, taking over from Mrs Jill Moore who retired after 29 years. Barbara has many years experience of working with Horses and in the hospitality sector. Her primary roles are the welfare and care of the animals and the operation of the Home’s Café & Gift Shop and the events that are run as a visitor centre.
Jess joined the Horses Home in the summer of 2022, and has a wealth of experience coming from a horsey and farming background. She has quickly become an invaluable member of the team and you will often see her out and about on the yard on our open days caring for the horses and donkeys, and answering any questions our visitors may have. Her primary role is the welfare and care of the animals, in conjunction with Ms Cucchi and yard and maintenance work, alongside Mr Mitchell.
Juan recently took up the position as the new Estate Manager, and having previously worked in a well-established equestrian establishment, he brings both expertise in land management and horse care to the Home of Rest Team. His primary role is the maintenance of the 93 acre site, grass, field & land management and upkeep of the stables, barns and buildings.
Stanley is a very enthusiastic member of the Team and is extremely popular with our many visitors to the Home.
Chloe first joined the Horses Home Team as a valued volunteer. Her experience of working with the horses progressed quickly and she now fills our part-time position at weekends. If you see her about, she is more than happy to help with any questions or queries you may have. Her main duties are care of the animals and yard work.
Karen has been a regular staff member at the Horses Home for a number of years, primarily running the Gift Shop, but also working on the yards and caring for the horses on days when the Home is not open to the public. Karen has a great deal of knowledge about the heavy horses having worked with the Tramway animals for many years.
